askered

Comparing an MDX to a Q7 is an apples-to-oranges comparison from the start. If price ranks towards the top of the buyers priority list, the MDX will win every time.

Disregarding the obvious and uncomparable differences in price, power/performance, AWD systems, etc., there are probably only 3 things these vehicles have in common:

1) They both have 4 wheels
2) They both have 4 doors (5 with rear lid)
3) They both have a 3rd row seat

Much easier to compare the Q to the BMW or Mercedes SUV, and the MDX to a Honda Passport or Nissan Pathfinder.

ipo3

Yes I would buy another Q7, no questions asked It is so good!

chickdr

I think she made a good choice. Someone posted above that German cars can be just as reliable as Japanese. While it is true they COULD - they rarely ARE IMHO. It sounds to me like she values reliability above other factors and in this area the MDX will be a great car for her. Performance should be similar as the MDX weighs 800#'s less and has a 300hp motor. To me the MDX is a more sporting car than some other Japanese luxury options.

Q7pgh1

I suspect the reason the MDX deal was so good was that there is a redesigned model on the way, so dealer has motivation to move existing inventory.

Cut68

Not really where you get this from. The MDX has as much cargo space as the Q7, a larger second row seat, more horsepower (unless you're talking about the S line)The AWD system is very good in the MDX. After a lot of research, what I've learned is that the MDX is:
-Faster
-Handles better
-Is easier to park
-Back up camera is better
-has more comfortable seats
-Is more spacious for passengers
-Is 15K less with comparable options

The Q is
-Nicer inside (finishes are better on the dash, steering wheel, etc)
-Significantly better looking
-Has some of it's own cool features (love the panoramic roof)

At the end of the day, my wife would have been willing to pay more for the Audi. She loved the S-line version, and told the dealer flat out if he could get within 10K of a loaded MDX, she'd by the Audi. More than 10K, though, and she just couldn't justify it.

gopeder2000

Wait wait wait.
Did you just say the MDX handles better???????????????

weth

Since I have driven both vehicles for quit a bit, I am confident when I state the MDX does not handle near as well and does not accelerate as quickly as an S-line Q7 with air suspension. When set up as 5 seater, the second row has much more leg room than the MDX has.

Cut68

I would agree that the S-line accelerates a little bit faster (published 0-60 times are within 1/10 of a second for the two)and I suppose handling is a subjective thing, although the Acura has better skid pad #'s. In regards to the space, I literally went over both cars with a tape measure. Think what you want, but the second row of the acura has more space. it's got more leg room and has more space from seat-back to seat-back (this was a primary concern for me because I have 2 rear facing car seats)

Look, I'm an Audi fan. I love my A6 and seriously considered the Q7. Don't discount the fact that other car companies are making comparable vehicles for a lot less though. As I said earlier, the Q is the nicer car, but not 15K nicer, unless the appearance of the car means that much to you.

chickdr

Don't sweat it man. Many here have to justify the extra cost with something. As you said there are many very capable luxury SUV's out there. The MDX is a very nice car. As an aside my wife looked at an MDX when the current gen first came out. She never got out of the lot as she hated the center console armrest design and the gauge clusters "Sydney Opera House" design. I really liked the car and wanted to go on a test drive but alas she didn't and ended up with a Q7.

s5blitzer

Some competition is good although I must humbly state the 2 vehicles are in a different categories in terms of the mindset of buyers. If the buyer (wife in this case) does not see performance and unique German ride as a top priority, it is perfectly ok.

Cadillac has always strive to get that "German ride" but alas, it is still not the same.

People are always looking for the best bang for our limited dollars.