Pricing, Performance, Efficiency, And More

With an increasing number of drivers looking for SUVs, many automakers now offer at least one, but usually more. Audi is going all-in with its SUV lineup, already offering six core models. The two best-selling models of the range are the compact Audi Q3 and slightly larger Audi Q5, but how do these Audi SUVs compare to each other, and which one is the better choice?

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Audi

Audi is a German automaker that produces a range of luxury vehicles that combine sporty driving dynamics with the latest technology. Its history goes back over 100 years and includes both production cars and a rich racing heritage.

Founded

1909

Founder

August Horch

Headquarters

Ingolstadt, Germany

Owned By

Volkswagen Group

Current CEO

Gernot Döllner

Production Status

Available

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Audi’s SUV Offerings: The Contenders

Sports utility vehicles have become increasingly popular over the last decade – so much so, that some automakers now offer only SUVs in their lineup. Audi has six main SUV lines on offer at present, all of which come in varying degrees of performance – some are all-electric, too. In the Audi stable, the Q3 and Q5 share some similarities while their main size difference affects a few key areas.

• 2025 Audi Q3

  Model

  Q3

  Base MSRP

  $39,800

  Base Trim Engine

  2.0-liter trubo I4 ICE

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Transmission

  8-speed automatic

  Base Trim Horsepower

  228 hp

  Base Trim Torque

  251 lb-ft

  Expand

• 2025 Audi Q5

  Model

  Q5

  Base MSRP

  $45,400

  Base Trim Engine

  2L I4

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Transmission

  7-speed auto-shift manual

  Base Trim Horsepower

  201 HP @6000 RPM

  Base Trim Torque

  236 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM

  Expand

Exterior Design: Same But Different

The Audi Q3 is the smallest Audi SUV in the US lineup, and it rolls into 2025 with a few changes. The most important of those is that the weak base engine has been dropped, and the Q3 is now only available with the turbocharged four-cylinder. There are two trims for 2025, which changes up the feature content by a smidge – the difference in price between the two is just $2,800.

On the other hand, the Audi Q5 comes in Premium, Premium Plus, or Prestige grades – and that’s before taking the different powertrains and body styles into account. In addition to the differences in trim levels and powertrains, there is a noticeable size difference between the Audi Q3 and Q5. It’s also worth noting that a new generation model is in the pipeline, so these numbers refer to the current 2025 model on sale at the time of writing.

Powertrain and Performance: One Option vs. Many

The Audi Q3 is limited to a single engine for 2025; a 45 TFSI paired to an eight speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This 2.0-liter gas engine is shared with the Q5, albeit tuned to different outputs. It will be more than enough for most owners, and is more powerful than the base 40 TFSI engine in the heavier Q5 – but it’s the only option you have.

By contrast, the Q5 offers a lot more choice, including a plug-in hybrid option. The third-gen model’s powertrain lineup has yet to be confirmed, but we can take guidance from the 2025 model on sale at present. The weak 40 TFSI is the entry point, making just 201 hp, but there is the more potent 45 TFSI tuned to 261 hp in the non-hybrid lineup. At the top end of the range is the 362-hp Q5 PHEV. Audi hasn’t published towing figures for the Q3, but the 40 and 45 TFSI Q5 can tow up to 4,400 lbs, while the plug-in hybrid maxes out at 2,000 lbs.

Audi Drive Select Brings These SUVs To Life

Both SUVs have access to the various drive modes, which can be set via Audi Drive Select,. This tweaks the steering, throttle, and gear shifts depending on the situation. Efficiency mode will optimize gear changes to reduce consumption, while dynamic revs higher with a sensitive throttle response and slightly heavier steering. The modes include:

• Efficiency
• Comfort
• Auto
• Dynamic
• Offroad

Further enhancing the driving experience, both models allow drivers to take manual control of the gears through paddle shifts behind the steering wheel, and feature progressive steering for more control at speed.

Fuel Economy Comparison: Keeping Running Costs Low

An important aspect to consider is which of these two models is most frugal. Considering there’s just one engine option in the Q3 lineup, you’ll have to make peace with its gas mileage. The Q5 lineup does offer a plug-in hybrid model, which comes with the benefit of an electric-only driving range. You can drive around 23 miles on electricity alone.

* As per the EPA

In terms of frugality, the Q5 is the better bet overall. The PHEV model is cheapest to run, and you’ll go further with a tank of fuel and some charging – you’ll also spend less than any of the other models. Even with a comparable engine between the Q3 and Q5 (45 TFSI), the heavier, larger Q5 is more efficient.

Interior: Modern, Elegant…Spacious?

Because the Audi Q3’s size vs the Q5 is so different, the interior is also affected. The compact dimensions of the Q3 affect how comfortable passengers will be inside. While passengers up front get the same leg and headroom as the Q5, rear seat passengers might feel claustrophobic due to less space behind the front seats and lower height. Conversely, the Audi Q5 has more space throughout, including a 25.9 cubic foot trunk that increases to 54.1 cubes with the second row folded.

* Less with sunroof

Generous Standard Features – But Which Has More?

One of the benefits of having more trims in a lineup is that the automaker can cater to those who want to buy on a budget by trimming down standard fare. With the Q3 only having two trims in comparison to the Q5’s three, however, Audi has put a few more standard items in the Q3. While both models have a luxurious cabin finished with heated leather seats, the Q3 gets a powered panoramic roof and digital gauge cluster as standard. Both of these require an upgrade to the Premium Plus grade in the Q5, or purchase of the convenience package as the entry-level trim is more budget focused.

Related

The Less Practical Audi Q5 Has Arrived

Audi has revealed the Sportback models of its Q5 and SQ5, trading practicality for the sake of sleeker styling.

That said, we’re expecting a third-generation Q5 mid-2025, which is expected to receive a complete overhaul, with larger digital displays inside. Perhaps more features will come as standard to complete the new look.

Popularity Contest: The Favorite Among US Buyers

According to Audi America, sales figures for 2024 show that the Audi Q3 is 60% more popular than the same period for the previous year, becoming Audi’s second most popular model. But selling 14,321 units in 2024, it’s still far off the Q5, which sold 24,571 models. While those figures show a big gap between the two, Q5 sales fell by 30% in the same period. While there are many factors affecting this, we suspect it’s due to the ever-increasing price of Audi SUVs combined with economic fluctuations of the socio-political climate at present in the USA.

2025 Pricing: Audi Q3 vs. Q5

Since it is the smaller of the two, the Audi Q3 costs less than the Q5. The 2025 Audi Q3 is only available as a 45 TFSI, with a few optional packages available. Straight out of the box, the 2025 Q3 costs $39,800 MSRP before options and excluding destination in Premium trim. Considering the suite of technology and lovely interior, there is little need to add any packages, although there are wheel upgrades, exterior aesthetic packages, and the Convenience Package to add. One step up is the Premium Plus trim, which asks for $42,600.

There are more engine and grade choices for the Q5. The base model seems more basic and is less powerful than the Q3 equivalent, yet it starts from $45,400 (excluding destination). This number jumps significantly as you select different options on the configurator.

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Although the current-gen Q5 is on sale at present as 2025 models, the incoming third generation Audi Q5 hasn’t been fully revealed here with pricing to match. We expect pricing to increase by a few thousand dollars per trim (and remember, the 40 TFSI engine will fall away for the 3rd-gen Q5). For now, we compare current-gen models:

* Excludes options, destination, and any rebates

Q3 vs. Q5: Which Is The Best Audi SUV?

Although the 2025 Audi Q3 is the cheaper option at the outset, it doesn’t pay dividends over the long term when it comes to running costs and fuel consumption. Weighing up the costs in terms of the Audi Q5 vs.Q3 is vital: The Q5 does ask for a higher premium – likely even more so with the new generation arriving later on in 2025 – but for that, you get more power, more space, more choice – and the plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There are some that would argue the Q3 has more standard features, and while that is true when comparing entry-level models, the application for either car does need to be considered carefully. Buyers of the Q3 are less likely to need the space and amenities that a bigger family would, and the Q3 lends itself to urban commuting. On the other hand, the Q5 serves the growing family better without being ponderously large or unwieldy.

Related

2025 Audi Q5 Raises The Bar For Luxury SUVs

The third generation of the Audi Q5 has finally been revealed with powerful engines, fancy lights, and the promise of even better ride.

Unless budget is your deciding factor, we think the Q5 is the winner in this comparison – particularly in the mid-range trims where a good balance is struck between feature content and price. We’ll have to see how things are impacted with the launch of the new generation Q5 later in 2025, however.

Sources:
Audi