Acura MDX vs Audi Q5

mdx is compared to q7 not q5
so it depends whether or not you need the space

mingyang wrote: ↑mdx is compared to q7 not q5
so it depends whether or not you need the space

We are 4 persons.

As stated, the MDX is a larger class vehicle than the Q5. Both will carry 4 people easily but the MDX will be able to load more stuff along with said 4 people so you should see both cars in person and determine if the extra space/size is something you need (tradeoff being a larger car to drive/park and typically worse fuel economy as a result of size).

As far as other factors go, we had an MDX at some point (I believe mid-2000s) and compared to a Q7 and the Q7 felt "more premium" overall. I can't comment on driving dynamics as I wasn't the one test driving them though. Reliability-wise we picked the MDX but it wasn't as cheap to maintain as we thought. Granted, we went to dealership the first few years but it still came to a 1000$+ every time the car went in for service and 2 years ago the transmission failed so we decided not to keep it. I assume the Audi would have been worse but the MDX wasn't a walk in the park reliability wise as we thought.

uber_shnitz wrote: ↑As stated, the MDX is a larger class vehicle than the Q5. Both will carry 4 people easily but the MDX will be able to load more stuff along with said 4 people so you should see both cars in person and determine if the extra space/size is something you need (tradeoff being a larger car to drive/park and typically worse fuel economy as a result of size).

As far as other factors go, we had an MDX at some point (I believe mid-2000s) and compared to a Q7 and the Q7 felt "more premium" overall. I can't comment on driving dynamics as I wasn't the one test driving them though. Reliability-wise we picked the MDX but it wasn't as cheap to maintain as we thought. Granted, we went to dealership the first few years but it still came to a 1000$+ every time the car went in for service and 2 years ago the transmission failed so we decided not to keep it. I assume the Audi would have been worse but the MDX wasn't a walk in the park reliability wise as we thought.

How much does an MDX transmission cost to replace?

2013 is the best model year, IMHO.
It was the last of the 3.7L.

Provided you don't purchase the Touring/Elite model with the active suspension ($1500 each for replacement); I say go for it.

I will check the Q5 , to have my idea , i am very tempted by the MDX, but the Q5 is cheaper.

Make sure there isn't any issues with the oil pump as those have been known to fail and can be costly to fix. Other than that there's nothing that stands out with regards to the engine that i've specifically had any issues with on my old A4 (same engine). The transmission is top notch on the Q5 FWIW.

As others have mentioned the Q5 competes with the RDX not the MDX. MDX is larger, and trust me you can feel it. The Q5 is more nimble and will drive more like a sedan than a SUV.

I would also look at that era RDX as well (2013+)

both suvs are from diffrent classes, mdx is bigger suv, and q5 is smaller. Q5 competes with Acura RDX. I recommend Acura RDX it is far cheaper than both of these, and comes loade with more features.

DJ_Peanuts22 wrote: ↑How much does an MDX transmission cost to replace?

The quote we got was about 7000$ for a rebuilt one. I was away at the time so I couldn't really offer my opinion but my mom and her bf decided they didn't want to keep it.

mau108 wrote: ↑ I would also look at that era RDX as well (2013+)

+1. This should be RDX versus q5.

I would go for RDX.

I would suggest determining if you need something as big as the mdx. If yes, q5 should be off the list. If no, mdx should be switched to rdx

2014+ mdx cost the same as a 16 q5, depends on you need the 3rd row and if you want cheap maintenance. There's key features missing on the Rdx, if you want the all around camera you can get the Benz Glc which has the camera and heated steering wheel.

Would not go with either, suggest RX350.

the MDX feels like an obese school bus. it's also very very thirsty.
the Q5 seems much easier to drive and lighter on it's toes if the 2.0t