The 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Audi Q8 represent two compelling visions of modern luxury SUVs. Does the Q8’s sleek European styling justify its premium price tag? Or does the MDX’s robust performance, family-first design and innovative tech make it a smarter investment? That’s why we’re here to compare these two popular models to help you decide. Read on with our team at Sterne Acura as we break down every detail, from design, performance to their latest innovations.
Design
Exterior
The 2025 Acura MDX impresses with its aggressive fashion. It includes a redesigned diamond pattern grille, Jewel Eye LED headlights with dynamic animations and sharp body lines that emphasize muscular proportions.
The 2025 Audi Q8 adds a sense of contemporary elegance. Its clean and minimalist curves with Audi’s singleframe grille, matrix LED headlights and a coupe-like roofline designed for a modern exterior aesthetic.
Interior
The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-SPEC technology lets every occupant enjoy thoughtful details in each row, with seven standard seats. Starting with 16-way power-adjustable heated & ventilated front seats, which feature a massage function. The second row adds heated outboard seats and a removable middle seat, which allows flexible configurations for passengers. Lastly, the One-Touch Smart Slide Walk-In Access ensures passengers effortless entry to the third row. Premium materials like Milano leather with Ultrasuede inserts and an A-SPEC flat-bottom steering wheel make any driver feel empowered, while improved insulation technology creates a serene cabin free from road noise.
The 2025 Audi Q8, meanwhile, is strictly a two-row coupe SUV designed for style over family utility. While its available individual contour seats in Valcona or Cricket leather offer first-row luxury with massage functions and memory settings, the Q8’s available heated second-row seats are not standard, and the sloping roofline sacrifices headroom for its sleek profile.
Performance
Powertrain Specs
The 2025 Acura MDX comes standard with a 3.5L Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC V6 engine, which generates 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. If you opt for Type S Ultra trim, you will unlock a 355 horsepower 3.0L turbo V6 engine with 354 lb-ft of torque.
The 2025 Audi Q8 features a turbocharged V6 engine with a 48V mild-bybrid electric system, which delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Overall, the Type S Ultra’s 355 hp outmuscles the Q8, and Q8’s single engine option can’t match the MDX’s range of power personalities.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 Acura MDX’s naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and aerodynamic shaping, deliver smooth power without excessive fuel consumption. It achieves fuel economy scores of 12.6L/100 km in the city and 9.4L/100 km on the highway.
Even though the 2025 Audi Q8 comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system, it still falls behind the MDX with higher consumption at 13.6 L/100 km in the city and 10.4 L/100 km on the highway.
Technology
Both the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Audi Q8 come equipped with the latest innovations. For example, each of them features a 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen, which keeps you seamlessly connected to premium tech like wireless Apple Car play or Android Auto.
Other technology features on the Acura MDX include:
- Google Build-In and Google Assistant
- 31-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System
- AcuraLink App
- AcuraWatch Safety & Driver-Assistive Techs
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 3-Inch Cockpit
- Head-Up Display
- Wireless Phone Charger
Other technology features on the Audi Q8 include:
- Tri-Screen with MMI Touch Response
- Bang & Olufsen Sound System
- Audi Connect App
- Head-Up Display
- Driver Assistance Techs
Shop the 2025 Acura MDX at Sterne Acura
The 2025 Acura MDX delivers more power, more space and more tech at a starting MSRP of $70,606 to $91,656 less than the Q8’s base price. So why pay a premium for the Audi Q8’s compromises? It’s time to drive the MDX home from Sterne Acura. Browse our new and certified pre-owned MDX inventory, and take advantage of our competitive financing options. Book a test drive to experience the MDX’s luxuries today.