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The 2026 Acura MDX Type S makes 355 horsepower against the Audi Q7 55’s 335, runs a 10-speed against an 8-speed, and includes adaptive air suspension, 21-inch wheels, a surround-view camera and Road Departure Mitigation as standard — all of which are extra-cost or top-trim items on the Q7 55.
This is the fair fight at the top of the three-row luxury range: Acura’s turbocharged Type S against Audi’s six-cylinder Q7 55, rather than the base four-cylinder Q7 that gets compared to a standard MDX.
Even here, the pattern holds. The Acura brings more power and more standard equipment; the Audi brings the badge and an interior that is hard to argue with.
| Specification | 2026 Acura MDX Type S | 2026 Audi Q7 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 355 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 335 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Standard wheels | 21-inch | 19-inch |
| Adaptive air suspension | Standard | Prestige trim only |
| Premium audio | 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen | 17-speaker, top trims only |
| Max cargo volume | 95.0 cu ft | 69.6 cu ft |
| Surround-view camera | Standard | Additional cost |
| Wireless charging | Standard | Highest trims only |
| Road Departure Mitigation | Standard | Top trims only (Active Lane Assist) |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Figures as published by each manufacturer. Audi trim walk and package content change during the model year.
355 horsepower against 335, with two extra transmission ratios. The MDX Type S turbocharged V-6 also arrives on 21-inch wheels wearing P275/40 R21 tires; the Q7 55 rides on 19-inch wheels with P255/55 R19 rubber.
Adaptive Air Suspension with auto-leveling is standard on the Type S. On the Q7 55 the air suspension appears only on the considerably more expensive Prestige trim. That is arguably the single biggest equipment difference on this page, because air suspension changes how a vehicle rides more than any other single option.
| Specification | MDX Type S | Q7 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 335 hp |
| Transmission | 10-speed | 8-speed |
| Wheels and tires | 21-inch, P275/40 R21 | 19-inch, P255/55 R19 |
| Adaptive air suspension | Standard | Prestige trim only |
95.0 cubic feet against 69.6 is a very large gap — more than 25 cubic feet, which in practical terms is a second round of luggage.
The Type S has one-touch third-row access; the Q7 55 does not offer a one-touch mechanism. The Type S second-row middle seat also folds into an armrest and lifts out to make captain’s chairs, which the Q7 does not offer.
| Specification | MDX Type S | Q7 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Max cargo volume | 95.0 cu ft | 69.6 cu ft |
| One-touch third-row access | Standard | Not offered |
| Removable second-row middle seat | Standard | Not available |
The Bang & Olufsen system in the MDX Type S Advance runs 31 speakers with overhead Highline drivers for genuine three-dimensional sound. The Q7 55 tops out at a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen system, and only on expensive trims.
The surround-view camera is standard on the Type S and an extra cost on the Q7 55. Wireless charging is standard on the Type S and reserved for the highest Q7 trims. Road Departure Mitigation is standard on the Type S; Audi’s comparable Active Lane Assist appears only at the top of the range.
Acura also includes a complimentary 12-month maintenance program. Audi does not offer complimentary maintenance on the Q7.
| Specification | MDX Type S | Q7 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Premium audio | 31 speakers | 17 speakers, top trims only |
| Surround-view camera | Standard | Additional cost |
| Wireless charging | Standard | Highest trims only |
| Complimentary maintenance | 12-month program included | Not offered |
The Q7 interior remains a benchmark. Audi’s material selection, panel fit and switch feel are excellent and have been for two decades, and no spec table captures that.
Quattro all-wheel drive is standard on the Q7 55 and is a proven, unobtrusive system with a long track record in bad weather.
Audi’s brand position and dealer network in the Sacramento region is strong, and for some buyers the four rings are simply worth paying for. That is a legitimate preference, not a mistake.
On equipment, the MDX Type S is not close — it is more powerful, better equipped as standard, dramatically more practical for cargo, and carries a warranty two years longer.
The Q7 55 is the choice if the Audi interior and badge are what you actually want, and you are prepared to option a Prestige trim to get the air suspension the Acura includes.
If you want the Type S experience, drive one. The air suspension and the 31-speaker system are the two things that sell it, and neither reads properly on paper.
Yes. The MDX Type S makes 355 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The Q7 55 makes 335 horsepower at 5,700 rpm. The Acura also has a 10-speed automatic against the Audi’s 8-speed.
Not as standard. Adaptive air suspension on the Q7 55 is available only on the more expensive Prestige trim. Adaptive Air Suspension with auto-leveling is standard on the MDX Type S.
The Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio System in the MDX Type S Advance uses 31 speakers, including overhead Highline drivers for three-dimensional sound. The Q7 55 offers a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen system on top trims.
The MDX Type S offers 95.0 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the seats folded. The Q7 55 offers 69.6 cubic feet.
No. Acura includes a complimentary 12-month maintenance program on the MDX Type S. Audi does not offer complimentary maintenance on the Q7. Confirm current program terms with each dealer.
Elk Grove Acura at 8585 Laguna Grove Dr in Elk Grove. Call 833-857-1325 to check current Type S availability.
Elk Grove Acura, 8585 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Sales 833-857-1325. Sales hours Monday–Saturday 9 AM–8 PM, Sunday 10 AM–7 PM.
Specifications, features and pricing are as published by each manufacturer at the time of writing and are subject to change. Competitive figures are drawn from manufacturer-published product information. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, license, destination and handling, registration and documentary fees, and dealer-installed accessories. Dealers set actual selling prices. Feature availability varies by trim and may change during the model year — confirm equipment on the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering. Driver-assistance systems are aids only and do not replace safe driving; see the Owner’s Manual for limitations.