Audi Q3 Vs Audi Q5 - Side-by-side UK Comparison

Only it’s not quite that simple. The Q5 is spacious and experts report superb on-road handling, but isn’t brilliant when you leave the black stuff, and is a little bland to look at. The Q3 is little more quirky and is a rather more affordable entry into crossover SUV ownership, but reports say is isn’t that exciting to drive. Which one is best? There’s a lot to consider, which is why carwow has put them side-by-side to compare them stat-for-stat to help you make the right choice. Audi isn’t known for designing cars that send pulses racing, and these two are no exception. People tend to appreciate SUVs for their on-road presence more than anything else and Audi already has this covered with the obscenely large Q7, so where exactly do these two fit in? The Q3 is perhaps the better looking of the two - the critics mostly agree it looks stylish enough, and “smart” is a word used often. Facelift models further sharpen the front end, adding some chrome touches and changing the size of the grille slightly.

The Q5 is much more subtle, in fact too subtle for some reviewers, who say it’s not very bold - bland in some cases. There’s no doubting the fact it looks like a premium vehicle, it just doesn’t do it with any kind of fervour - there’s not one feature that’ll make your look linger or even help you remember it afterwards. The Q3 certainly has the better styling of the two, and the facelift freshens it up further, although, for those looking for something truly eye-catching, that might be like comparing beige to magnolia. Audi has a way of enticing people into its cars by providing the best interiors around - places for people to sit that don’t just look good, but are feel good too. The Q3 and the Q5 are no different in this regard - both receive ample praise for their beautifully built cabins and use of soft-touch materials, making them nicer places to be than some cars costing six figures.

Unsurprisingly, where the two cars differ is the space on offer. The Q3 is presently Audi’s smallest crossover (the Q1 is coming but not for a while yet), and testers have noted that rear space may be a little cramped on longer journeys. The boot space isn’t too bad, with 460 litres on offer, expanding to just under 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded - although some may be disappointed that they do not fold completely flat. Still, a low loading lip helps make transportation of larger, heavier objects a little easier. However, if you want a more spacious long-distance cruiser you will want to spend the extra money and get the Q5. Rear legroom is still a little on the tight side, but overall it has been designed with the family in mind, with large cubby-holes and good-sized door pockets. You can opt for a sliding rear bench that’ll help you make a swift choice between boot space and rear seat space, and with all seats accounted for you will have 540 litres of boot space at your disposal. With the seats down, this extends to 1,560 litres, topping the Q5’s Swedish rival, the Volvo XC60.

Those seeking a car with off-road capabilities may want to look elsewhere - neither car is purchased for its ability to depart from the regular road and tackle rougher terrain. Both cars have been noted to suffer from firm rides, especially with the S-Line models, but that’s not to say either car is particularly bad. The Q5 is actually generally praised, firmness aside, because for a car of its size and nature, it handles remarkably like a road car. It feels nimble, according to critics, with precise steering and better-contained body roll than you might expect from a vehicle with its ride height. The rather bonkers SQ5, powered by a demoniacally powerful diesel engine, impresses the most, although you’ll need to part with an awful lot of cash to get one. It has wider tyres, and lower, stiffer suspension than the normal Q5’s set-up but, despite this, the comfort and refinement hasn’t been compromised, and it offers amazing performance on the road. The Q3 doesn’t get quite so many reviewers raving about it, unfortunately. They say it has vague, overly light steering, and while it might not be particularly terrible on the road, it isn’t that fun or memorable.

The fidgety low-speed ride also affects the ride-quality, although this can be alleviated by optional adaptive dampers. Audi is known for its strong petrol and diesel engines, and the Q3 and Q5 have both been given the picks of Audi’s range. The 2.0-litre TFSI engine is rated at 178hp, and this may tempt you away with impressive performance figures, although you’ll be coughing up more than £200 per year in tax. The less powerful 2.0-litre diesel in both cars can save you a little more money on fuel and tax and, with 148hp, it’s still powerful enough to be relaxed on the move, although the improvements in economy aren’t particularly significant. If you want the cheapest possible way into crossover ownership and you must have four rings on your bonnet, you can pick up a Q3 1.4-litre TFSI in SE spec for £23,875. When considering the generous standard equipment levels, this is actually a pretty decent car all-round, and the 1.4-litre engine is a favourite among the experts.