Compare Audi Q3 vs Audi A3 – When it comes to luxury vehicles, the Audi brand is at the top of many people’s lists. Within the Audi lineup, the Audi Q3 and Audi A3 models are both popular choices.
But if you’re trying to decide between the two, you may be wondering which one is the better choice. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Audi Q3 vs Audi A3 to help you make an informed decision.
What’s The Difference Between Audi Q3 and Audi A3?
When it comes to choosing a car, there are many factors to consider, and Audi offers two great options in their Q3 and A3 models. In terms of size, the Audi Q3 is larger than the Audi A3.
The Audi Q3 is an SUV crossover with a more spacious interior than the A3. It offers an additional 14 inches of length and 6 inches of width compared to the A3. It has room for up to five passengers, as well as plenty of cargo space.
The Audi A3 is a smaller sedan with a sportier feel and more agile handling. It has a slightly lower starting price than the Q3, although they are both considered entry-level luxury vehicles.
While the Audi A3 can accommodate five passengers, it has less room overall than the Q3. In terms of engine performance, the Audi Q3 offers more power than the A3.
The Q3 comes standard with a 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the A3 only offers a 186-horsepower version.
The Audi S3 is a higher-performance model of the A3 that comes with a 288-horsepower engine, which is still slightly less powerful than the Q3’s. Both cars come with all-wheel drive (Quattro) as an optional feature.
In terms of fuel economy, the Audi A3 edges out the Q3 slightly, with up to 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Q3 is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. When it comes to exterior dimensions, the Q3 is larger and taller than the A3, but the A3 is slightly lighter.
In terms of safety features, both cars offer standard anti-lock brakes, stability control, and multiple airbags. The Audi A3 also has a few additional features such as lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
Overall, the Audi Q3 is better suited for those looking for a larger vehicle with more cargo space, while the A3 is a great choice for those looking for a sporty driving experience with a lower starting price.
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, the Audi Q3 and A3 have quite different starting prices. The 2022 Audi Q3 has a starting price of around $37,595 while the 2021 Audi A3 has a starting price of around $43,950.
However, the 2022 model of the Audi Q3 is likely to have a slightly higher starting price due to the addition of new features and technology.
If you’re looking for more power, the Audi S3 is also available. It has a starting price of around $43,000 and comes with an upgraded 2.0L turbocharged engine.
Comparing the Audi Q3 vs Audi A3 Sportback in terms of size and dimensions, the Sportback has a length of 4.4 meters (14.4 feet) compared to the Q3’s length of 4.2 meters (13.8 feet). The Sportback also offers a larger cargo capacity with a maximum of 12 cubic feet compared to the Q3’s 10.4 cubic feet.
If you’re looking for an even smaller option, then the Audi Q2 is also available. The Q2 starts at around $32,500 and offers similar performance as the Q3 but with a smaller footprint.
Finally, if you’re looking for something sportier, then the Audi GTI could be a good choice. The Audi GTI has a starting price of around $29,000 and offers a more engaging driving experience than the Q3 or A3.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
When it comes to power, the Audi Q3 and A3 are pretty similar. Both cars come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the Q3 has slightly more horsepower than the A3 (up to 228 hp vs 184 hp).
The Q3 and A3 also offer different transmission options. The A3 Sportback comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission, while the Q3 comes with an eight-speed automatic. Both transmissions are smooth and responsive, making for an enjoyable driving experience.
When it comes to acceleration, the Q3 offers better performance due to its additional horsepower. The Q3 can go from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, while the A3 takes 7.1 seconds.
If you’re looking for an even more powerful ride, you can opt for the Audi S3 or Audi Q3 2022 models. The S3 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 288 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the new Q3 2022 will come with a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that delivers up to 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
For those looking for great handling and a sportier ride, there is also the Audi A3 Quattro and the Audi GTI. The Quattro features an all-wheel drive system, providing better stability and traction.
The GTI is equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers up to 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a sport-tuned suspension for better cornering.
No matter which option you choose, both the Audi Q3 and A3 provide excellent performance, giving you an enjoyable driving experience on the road.
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel economy, the Audi Q3 and Audi A3 both offer competitive efficiency ratings. The standard engine on the 2021 Audi Q3 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The 2022 Audi Q3 will likely come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that promises better efficiency ratings of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The Audi A3 Sportback is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway when paired with the seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2021 Audi A3 Sedan offers the same engine and transmission configuration but boasts slightly higher efficiency ratings of 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
If you’re looking for even better fuel economy, you may want to consider the Audi Q2 or Audi A3 Quattro models, which deliver up to 35 mpg on the highway.
But if you’re more interested in performance, you should compare the Audi S3 vs Q3 and Audi GTI vs Q3 to see which model best suits your needs.
Exterior Dimensions
When it comes to exterior dimensions, the Audi Q3 and A3 are quite similar. However, the Q3 is slightly longer and wider than the A3. The Audi Q3 measures 176.2 inches in length and 74.1 inches in width, while the Audi A3 measures in at 174.2 inches in length and 71.9 inches in width.
The Audi Q3 also has a higher ride height than the A3. The 2022 Audi Q3 sits 8.2 inches above the ground, while the 2022 Audi A3 sits 6.8 inches off the ground. Both models offer standard 18-inch wheels, although larger wheels are available on both models.
The Audi Q3 is also more capable when it comes to off-roading. It offers standard Quattro all-wheel drive, which provides improved grip and stability for driving on rougher terrain. The Audi A3 does not have this feature as standard; instead, it offers front-wheel drive and optional Quattro all-wheel drive.
Both models have similar cargo space. The Audi Q3 offers 22.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Audi A3 offers 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Overall, the Audi Q3 offers more exterior dimensions than the A3, making it a better option if you’re looking for an SUV with more room or capability. However, if you’re looking for a sporty sedan with great fuel economy and a comfortable ride, then the Audi A3 may be a better choice for you.
Interior
The Audi Q3 and A3 have several interior differences to consider. The Audi Q3 is known for its spacious interior and offers room for five passengers. It has an impressive 39.1 inches of headroom and 55.1 inches of shoulder room in the front.
The legroom in the rear is equally impressive at 39.1 inches. When it comes to cargo space, the Audi Q3 has more than enough to offer with 19 cubic feet of space in the trunk.
The Audi A3 Sportback is a bit different from the Q3 when it comes to interior space. It offers seating for four passengers and slightly less headroom with 37.4 inches in the front and 37.4 inches in the rear.
Legroom is also slightly less with 33.7 inches in the front and 32.2 inches in the rear. Cargo space is good but slightly less than the Audi Q3 with 12 cubic feet of space in the trunk.
When comparing features, the Audi A3 does offer more comfort features than the Audi Q3. You can opt for full leather seats, power-adjustable seats, heated seats, and even a panoramic sunroof on some models. If you’re looking for more power and performance, you can opt for the Audi S3 or the Audi Q3 Quattro.
Both are more powerful than the A3 Sportback and offer improved handling and agility. When it comes to comparing it to the GTI, the Audi Q3 offers more interior space while still providing similar performance characteristics.
Infotainment and Technology
When it comes to infotainment and technology, the Audi Q3 and Audi A3 both have plenty to offer. The 2022 Audi Q3 and A3 come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Both also offer an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen display, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display. The Audi A3 Sportback is slightly more tech-savvy than the Q3 as it features an optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.
This feature allows drivers to customize the information displayed on their instrument cluster. It also has an available gesture control feature that allows drivers to control certain functions of their vehicle using hand gestures.
Safety
When it comes to safety, both the Audi Q3 and A3 have excellent ratings. Both models come standard with the Audi Pre Sense basic suite of driver-assistance features that includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
The Audi Q3 2022 offers an optional Driver Assistance package, which adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Audi A3 Sportback also offers a more advanced version of Audi Pre Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active lane centering.
The Q3 has no such option. When it comes to crash tests, the Audi Q3 and A3 both earned 5-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In comparison to other Audi models, the Audi A3 Sportback has a slightly better safety rating than the Audi Q2, while the Audi S3 and Q3 have similar safety ratings.
The Audi GTI also has a good safety rating but is not as comprehensive as the one found on the Q3 and A3 models. All of these cars also offer all-wheel drive (Quattro) for added stability.
Reliability
When it comes to reliability, the Audi Q3 and A3 both have a good track record. The Q3 has been around for several years and has been noted for its consistent performance and durability. The A3, which was recently introduced in 2022, is also expected to be reliable.
According to J.D. Power, Audi Q3 received an average score of 8.7 out of 10, which is above the industry average. The A3 Sportback scored 8.4 out of 10, which is slightly lower than the industry average but still good.
Both vehicles have a six-year/72,000-mile warranty and come with a four-year/50,000-mile service plan that includes free scheduled maintenance.
The Audi Q3 vs A3 Sportback comparison also looks at the overall reliability of both cars. Both vehicles are powered by the same engine and transmission, so you can expect a similar level of reliability between the two models.
However, if you’re looking for a sportier ride, the Audi S3 or Q3 could be a better option than the A3. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more luxury features, the Audi Q2 or A3 Quattro could be better options than the Q3 or S3.
Driving Experience
The Audi Q3 and A3 both offer a driving experience that prioritizes comfort and agility. Both vehicles come with standard front-wheel drive, but the Audi Q3 has an available all-wheel drive system. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system helps to improve handling and traction in wet or slippery conditions.
The Audi A3 Sportback comes with a more powerful engine than the Audi Q3, offering up to 220 horsepower compared to the Q3’s 184 horsepower. It also offers a sportier suspension system and more responsive steering, which can make it more engaging to drive than the Q3.
If you’re looking for more performance, then the Audi S3 is a better option than the Q3 and A3. It has a much more powerful engine that produces up to 288 horsepower, plus a more dynamic suspension system.
For even more performance, the Audi GTI is worth considering as it has up to 228 horsepower and is also quite agile. Ultimately, the driving experience between the Audi Q3 and A3 will be largely determined by your own preferences and needs.
Overall Quality
When it comes to overall quality, the Audi Q3 and the Audi A3 are both strong contenders. The Audi Q3 is a slightly larger vehicle than the A3 and provides more space inside, making it more comfortable for passengers.
Additionally, the Q3 comes with a range of features that make it an attractive option for those who are looking for an SUV experience. For example, the Audi Q3 2022 model comes with a new Quattro all-wheel drive system, which provides superior handling and improved grip when driving on challenging surfaces.
In comparison, the Audi A3 is a much smaller vehicle than the Q3 and has a sportier feel. It is also lighter and more nimble than the Q3 and can offer a more dynamic driving experience.
Additionally, the Audi A3 Sportback vs Q3 dimensions are relatively similar, but the A3 is slightly longer and has a higher roofline which gives it a more aerodynamic shape.
In terms of performance, the Audi S3 vs Q3 sees the S3 with superior power, as it is equipped with a more powerful engine than its counterpart. The Audi Q3 vs GTI also sees the Q3 as having slightly better off-road capabilities due to its increased size.
And finally, the Audi A3 Quattro provides drivers with superior grip and control in wet or icy conditions, making it a great choice for those who want an all-weather vehicle.
Overall, both the Audi Q3 and the Audi A3 offer excellent quality vehicles that are sure to meet the needs of a variety of drivers.
Both vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences when deciding which model to go with.
Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the Audi Q3 vs Audi A3, it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. The Audi Q3 is the larger, more powerful option with roomier dimensions, while the Audi A3 is the more compact, efficient choice that emphasizes luxury and modern technology.
The Audi Q3 is well suited for those who prioritize interior space and need an SUV for larger family hauls. With a more powerful engine and higher towing capacity, the Q3 is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts as well.
The Audi A3 Sportback is better suited for those seeking something more efficient and less expensive than the Q3. Its features are designed to emphasize sporty performance and modern luxury, so it’s perfect for driving enthusiasts who want a smaller car with plenty of tech and style.
Whether you choose the Audi Q3 or Audi A3, both models offer excellent performance and modern features that will satisfy the needs of any driver. With the latest 2022 Audi models set to be released soon, now is the perfect time to check out both cars and decide which one is right for you.
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