If you're in the market for a premium German car, Audi offers two compelling but different options: the A3 and the A5. The A3 is the brand's popular premium hatchback, while the recently introduced A5 replaces the old A4 saloon and estate, offering a sleek hatchback body style with more practicality.
Both cars come with the high-quality interiors, sharp styling, and advanced technology you'd expect from Audi. However, they are built to serve different needs. The A3 is a compact and agile choice, while the larger A5 focuses on comfort and space. So, which of these models from Ingolstadt is the right one for you?
Audi A3 vs Audi A5
- Practicality
- Driving Impressions
- Technology and Equipment
- Running Costs
- CarGurus Buyer Insights
- Verdict
Practicality
Audi A3 practicality score: 4/5
Audi A5 practicality score: 4/5
While the larger A5 might seem the obvious winner here, the A3 puts up a strong fight, earning it a matching score. The A5 does have the bigger boot on paper, offering 445 litres of space compared to the A3's 380 litres. The A5 also benefits from a more versatile 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, making it easier to carry long items and passengers simultaneously.
However, the A3's boot is still a good, usable size for a hatchback, and with the seats folded down it opens up to a handy 1,200 litres. For many buyers, it will be more than enough. The A5 offers more generous legroom and headroom for rear passengers, making it the better choice for regularly carrying adults in the back. But for those who only occasionally use the rear seats, the A3’s space is perfectly adequate, and its compact size makes it easier to park.
Driving Impressions
Audi A3 driving score: 4/5
Audi A5 driving score: 4/5
Both the A3 and A5 deliver the refined and composed driving experience Audi is known for, but they go about it in slightly different ways. The A3, being smaller and lighter, feels more agile and nimble, particularly around town and on twisty B-roads. Its steering is responsive, and it strikes a good balance between comfort and sharp handling.
The A5 is tuned more for comfort and long-distance cruising. Its longer wheelbase helps it feel settled and stable on the motorway, soaking up miles with ease. While it handles corners precisely, it doesn’t have the same sense of eagerness as the A3. Both cars are available with a range of smooth and efficient petrol and diesel engines, including plug-in hybrid options. The A5 also introduces a mild-hybrid diesel that can run on electric power at low speeds, which is an impressive piece of engineering.
Technology and Equipment
Audi A3 technology and equipment score: 4/5
Audi A5 technology and equipment score: 3/5
This is an area where you might expect the newer, more expensive A5 to lead, but the A3 takes the win. Both cars are packed with technology, but the A3’s execution feels more user-friendly. It comes with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display (Audi's Virtual Cockpit), which are both clear and responsive.
The A5 goes bigger, with a huge 14.5-inch main screen and an 11.9-inch driver display. While it looks impressive, the heavy reliance on touch controls for almost every function can be distracting to use on the move. We feel the A3’s cabin, which retains a few more physical buttons, strikes a better balance between modern tech and everyday usability. Both cars come well-equipped with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of driver safety aids as standard.
Running Costs
Audi A3 running costs score: 3/5
Audi A5 running costs score: 4/5
The A3 has a lower initial purchase price than the A5, which is a clear advantage. However, when you look at the bigger picture, the A5 pulls ahead. This is largely down to residual values; as a larger, more premium model, the A5 is predicted to hold its value slightly better over time, which is a major factor in long-term ownership costs.
Fuel economy is competitive for both, with diesel A3s capable of over 60mpg and the A5’s mild-hybrid diesel achieving close to 50mpg in real-world conditions. One key point to remember is that all A5 models cost more than £40,000 new, meaning they are subject to the government's expensive car supplement for road tax (VED) from the second to the sixth year of ownership. This adds a few hundred pounds to the annual bill. Even with this extra tax, the A5's strong resale values help it secure a better running costs score.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
| Audi A3 Mk4 Review (2020-present) | Audi A5 Review (2024-present) | |
|---|---|---|
| CarGurus expert rating | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* | 33.5% | 33.1% |
| Overall CarGurus rating | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Audi A3 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
Audi A5 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
This is one of the closest contests we’ve seen, and according to our Overall CarGurus rating, it’s a dead heat. Both the Audi A3 and Audi A5 score an identical 4.4 out of 5, making it impossible to declare an outright winner. The choice between them comes down entirely to your personal priorities.
The Audi A3 is the one to go for if you value agile handling, a more user-friendly tech interface, and a lower initial purchase price. It’s a superb all-rounder that packages premium quality into a compact and enjoyable-to-drive hatchback.
The Audi A5, however, is the better choice if space, practicality, and long-distance comfort are at the top of your list. Its larger boot, roomier back seats, and supremely refined ride make it an excellent family car or motorway cruiser. Its stronger resale values also give it an edge on long-term running costs, despite the higher price tag. Ultimately, both are excellent cars, and the best one for you depends on what you need it to do.
Audi A3 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Agile and enjoyable to drive | Less rear passenger space than A5 |
| High-quality and user-friendly interior | Smaller boot than the A5 |
| Lower initial purchase price | Weaker residual values |
Audi A5 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent practicality and boot space | Higher purchase price |
| Refined and comfortable for long journeys | Subject to expensive car road tax |
| Strong predicted resale values | Infotainment can be distracting to use |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.