as an owner of both (07 X5 and 08 MDX---and recently traded toward 2011 X5 and 2011 MDX) I can tell you that the X5 is superior in many ways. Build quality, ride, comfort all areas where the X5 excels. But this comes at a price, and comparable X5 is much more expensive.

When traveling, we always drive my X5, far more comfortable ride. The build quality is noticeably better in the X5 as well. One other point, despite the hate for the idrive, I find the idrive far superior to the MDX cluster f**k of menus and knobs. The MDX is not nearly as attractive as the X5 either.

I have been driving both for nearly 5 years now and two MY changes.

A friend of my sisters bought an Acura TL. She couldn't get the bluetooth connection to the phone to work. I spent 2 hours trying to help her learn the cluster f**k of menus and knobs and we still couldn't get it to work. She had to take it back in to the dealer. I heard they eventually got it.

With iDrive, I can program a phone into bluetooth in about 2 minutes. I've got a Palm Treo that keeps reseting and have had to do it almost monthly at times. It could be the familiarity but I find iDrive easy. It only took me about 30 minutes to learn the new version compared to the '06 - '08 version.

I agree with what many have said. I looked at both the X5 and MDX in great detail prior to deciding on my 3rd X5. The X5's interior blows the MDX's away and I'm sorry but I couldn't get over the horrid fake wood that is literally ALL OVER the dash. The interior does boast great seats and the 3rd row seat is nice but not needed in my case. The drive like most others have noted is about as much fun as oatmeal. The funny thing is I really wanted to like the MDX due to the lower repair cost and perceived reliability but I couldn't get over the interior and drive

I owned the 2007 MDX Tech for a year. It isn't a terrible SUV by any means. I saw a new 2011 in Costco today and liked the changes they have made since.

My main issue with the MDX was the engine which lacked low-end grunt and the steering which was a bit disconnected. But I did like the additional room over the X5 and the reliability.

All that said, I like the X5 much better. I do disagree with others who say the X5 build quality is better. Build quality for me includes all issues and the MDX is more reliable (and more vanilla).

I was referring to the build quality of the interior parts. The MDX is not even close in this regard.

OP,
As others have stated, if you're looking for a reliable and cheaper to repair SUV, then go with the MDX. If you're looking for a nicer, more luxurious, better performing/handling, and better looking car but are okay with lower reliability and higher cost, then go with the X5.

I was in the same quandary before we bought our X5. It was down to the MDX and the X5. After sitting and test driving both cars, there was no question which one we loved more. Don't get me wrong, the MDX is nice too. But, it drives like a typical SUV and feels only a tad more luxurious than a regular Honda.

Back in 2007 I was looking at the 08 X5 and 08 MDX, I felt you got more for your money with the MDX, it was a comfortable ride etc but went with the X5 because I preferred the look, enjoyed driving it more. I knew if I bought the MDX I would always wonder should I have paid the extra for the X5. I love my X5 and have never looked back. Will definitely get a new X5 when the 08 gets too old (probably keep for 8 years or so). We also just bought an Audi Q5 which we love so will most likely always have an Audi and a BMW in the family (like to mix it up a bit)

I owned several Audi's and Acura's in the past.... no complaints..... Question
between the X5 & the Q5 which do you think is more reliable and least to maintain ?

Just got the Q5 last week so can't answer the reliability or maintenance. We did have an A4 and I think the BMW was slightly more to maintain. I found that the X5 was more reliable than my old A4 but whenever I buy a new car the technology always improves. I think the new 2011 Q5 is supposed to be much more reliable than my 2004 A4 (apparently that model year was very bad for reliability). Things were always breaking off my A4!

One thing I realized is that nowadays more things can go wrong because everything is computerized.

For me it's the look and feel of the X5 that I love.

The X5 looks very tough and masculine. Like someone mentioned earlier, MDX looks like a fat pig.

The drive and ride quality is top notch. Extremely comfortable and feels very planted to the road.

I'll gladly pay more in maintenance and repairs for a car that I truly love instead of just another boring, reliable form of transportation.

I'll