Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5: Which is the Right Audi SUV for You?

SUVs continue to be ultra popular with new and used car buyers in the UK. It comes as no surprise, given their enhanced practicality, higher driving position, brawny looks, and the fact that there are so many to choose from. You are certainly not lacking for choice.

This means that your SUV has to tick every box and then some to stand out for the right reasons. Luckily, Audi knows a thing or two about making quality, refined, and attractive cars, and its SUVs follow suit.

But out of Audi's Q3 and Q5 offerings, is it just a case of bigger is better, or is there more to it?

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

The Audi Q3 (pictured above) has been available since 2011, and is now in its second generation, which first appeared in 2018. The larger Audi Q5 has been around a little longer, first seen in 2008, and is now in its third generation, which came along in late 2024.

To most, both the Q3 and Q5 may look similar, but look a little deeper and you will notice the Q5 showcases an even sleeker look, with a darker four-ring Audi logo sitting on the front grille - as part of the latest design language, whilst the older Q3 features the typical 3D chrome Audi rings.

Of course, you can get darker grille details if you opt for the Black Edition Q3, but side by side, you can see the Q5 features more sleeker overall style, and you can also tell both cars come from the same bloodline.

Versions and Performance

Both the Audi Q3 and Audi Q5 (picutred above in multiple trims and body styles) come in two body styles - the regular SUV and a Sportback, which uses a more coupé-like SUV profile. Naturally, each car gets multiple engine choices with both petrol and diesel engines, complemented with either front or Quattro all-wheel drive. There are also manual and automatic transmissions.

Q3 engines offer 148bhp with a manual transmission, which takes 9.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph. The same engine with an S-Tronic automatic takes 9.1 seconds, whilst the diesel takes 9.3 seconds. There is a more potent 187bhp engine, again available in petrol and diesel, but with an auto only. It takes 7.3 and 7.6 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, respectively. Wrapping up the engines for the Q3 is the black edition with 242bhp via an automatic petrol, it takes just 5.8 seconds to get from 0 to 62mph.

Q5 engine choice is a little simpler, with a 201bhp petrol and diesel via an automatic S-Tronic transmission. 0 to 62mph takes 7.2 or 7.4 seconds respectively.

But fear not if you want typical Audi S or RS performance, as the Q3 offers an RS 3 with 444bhp, with an automatic transmission and Quattro as standard. 0 to 62mph takes just 4.5 seconds.

Interestingly, the Q5 also has a more dynamic version, but it is just an SQ5, with 362bhp via its petrol engine. However, it also takes just 4.5 seconds to get from 0 to 62mph thanks to an automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Interior and Technology

Audi interiors have showcased class and quality for generations, and ever since they introduced their virtual cockpits back in 2014, the digital vibe they offer is one of the best out there in terms of looks and feel.

If you want the latest vibe from an Audi digital interior, the Q5 pictured above is as cutting-edge as you can get. It uses the now seemingly 'iPad-like' digital instrument cluster and infotainment set-up, while the older Q3 keeps them separate. The instrument cluster is still housed in a traditional cove within the dashboard when opting for the Q3.

As for technology, modern Audi models like this duo offer lots of state-of-the-art technology. Take the Q3 for example, and the entry-level Sport trim, you will still get LED lights, rear-parking sensors, lane departure warning, voice control, Audi Pre-sense and even camera-based traffic sign recognition. Move up to S Line and you get even more goodies.

In terms of the Q5, there is also impressive technology, which you see more of the higher trim level you opt for. The passenger screen, as seen above, is available on the Edition 1 model and allows front seat passengers infotainment control, which could be a good thing, or equally a bad thing, depending on who you have in the front passenger seat, perhaps.

Practicality

Naturally, with any SUV, you want enhanced practicality, and with the Audi Q3 and Audi Q5, you certainly get that.

The Q5 (picutred above) is the bigger vehicle, which is unsurprising given its larger number. There is plenty of interior space to get comfortable with relative ease, and even in the Sportback version, the swooping roofline should not be a problem unless, of course, you are a taller passenger. Even then, it does not intrude too much at all.

The Q3 is the same vibe, just condensed slightly from its bigger sibling. But, surprisingly, the Q3 has a bigger boot. Yes, with 530 litres of boot space, the Q3 offers masses of boot space, and it does not lose any space in the Sportback version, either. But, in the new Q5, boot space is slightly less at 520 litres, or 515 litres for the Sportback.

1,525 litres is available in the Q3 when you fold the rear seats flat, again, this is larger than the 'bigger' Q5, which can only offer up to 1,473 litres.

So, if you want interior space, then the Q5 is the one to go for; however, if boot space is more important, then the Q3 is the one to go for, if a little surprising in this instance.

Value and Final Thoughts

As with many comparisons, you would think the bigger car would naturally offer more space and more punch, as it tends to be the case. However, when it is the Audi Q3 and Audi Q5, it is not as straightforward as first thought.

Yes, the Q5 is bigger in profile, but the Q3 offers more boot space. The Q3 also offers the sportier and more dynamic model in the form of the RS Q3 (pictured above in various body styles and versions), so if you are after a practical SUV that also offers that typical Audi RS performance, it is seemingly the no-brainer in this instance.

Yes, the Q5 is newer and features an arguably more sophisticated and polished appearance, along with a typical digital vibe with the interior, which many cars all feature now, with their large panoramic screens, which are very iPad-like. This may make the Q3 feel older if you test them back to back, but when driven independently, there is not much in it in terms of overall feel, which, because they are both Audis, is very good.

In terms of sheer affordability, the Q3 is less expensive than the newer Q5. If you are very much a fan of the lastest technology and models, then the Q5 is the one to go for, but if you want a bargain in comparison, the Q3 offers a little more luggage space, sportier model line-up and can be had with a considerable saving when compared to its 'bigger' sibling.

Find your perfect used Audi at Stratstone

Whether you are after a used Audi Q3 or used Audi Q5 or perhaps you would like to check out others used cars from other manufacturers, Stratstone has a comprehensive selection of new and used car offers for you to browse online. We also have brand-new Audi offers, too.

Alternatively, why not visit your preferred Stratstone Audi retailer for a closer look, or if you enjoyed this article, why not check out more via our dedicated blog section?