Thinking of buying a luxury crossover? We pit the Audi Q3 against the Mazda CX-50, exploring their design, features, performance, and safety to help you choose the best fit for you.
Design and Features
The Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are two compact luxury crossovers that have captured the hearts of many car enthusiasts. But what sets them apart in terms of design and features? Let’s dive in and explore the exterior dimensions and styling, interior space and comfort, and infotainment and technology of these two models.
Exterior Dimensions and Styling
When it comes to exterior dimensions, both the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are compact and agile, making them perfect for city dwellers. The Audi Q3 measures 172.8 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and 62.9 inches in height, while the Mazda CX-50 measures 173.7 inches in length, 72.6 inches in width, and 63.5 inches in height. However, the Mazda CX-50 has a slightly longer wheelbase, which translates to more interior space.
In terms of styling, both models boast sleek and modern designs that are sure to turn heads on the road. The Audi Q3 features a bold front grille, sloping roofline, and angular lines that give it a sporty and aggressive look. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, has a more subtle approach, with a wider grille, curved lines, and a sloping roofline that gives it a more sophisticated and refined look.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space and comfort, both models offer ample room for passengers and cargo. The Audi Q3 has a total passenger space of 99.8 cubic feet, with 39.5 inches of legroom in the front and 36.1 inches in the rear. The Mazda CX-50 has a slightly larger passenger space of 101.7 cubic feet, with 41.7 inches of legroom in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear.
In terms of comfort, both models feature premium materials, comfortable seating, and advanced features like dual-zone climate control and heated seats. However, the Audi Q3 takes it to the next level with its optional virtual cockpit, which features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display navigation, audio, and other information.
Infotainment and Technology
When it comes to infotainment and technology, both models are equipped with advanced features that will keep you connected and entertained on the go. The Audi Q3 features an 8.8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 8.6-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.
However, the Audi Q3 takes it to the next level with its optional MMI Navigation plus system, which features a faster processor, higher-resolution display, and advanced voice control. Additionally, the Q3 also offers a semi-autonomous driving system, which uses cameras and sensors to assist with steering, acceleration, and braking.
Performance and Handling
The heartbeat of any car lies in its performance and handling, and the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are no exceptions. These crossovers are designed to provide a thrilling drive while ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. But what makes them tick? Let’s dive into the details.
Engine Options and Power Output
The Audi Q3 offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a more potent 3.2-liter V6 engine churning out 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. These engines provide ample power to tackle various driving scenarios, from cruising on the highway to navigating twisty mountain roads.
Transmission and Drive Modes
Both crossovers feature advanced transmissions that work in harmony with their engines to provide seamless power delivery. The Audi Q3 boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode, while the Mazda CX-50 comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual shift mode and paddle shifters. Moreover, both vehicles offer various drive modes, such as Comfort, Sport, and Eco modes, which allow drivers to tailor their driving experience to suit their preferences. For instance, the Sport mode in the Audi Q3 firms up the suspension and sharpens throttle response, making it an ideal setting for spirited driving.
Suspension and Steering
The suspension and steering systems of the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are tuned to provide a balance of comfort and agility. Both crossovers feature independent suspension systems that absorb bumps and irregularities, ensuring a smooth ride. The Audi Q3’s available adaptive damping system enables real-time adjustments to the suspension, allowing the vehicle to adapt to different driving conditions. The Mazda CX-50’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system, on the other hand, subtly adjusts engine torque to improve cornering stability and reduce body roll. The precise steering systems of both vehicles provide excellent feedback, making them a joy to drive on winding roads.
Safety and Reliability
When it comes to safety, the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are designed to provide drivers and passengers with peace of mind. But how do they stack up in terms of crash test ratings, safety features, reliability, and maintenance costs?
Crash Test Ratings and Safety Features
Both the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 have impressive crash test ratings from reputable organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Audi Q3 has a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Mazda CX-50 has a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
In terms of safety features, both vehicles are equipped with a suite of advanced technologies designed to prevent accidents and minimize damage. These include features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Audi Q3 also offers a 360-degree camera system, which provides a birds-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and low-speed maneuvering easier and safer.
Reliability and Warranty Comparison
When it comes to reliability, both the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 have solid reputations. According to reliability and satisfaction surveys from organizations like J.D. Power, the Audi Q3 ranks high in terms of overall reliability, with many owners reporting few mechanical issues. The Mazda CX-50 is also reliable, with some owners reporting higher-than-average reliability ratings.
In terms of warranty, the Audi Q3 offers a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, as well as a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Mazda CX-50 offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. While the Mazda CX-50’s basic warranty is shorter, its powertrain warranty offers more protection over a longer period.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
When it comes to maintenance and repair costs, the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are relatively similar. According to data from repair and maintenance cost estimating tools, the Audi Q3 has an average annual maintenance cost of around $1,100, while the Mazda CX-50 has an average annual maintenance cost of around $950.
However, when it comes to repair costs, the Audi Q3 tends to be more expensive. According to repair cost data, the average cost of a repair for an Audi Q3 is around $640, compared to around $540 for the Mazda CX-50. This is likely due to the Audi Q3’s more complex engine and transmission systems, which can be more expensive to repair.
Interior and Cargo Space
The interior of a car is where you’ll spend most of your time, so it’s essential to get it right. In this section, we’ll dive into the passenger room and comfort, cargo capacity and configuration, and interior materials and build quality of the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50.
Passenger Room and Comfort
When it comes to passenger room and comfort, both the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 have their strengths and weaknesses. The Q3 offers ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats, making it an excellent choice for taller passengers. The rear seats also fold flat, providing a spacious cargo area when needed. On the other hand, the CX-50 has a slightly more cramped rear seat, but it makes up for it with its luxurious feel and premium materials.
However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, the Audi Q3 might be the better choice. Its seats are designed to provide excellent support and comfort, even on long road trips. The CX-50, on the other hand, has a more sport-oriented suspension, which can make for a bumpier ride.
Cargo Capacity and Configuration
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are evenly matched. Both offer around 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other items. However, the Q3 has a slight edge when it comes to maximum cargo capacity, with a total of around 48 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
In terms of configuration, both vehicles offer a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, making it easy to accommodate passengers and cargo. The CX-50 also has a clever cargo floor that can be raised or lowered to create a flat surface, making it easier to load and unload items.
Interior Materials and Build Quality
When it comes to interior materials and build quality, both the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are well-appointed, but in different ways. The Q3 has a more traditional luxury feel, with premium materials and attention to detail throughout the cabin. The CX-50, on the other hand, has a more modern and sleek design, with a focus on minimalist chic.
However, if you’re looking for a more premium feel, the Audi Q3 might be the better choice. Its interior is designed to provide a sense of comfort and sophistication, with premium materials and attention to detail throughout. The CX-50, on the other hand, has a more functional design, with a focus on usability and functionality.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
When it comes to fuel economy and running costs, the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 are two SUVs that have a lot to offer. Whether you’re a city dweller or an adventure-seeker, understanding the fuel efficiency, insurance costs, and depreciation value of these vehicles is crucial in making an informed purchasing decision.
MPG and Fuel Efficiency
So, how do the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50 fare when it comes to fuel efficiency? The Audi Q3’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers an estimated 23 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, boasts an estimated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with its 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. While the differences in fuel efficiency may seem marginal, they can add up over time, especially for frequent road trippers or daily commuters.
Insurance and Ownership Costs
But fuel efficiency is just one piece of the puzzle. Insurance costs, maintenance, and repairs are all essential considerations when calculating the overall running costs of a vehicle. According to data from various insurance providers, the Audi Q3 tends to have slightly higher insurance premiums than the Mazda CX-50, mainly due to its higher purchase price and advanced safety features. However, both vehicles boast excellent safety ratings, which can help offset some of the insurance costs. As for maintenance and repairs, both models have a reputation for being relatively low-cost, with the Audi Q3’s more extensive warranty coverage providing added peace of mind.
Depreciation and Resale Value
Finally, let’s talk about depreciation and resale value. A vehicle’s depreciation rate can have a significant impact on its overall cost of ownership, especially if you plan to sell or trade-in your vehicle in the future. According to industry reports, the Audi Q3 tends to hold its value slightly better than the Mazda CX-50, retaining around 55% of its original price after three years, compared to the CX-50’s 50%. While this may not seem like a huge difference, it can translate to thousands of dollars in savings over the long run. So, if resale value is a top priority for you, the Audi Q3 might be the better bet.
Trim Levels and Pricing
When it comes to choosing the right trim level for your next vehicle, the options can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll dive into the trim levels and pricing for the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-50, helping you make an informed decision that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Audi Q3 Trim Options and Features
The Audi Q3 offers three trim levels: the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Each trim level offers a unique set of features that cater to different needs and preferences.
The entry-level Premium trim comes with a generous list of standard features, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch infotainment display, and a panoramic sunroof. You’ll also get a robust turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The Premium Plus trim adds some luxurious touches, including heated front seats, a power tailgate, and a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display. You’ll also get a more advanced infotainment system with satellite navigation and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
The top-of-the-line Prestige trim takes things to the next level with features like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and a heads-up display. You’ll also get a more luxurious interior with premium leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof.
Mazda CX-50 Trim Options and Features
The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, offers five trim levels: the Base, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Turbo. Each trim level offers a unique set of features that cater to different needs and preferences.
The entry-level Base trim comes with a solid list of standard features, including a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. You’ll also get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
The Select trim adds some convenient features like a power liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a more advanced infotainment system with satellite navigation. The Preferred trim takes things up a notch with features like heated front seats, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, and a moonroof.
The Premium trim offers more luxury features like a 360-degree camera system, a heads-up display, and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system. The top-of-the-line Turbo trim gets a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing Comparison and Value Analysis
So, which trim level offers the best value? Let’s take a closer look at the pricing for each model.
The Audi Q3 starts at around $35,000 for the Premium trim, while the top-of-the-line Prestige trim starts at around $43,000. The Mazda CX-50 starts at around $26,000 for the Base trim, while the top-of-the-line Turbo trim starts at around $37,000.
When it comes to value, both models offer a compelling package. However, the Audi Q3 tends to offer more premium features at each trim level, making it a better choice for those who want a more luxurious ride. On the other hand, the Mazda CX-50 offers more affordable pricing across the board, making it a better choice for those on a budget.
Ultimately, the choice between these two models will depend on your personal preferences and budget. But with our detailed breakdown of each trim level and pricing, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that meets your needs.