COMPETITIVE COMPARISON

2026

RDX

2026

Audi Q5 TFSI Quattro

2026 Updates

After a mid-year refresh in 2025, the Audi Q5 is unchanged for 2026. Audi did make a few adjustments to what features are included in different trims. For example, a panoramic moonroof is now standard, and a hands-free tailgate is now included on higher trims. However, the RDX still has plenty of compelling stories to tell.


Competitive Points

Step On It

With a 10-speed transmission, the RDX is ready for any kind of drive.

  • Transmission:
    • RDX: 10-speed
    • Q5: 7-speed

The story is: In an RDX, you enjoy efficient commuting, quiet cruising, and quick acceleration.


Conquer the Curves

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) offers 4-season cornering confidence.

  • SH-AWD with rear-wheel torque vectoring:
    • RDX: Advanced torque vectoring overdrives the outside rear wheel to improve cornering
    • Q5: Rear-wheel torque vectoring not available

The story is: Drive an RDX and feel the secure control.

The Space You Need.

A roomy cargo area can handle just about anything.

  • Maximum cargo volume:
    • RDX: 79.8 cu. ft.
    • Q5: 56.9 cu. ft.

The story is: With significantly larger cargo capacity, the RDX is the more capable, configurable choice for your active lifestyle. Fun fact: The RDX could hold 20 more paper grocery bags than the Q5.


A Sportier Look

RDX has the stance of a performance machine.

  • Wheels/Tires:
    • RDX: 235/55 R19
    • Q5: 235/60 R18

The story is: In the RDX, larger wheels and lower-profile tires enhance its sporty look and feel.


Ready for Chilly Days

Every RDX can keep your hands happy.

  • Heated steering wheel:
    • RDX: Comes as a standard feature on RDX Advance and above
    • Q5: Part of an additional cost Convenience Package, making even the base Q5 more expensive than RDX Advance

The story is: Acura includes many of these kinds of conveniences, making luxury more affordable.


For Your Comfort

Heated and ventilated front seats are linked to the climate control system in the RDX for rapid warm-up or airflow.

  • Heated/ventilated seats:
    • RDX: Comes as a standard feature in RDX A-Spec, Advance and A-Spec Advance
    • Q5: Ventilated seats are only available in the Q5 Prestige, which is much more expensive than the RDX A-Spec

The story is: The RDX will keep you warm or cool, whatever the climate.


Stay Centered

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)38—a highway helper. 

  • Lane Keeping Assist System:
    • RDX: LKAS comes as a standard feature
    • Q5: A similar feature comes only on top trims

The story is: If you drift close to a detected lane marker, you feel the RDX correct to help keep you safe.


Easy. Intuitive. Exclusive.

True Touchpad Interface™ (TTI). Because technology should be simple. 

  • Simple touchpad interface:
    • RDX: TTI comes as a standard feature
    • Q5: Not offered

The story is: In the RDX, you control your infotainment with a simple tap, press, swipe, drag, and drop—it is easy and intuitive, like your latest laptop.