Audi Q3 vs. Q5: What's the Difference?

While the Audi Q3 and the Q5 share some similarities, there are a few key differences between these two models that set them apart: 

• Size: The Q3 falls into the subcompact luxury crossover SUV segment, while the Q5 belongs to the compact segment. Compared to the Q3, the Audi Q5 is also a bit larger, providing you with more interior space, legroom, and cargo capacity.
• Price: The Q3 is the more affordable version due to its smaller size and less powerful engine. The Q3 starts at $37,000, whereas the Q5 starts at $44,000.
• Engine & performance: The Q5 comes with more powerful engine options than the Q3. For example, the base engine for the Q5 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (40 TFSI®) engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission, that gets you 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. In comparison, the Q3 has a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering 184 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft.of torque. 
• Features & trim levels: The Audi Q5 is available in three main trim options: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Whereas the Q3 is only available in Premium and Premium Plus. The Q3 and Q5 offer comparable feature upgrades across trim tiers like leather upholstery, panoramic sunroofs, parking assistance, and integrated navigation.
• Ride & handling: Due to its larger size, the Q5 can get you a more comfortable drive with better handling, especially on long trips, while the Q3 might be a better fit for city driving, and it’s easier to park in tight spaces.

The following table will help you understand the main differences between the Q3 and Q5: 

*Overall width without mirrors.

Both Audi SUVs. deliver comfortable seating for up to five but within noticeably different dimensions between the compact Q3 and midsize Q5.

*Overall width without mirrors.

While scaled respectively in size, the Audi Q3 and Q5 share some similarities in their sleek, contemporary SUV exterior styling.

Audi Q3 exterior 

As the smallest crossover SUV from Audi, the Q3 features a sporty, compact look while still conveying rugged capability. S line design comes standard on the Q3 45 TFSI, including elements like S line bumpers, side fender badge, and sill trim for enhanced sporty appeal. An available Black optic package offers high-gloss black accents and roof rails for a customized look. Distinctive LED lighting and Audi's large trademark grille design give it instant brand recognition. With a lower roofline than the Q5, it favors agile handling over maximal cargo space. The Q3 40 features unique 19” wheels, while the Q3 45 offers available 20” wheel upgrades.

Audi Q5 exterior 

Positioned as Audi's best-selling midsize luxury SUV, the Audi Q5 assumes larger proportions over the Q3. The sleek, cohesive S line exterior design comes standard on plug-in hybrid variants like the 45 TFSI e and 55 TFSI e, featuring S line bumpers, accents, and styling. An available Black optic plus package offers 20” 5-arm cutter design wheels with a two-tone finish, red brake calipers, and high-gloss black rings/badging for added curb appeal. It gives you a premium appearance with imposing front and rear ends. An upright roofline prioritizes interior roominess and cargo versatility. Design cues like LED taillights still create cohesive Audi styling between models.

The 2023 Audi Q3 and Audi Q5 both offer a refined and comfortable cabin equipped with luxurious details and advanced technologies. Despite sharing some similarities, there are differences in their interior design and features:

Standard features: The Audi Q5 Prestige trim includes front heated and cooled cupholders, which maintain beverages at the desired temperature. This feature is not available on the Q3, providing an added level of convenience and luxury in the Q5.

Sound systems: The Q3 is equipped with a 15-speaker, 680-watt SONOS® 3D sound system or a 19-speaker, 755-watt Bang & Olufsen® 3D sound system in the Prestige trim. Similarly, the Q5 already features the 19-speaker, 755-watt Bang & Olufsen® 3D sound system on top-level trims, providing an immersive audio experience in both models.

Shared features: Both models come with a power panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, and advanced keyless entry. Additionally, they offer:

• Illuminated door sills
• LED interior lighting package plus
• Three-zone automatic climate control system
• Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles (heated and leather-wrapped on the Q5)
• Leather seating
• Heated front seats (the Q5 also offers front sport seats)
• 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats with sliding and adjustable recline features
• Audi MMI® multimedia system with MMI® touch display (Q5 adds navigation)
• Bluetooth® wireless technology
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (with 360L on Q5)

The Audi Q3 and Q5 are equipped with different engines, resulting in variations in fuel economy and performance. The Audi Q5's more powerful engine provides slightly better fuel economy and performance compared to the Q3. 

If you're looking for power and the option to switch to an electrified driving experience, the Audi Q5 provides a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine alternative that uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine in conjunction with a permanent-magnet electric motor powered by a 17.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. The electric motor is positioned between the engine and transmission to optimize performance. 

Both the Audi Q3 and Audi Q5 excel with a wide range of standard safety and driver assist features. For example, both models feature a top-view camera that provides a 360-degree, bird’s eye view of the area surrounding your vehicle. Front, rear, and side-view cameras capture images that are displayed for you on the multimedia interface inside the vehicle. 

Another feature you’ll find on the Q3 and Q5 is adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist. This gives you advanced support while you’re driving via its radar, ultrasonic sensors, camera, and a laser scanner that monitors what’s going on around your vehicle.

Other safety features you’ll find on both the Q3 and Q5 include: 

• Audi pre sense® sensor technology
• Lane departure warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Parking system plus
• Rearview camera
• Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with digital compass and Integrated Toll Module®
• Audi side assist
• Audi active lane assist
• Audi drive select
• Tire pressure monitoring system and LATCH child seat mounting system
• MMI touchscreen display 
• Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

The Q5 further offers Audi connect care, providing you with integrated assistance tools, including functions such as remote vehicle services and security features.

The Audi Q3 and Q5 are very different in terms of their pricing, with the Q3 being less expensive than the Q5. The starting MSRP for the Audi Q3 is around $37,000, while the Audi Q5 starts at approximately $44,600. The Q5's higher price is due to its larger size, more powerful engine options, and additional features compared to its smaller sibling. However, the exact pricing and available features may vary based on the specific trim levels and optional packages selected.

Whether you end up choosing the Audi Q3 or the Audi Q5 largely depends on the features and characteristics of each model and how they suit your needs and wallet.

4 reasons to choose the Audi Q3

• Slick design and a more affordable price compared to the Q5.
• Well-suited for city driving and urban environments due to its smaller size and agility.
• Futuristic LED headlights, octagonal grille, and contoured body that generates excitement and a stylish appearance.
• More compact, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces.

4 reasons to choose the Audi Q5

• Offers way more practicality and stronger performance compared to the Q3.
• Larger size and additional interior space provide a more comfortable ride and greater cargo capacity.
• Imposing presence and premium styling cues, signaling its status as a luxury crossover SUV.
• More robust and well-equipped interior with additional standard luxuries and features compared to the Q3.

But in the end, why choose when you can test drive both? With a car subscription from FINN, you can drive an Audi for six to 12 and then make a final decision. One monthly payment gets you roadside assistance, insurance, maintenance, and the freedom to test both SUVs without having to fully commit to one or the other.