Search
-
or select -
The 2026 Acura MDX makes 290 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V-6 through a 10-speed automatic. The 2026 Audi Q7 makes 261 horsepower from a 2.0-liter four through an 8-speed. The MDX also adds double-wishbone front suspension, one-touch third-row access, standard Road Departure Mitigation and knee airbags, and a 6-year powertrain warranty.
These two land on the same shortlist constantly — three-row luxury SUVs of similar size aimed at similar buyers. The difference shows up in what is under the hood and what is included in the price.
The Q7 is beautifully built and has one of the better interiors in the class. But its base engine is a four-cylinder, its front suspension is a multi-link setup rather than a double-wishbone, and several items standard on the MDX are either optional or simply absent on the Audi.
| Specification | 2026 Acura MDX | 2026 Audi Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 | 2.0-liter inline four |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 261 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Front suspension | Double-wishbone | Multi-link |
| Walk Away Auto Lock | Standard | Not available |
| Road Departure Mitigation | Standard | Not available |
| Knee airbags | Standard | Not available |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Figures reflect base trims as published by each manufacturer. Confirm equipment on the window sticker of the specific vehicle.
A 3.5-liter V-6 against a 2.0-liter turbo four is a character difference, not just a spec-sheet number. The MDX pulls without waiting for a turbo to spool, and it does it with 29 more horsepower. Two extra transmission ratios keep it in the useful part of the power band more of the time.
On a loaded merge onto Highway 99 with the third row occupied, that is precisely where you feel it.
| Specification | MDX | Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 | 2.0-liter inline four |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 261 hp |
| Transmission | 10-speed | 8-speed |
The MDX uses a double-wishbone front suspension; the Q7 uses a multi-link arrangement. A double-wishbone geometry keeps the tire more consistently perpendicular to the road through suspension travel, which is why it appears on vehicles where steering precision is a priority.
It is subtle on smooth pavement and obvious on broken pavement. Sacramento County supplies plenty of the latter.
| Specification | MDX | Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | Double-wishbone | Multi-link |
The MDX gives you one-touch third-row access — two illuminated buttons, one to board and one to exit, that slide the second row out of the way in a single press. The Q7 does not offer a one-touch mechanism.
The MDX second-row middle seat also folds into an armrest and lifts out entirely, converting the row to captain’s chairs. The Q7 does not offer a removable second-row middle seat. If your passenger count changes week to week, that is the feature that will actually matter.
| Specification | MDX | Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| One-touch third-row access | Standard, two illuminated buttons | Not offered |
| Second-row middle seat | Folds to armrest, removable | Not configurable |
Road Departure Mitigation is standard on the MDX and not offered on the Q7. Knee airbags are standard on the MDX and not offered on the Q7. Walk Away Auto Lock is standard on the MDX and not offered on the Q7.
The MDX rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and a top-down view is standard; on the Q7 the top-down view is reserved for higher trims. Driver-assistance features on both vehicles are aids only.
| Specification | MDX | Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Road Departure Mitigation | Standard | Not available |
| Knee airbags | Standard | Not available |
| Top-down camera view | Standard | Higher trims only |
Acura covers the MDX powertrain for 6 years or 70,000 miles against 4 years or 50,000 miles on the Q7 — two additional years and 20,000 additional miles on the components that cost the most to replace.
| Specification | MDX | Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain limited warranty | 6 years / 70,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
The Q7 interior is genuinely excellent. Audi materials, switchgear and cabin design have been a strength for years, and if you spend two hours a day in the driver’s seat that is not a trivial consideration.
Audi offers a more powerful six-cylinder Q7 above the base four, and quattro all-wheel drive is standard across the range rather than optional. If you want the higher output, compare the Q7 55 against the MDX Type S rather than the standard MDX.
Ride refinement with the Q7’s available air suspension is a high-water mark in this segment. If isolation matters more to you than steering precision, drive one so equipped before deciding.
The MDX is the better buy if you want more power without a turbo, a more sophisticated front suspension, a third row your kids can get into by themselves, and a warranty that runs two years longer.
The Q7 is the better buy if cabin materials and ride isolation top your list and you are prepared to move up to its six-cylinder to match the MDX on output.
If you want the Audi’s power without the Audi’s price, look at the MDX Type S against the Q7 55 instead.
Yes, in base form. The 2026 MDX makes 290 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V-6. The 2026 Q7 makes 261 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four. Audi offers a more powerful six-cylinder Q7 55 higher in the range.
No. The Q7 does not offer a one-touch third-row mechanism. The Acura MDX has two illuminated buttons, one for boarding and one for exiting, that slide the second row out of the way in a single press.
Acura covers the MDX powertrain for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Audi covers the Q7 powertrain for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
No. Road Departure Mitigation is standard on every Acura MDX as part of AcuraWatch and is not offered on the Q7. Knee airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock are also standard on the MDX and unavailable on the Q7.
A double-wishbone layout, used on the MDX, keeps the tire more consistently upright through suspension travel, which helps steering precision and grip. The Q7 uses a multi-link arrangement. Both are independent designs; the double-wishbone is the more performance-oriented of the two.
Elk Grove Acura at 8585 Laguna Grove Dr in Elk Grove stocks new MDX inventory and serves Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Davis and West Sacramento. Call 833-857-1325.
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.