If you are shopping for a midsize luxury SUV, you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of choices in this segment. Anytime a luxury or premium brand gets started in this arena, it’s rarely a matter of whether or not it’s an excellent vehicle that results. Rather, it comes down to how nice the vehicle is and if it checks the boxes for your “gotta haves” and your “nice to haves.” The 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Audi Q7 have plenty of features that cover both lists.
Both are 3-row crossover SUVs with room for at least seven people, and are motivated by robust engines with plenty of power. Each has a unique and appealing style. Additional differences crop up between these two premium SUVs, which we sort through below.
2026 Acura MDX
The Acura MDX got its last major update in 2022, with a minor refresh last year that added a new infotainment system and styling tweaks. This midsize SUV’s elegant, sculpted body lines make the MDX look smaller than it is. However, on the inside, the SUV is an impressive mix of soft-touch materials, top-notch technology, and plenty of space.
The base model (simply the MDX) is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It’s connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and features front-wheel drive (FWD), as does the Technology trim level. If you move up to the A-Spec, all-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard. Also, jump to the Type S Advance — and its $77,300 starting price (including a $1,450 destination fee) — and a 355-hp V6 with AWD awaits.
The comfort and convenience tech on the base model is impressive, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless smartphone charging, Wi-Fi, and Amazon Alexa capability. The infotainment system is new, with a 12.3-inch screen that uses Google built-in. Other tech and feature highlights include an available 16-way massaging driver’s seat, two optional Bang & Olufsen sound systems, and AcuraWatch 360, the brand’s semi-autonomous driver-assist system.
Pricing for the MDX starts at $53,250, including a $1,450 destination fee.
Acura MDX Highlights
Big tech: Not only does an excellent slate of interior tech come standard on every MDX, a massive selling point, but also additional standard features like a powered tailgate help separate it from the mainstream.
Safety First: Also standard is the AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety features and driver assists. The Type S Advance also adds an even more advanced laser-based AcuraWatch 360 suite. The MDX has earned the Top Safety Pick accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) based on the 2025 testing regimen, and a 5-Star (maximum) overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
AcuraLink: Free for three years, AcuraLink brings features such as maintenance scheduling, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and remote lock/unlock — to name just a few.
Read our Acura MDX Expert Review or see 2026 Acura MDX models for sale near you.
2026 Audi Q7
Anyone looking for a classy, understated design appreciates an Audi. But just because its looks aren’t bold and brash doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to drive. In fact, power delivery is satisfying with the base engine, downright quick with the turbo V6, and the SQ7 is an absolute blast. This is the 3-row, 7-seat family car that both the driver and passengers will enjoy. Following a significant update last year, the 2026 Q7 gets new styling and convenience packages.
The base “45” is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, putting out 261 horsepower. The “55” gets you a 3.0-liter V6 putting out 335 hp, and if you’re looking to be the envy of the school dropoff/pickup line, move up to the 500-hp V8-powered SQ7, although it’s a 5-digit price jump to do so.
The interior is laden with convenience and safety tech supported by enough soft, genuine leather to make this a luxurious cabin for families. Pricing for the Q7 starts at $63,295, including a $1,295 destination fee.
Audi Q7 Highlights
Considerable power: The Q7 doesn’t start with immense power, just 261 hp, but it can be cranked up to 500 hp and a zero-to-60 time of just 4.3 seconds (i.e., a sleeper). It costs more than $95K, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Excellent audio system: There are many outstanding automotive audio systems, and the Bang & Olufsen that’s standard with the Premium Plus is among the best. It’s crystal clear, even at the top of the volume range.
More tech, please: In this vehicle class, you expect a lot of convenience technology, and in the Q7, you get it. Whether it is the wireless smartphone integration, Remote Parking Assist Plus, hands-free tailgate, or soft power-closing doors.
Read our Audi Q7 Expert Review or see 2026 Audi Q7 models for sale near you.
Pricing
New 2026 Acura MDX Prices
Retail Price | Fair Purchase Price (92620) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$53,250 | $49,600 | |||
$55,450 | $51,600 | |||
$58,650 | $54,500 | |||
$60,850 | $56,700 | |||
$63,850 | $60,200 | |||
$68,350 | $63,200 | |||
$70,350 | $65,700 | |||
$77,300 | $73,400 |
New 2026 Audi Q7 Prices
Retail Price | Fair Purchase Price (92620) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$63,295 | $56,800 | |||
$63,295 | $56,900 | |||
$68,895 | $62,500 | |||
$68,895 | $62,700 | |||
$68,895 | $63,700 | |||
$69,395 | $63,000 | |||
$69,395 | $63,000 | |||
$69,395 | $63,000 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Acura MDX vehicles and New 2026 Audi Q7 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Acura MDX | 2026 Audi Q7 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds | 4,400 pounds |
| Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 261 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | automatic, 10-speed w/sequential sportshift | automatic, 8-speed w/tiptronic |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 117.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 198.4 inches | 199.6 inches |
| Width | N/A | 87.1 inches |
| Height | 67.9 inches | 68.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.5 feet | 41.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.5 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.1 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.2 inches | 35.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.6 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.5 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.1 inches | 29.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.9 inches | 59.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.3 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.2 inches | 49.4 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 18.1 feet | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 48.4 feet | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 95.0 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Premium segment vehicles command big price tags. However, you get a lot with that high price. If you’re looking for practical luxury on a budget, the Acura is probably your choice, but if you’ve got more refined tastes and the budget to match, look at the Audi. Both are great vehicles.
