RDX vs Q5
The RDX and the Q5 are aimed squarely at each other: same class, different badges. Neither car runs away with this one; most of the differences are small enough to shrug off.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q5 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.4
- Engine & Performance4.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Q5 has 15 lb-ft more torque
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 295 lb-ft against 280 lb-ft is a small but genuine lead for the Q5. The Q5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Q5 leads
By a small margin, the Q5 is the stronger of the two in this area. The Q5 pulls ahead with 15 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Q5 has the edge.
Torque
RDX: 280 lb-ft Q5: 295 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on space & practicality. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither the RDX nor the Q5 has a real advantage in the off-road & towing category. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | RDX | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | N/A (not specified) | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | RDX | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 29 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | RDX | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 29.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 58.9 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | RDX | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | RDX | Q5 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q5 if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Audi and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RDX or the Q5?
On the specs compared here, the Q5 makes more sense for most buyers; the RDX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the RDX and the Q5. I keep coming back to one thing: the Q5 gets 15 lb-ft more torque.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the RDX. If engine & performance is what you’d miss, go with the Q5.
My pick: the Q5.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.