Choosing between two cars from the same manufacturer can often be more challenging than comparing rivals from different brands, and that's certainly the case when considering the Audi Q3 and Q5. Both offer the German brand's signature blend of build quality, technology, and understated styling. However, they occupy different segments of the market, with the Q3 targeting buyers seeking a compact premium SUV whilst the Q5 appeals to those requiring a larger family-focused vehicle.
The Q3, which entered its second generation in 2018, has established itself as a solid competitor in the increasingly crowded small SUV market, facing off against rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Meanwhile, the Q5 represents Audi's third-generation attempt at the larger premium SUV segment, where it competes with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Both models offer various engine options and trim levels, but they differ significantly in size, practicality, and price, making the choice between them largely dependent on your specific needs and budget.
Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5
Practicality
The Q5 has a clear advantage when it comes to interior space and practicality, which is hardly surprising given its larger dimensions (and higher price). The Q5 benefits from a longer wheelbase that creates significantly more interior space, with even taller passengers finding comfort in the outer rear seats. The rear seats also recline in three different positions, and in S line models and above they can slide forwards and backwards in a 60:40 split, allowing you to trade legroom for additional boot space. The middle seat is narrower with a large transmission tunnel that robs foot space, but overall passenger accommodation is notably superior to the Q3.
The Q3 still offers excellent space for its size, with good headroom even for taller rear-seat passengers and decent legroom, though not quite matching the Volvo XC40 in this regard. However, the Q3's rear seats do also slide back and forward to offer more space when needed, and they fold flat individually to house larger items. The Q3 Sportback variant compromises on practicality, with tighter rear headroom due to its rakish roof and a smaller boot - the price you pay for its more stylish appearance.
Surprisingly, boot capacity actually favours the smaller Q3, which offers 530 litres compared to the Q5's 520 litres (515 litres for the Sportback variant). The Q5's boot features a flat load lip and additional storage under the boot floor, with seat backs that fold in a 40:20:40 split and go nearly flat to create 1,415 litres of space (1,473 litres for the Q5 Sportback). Overall interior storage is more generous in the Q5, with a large glovebox, big cubby under the centre armrest, two cupholders, large door bins, and wireless phone charging. The Q5 also offers superior driving position comfort with excellent visibility in all directions.
Driving Impressions
Both the Q3 and Q5 offer competent rather than exciting driving experiences, with the exact character depending on your chosen specification. The Q3's entry-level models feature suspension that rides well, though not quite as smoothly as a Range Rover Evoque, while S line models get stiffer sport suspension that improves cornering but transmits more road imperfections to the cabin, particularly with larger alloy wheels. The top-end Vorsprung models benefit from sophisticated adaptive suspension that can be adjusted for comfort or sportiness, representing the pick of the Q3 range for ride quality. The Q3 Sportback aims for a sportier driving experience to match its styling, with sport or adaptive suspension depending on the model, though it still doesn't match the involvement of a Seat Ateca.
The Q5's driving experience is more polished and refined, particularly when equipped with the optional air suspension. The ride quality is cosseting yet well-controlled, even on 20-inch wheels, and noise levels from tyres, wind, and engine are excellently managed, making it superb for long-distance motorway cruising. While a BMW X3 feels more responsive through corners, the Q5 isn't poor in this regard, offering nicely weighted steering and abundant grip. The driver assistance systems are well-tuned and rarely intrusive, adding to the overall sense of refinement.
Engine-wise, the Q3 offers a broader range of options. The petrol lineup includes the 35 TFSI with a 1.5-litre turbo producing 148bhp, which provides excellent low-down punch and suits most buyers' needs. The 40 TFSI offers 187bhp, whilst the 45 TFSI delivers 228bhp, with both requiring all-wheel drive. Diesel options include the 35 TDI with 148bhp and the automatic 40 TDI with 187bhp, both offering impressive low-rev pull and improved fuel economy. The Q5 simplifies things with 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines, both producing 201bhp and featuring 48-volt mild hybrid systems. The petrol manages 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, whilst the diesel takes 7.4 seconds, with the range-topping SQ5 offering 362bhp and a 4.5-second sprint time.
Overall the Q5 has a slight edge in refinement and comfort, but both are good to drive.
Technology and Equipment
Both models showcase Audi's commitment to premium interiors, though with some differences in execution. The Q3 features a high-quality cockpit that feels 95% premium and solid to the touch, though a few cheaper-feeling plastics slightly let the side down. All models come with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital display replacing traditional dials, with larger displays on higher-end cars. The touchscreen infotainment system includes Amazon Alexa and looks impressive, though it's not quite as user-friendly on the move as BMW's dial-based iDrive system. The Q3's trim levels start with Sport, which comes well-equipped with LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels, progressing through S line, Edition 1, and Vorsprung trims.
The Q5 presents a more sophisticated technological package, though it's not without its complications. The interior materials and build quality might not be quite impeccable, but the overall effect is notably glitzy (if you like big screens). The central infotainment touchscreen controls most functions, including heating (unfortunately), whilst offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 11.9-inch digital display behind the steering wheel sits behind the same curved glass panel as the main screen, creating a cohesive look. However, both screens can be confusing to navigate, with even simple tasks like adjusting fan speed requiring you to take your eyes off the road.
Standard equipment levels favour the Q5, which starts with Sport trim including heated sports seats, three-zone climate control, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, and parking sensors with reversing camera. S line trim adds electric seat and steering wheel adjustment, sportier styling, sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, and sliding rear seats. The top Edition 1 trim includes digital key functionality, an additional 10.9-inch passenger display, 21-inch wheels, and Matrix LED headlights. The Q3's equipment levels are generous but not quite as comprehensive as the Q5's offerings.
The Q5 just about has the edge here, with more standard equipment and a more sophisticated (if complex) technology package, though both models offer impressive tech credentials for their respective segments.
Running Costs
The Q3 and Q5 occupy very different price points, with the Q3 starting at a more accessible level whilst the Q5 begins at around £50,000. The Q3 is similarly priced to the BMW X1 and cheaper than the Range Rover Evoque. Q3 Sportback models command a premium over the standard car, whilst the Q5 Sportback adds £2,500 to the standard model's price.
Fuel economy varies significantly across both ranges. The Q3's 35 TFSI engine officially achieves up to 42.2mpg, with real-world figures likely in the mid-to-high 30s mpg range. More powerful Q3 engines with all-wheel drive see economy drop considerably, with the 45 TFSI struggling to achieve high 20s mpg. The Q5's fuel consumption is respectable for its size, with the petrol version achieving 37-40mpg officially and the diesel managing 44-47mpg in WLTP tests. The Q5 also offers a plug-in hybrid e-hybrid variant with around 60 miles of electric range, which could be very economical for those able to charge at home regularly.
Company car drivers face different considerations with each model. The Q3 lacks a plug-in hybrid option, which would offer lower Benefit-in-Kind tax rates, making the 35 TFSI the best choice for business users due to its lower CO2 emissions compared to diesel variants. The Q5's higher purchase price means it attracts luxury car tax, adding hundreds of pounds annually between years two and six (the same will apply to any version of the Q3 costing more than £40,000).
In short, the Q3 offers more accessible running costs overall, although the Q5's higher purchase price should be somewhat offset by stronger residual values.
Verdict
The choice between the Q3 and Q5 largely comes down to your specific needs and budget. The Q3 represents a well-made, quietly stylish, practical small SUV that offers Audi's premium badge appeal with a selection of engines to suit different requirements. It sits in an increasingly competitive market segment but holds its own against rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The lack of a plug-in hybrid option in this generation may deter some buyers, but this is being added in 2025.
The Q5, meanwhile, delivers exactly what you'd expect from a premium family SUV - predictably good practicality, smart styling, and polished driving dynamics. It's more expensive than the Q3 but justifies this with more passenger space, superior refinement, and a more comprehensive equipment list. The latest generation benefits from the latest technology, though the complex infotainment system can be distracting to use.
For buyers seeking an accessible entry point into premium SUV ownership with lower running costs, the Q3 makes considerable sense, particularly in 35 TFSI form. However, if you need maximum practicality, superior refinement, and don't mind paying extra for these benefits, the Q5 represents the more complete package.