2021 Acura RDX vs. 2021 Audi Q5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Acura RDX and 2021 Audi Q5 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Acura RDX and the 2021 Audi Q5.
When we compare the 2021 Acura RDX's and the 2021 Audi Q5's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Acura RDX has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Audi Q5 has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Acura RDX's and the 2021 Audi Q5's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Acura RDX is a better car than the 2021 Audi Q5.
Pricing: A used 2021 Acura RDX ranges from $27,994 to $38,494 while a used 2021 Audi Q5 is priced between $23,999 to $36,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Acura RDX loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2021 Audi Q5 loses 53.6 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Acura RDX retains 7.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Audi Q5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura RDX is 8.4 out of 10 while the Audi Q5's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Acura RDX being ranked 2 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the Audi Q5 being ranked 4 out of 29. Out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, the Acura RDX is ranked 6 and the Audi Q5 is ranked 12.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura RDX is 8.5 out of 10. For the Audi Q5 the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Acura RDX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi Q5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Acura RDX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the 2021 Audi Q5 base engine makes 261 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Acura RDX and 2021 Audi Q5 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Acura RDX and the 2021 Audi Q5 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$38,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$43,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$33,232
Price Range:
$27,994 - $38,494
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
665
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40,702
# Good or Great Deals:
208
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,866
Price Range:
$23,999 - $36,997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
520
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,891
# Good or Great Deals:
228
Acura RDX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Audi Q5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Acura RDX
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
35.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Audi Q5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Acura RDX Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 27Ranking
8 out of / 68Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
14 out of / 59Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
38 out of / 68Ranking
45 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Audi Q5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 59Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
41 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Acura RDX Trim Levels
Base, SH-AWD, SH-AWD PMC Edition, SH-AWD w/A-SPEC, SH-AWD w/Advance, SH-AWD w/Tech, w/A-SPEC, w/Advance, w/Tech
2021 Audi Q5 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 45 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 45 TFSI, quattro Prestige 45 TFSI
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 479 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60 inches
Rear Head Room:
38 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
29.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
133.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
25.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3783 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
65.7 inches
Length:
186.6 inches
Wheelbase:
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4079 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
65.5 inches
Length:
184.3 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Majestic Black Pearl
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl
Gray
Gunmetal Metallic / Modern Steel Metallic
Red
Performance Red Pearl
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic / Ibis White
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment
Black
Ebony
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Rock Gray
