Audi Q2 vs. Audi Q3: Know the difference between them before choosing

Audi offers SUVs in various sizes, and that’s before even considering its coupe-SUV range. At the compact end, you’ll find the Audi Q2 and the Audi Q3, both designed to deliver the premium Audi experience. You get advanced tech, a luxurious interior, and a smooth ride in a smaller, city-friendly package that’s still practical enough for passengers or luggage.

The Audi Q2 is the brand’s entry-level SUV, with the Q3 being slightly larger and more expensive. So, is it worth spending more for the larger Q3, or can the Audi Q2 give you a similar experience for less? Let’s see!

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Contenders

Audi Q2

Audi has 11 stylish and practical models, and here we’re comparing two of the more affordable ones. First is the Audi Q2, which starts at just over £30,000 new and at about £10,000 used, and it’s praised for having one of the best interiors in the small SUV class.

Audi Q3

Then there’s the Audi Q3, a popular choice in the family SUV market, known for offering more space. With the base-model engine, gearbox, and trim, it’s priced at £35,000 when new and £11,000 used.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Specification Comparison

Before we go any further, here’s a quick comparison table with key details for the Audi Q2 and Q3. We’ll cover some of the other categories in more detail next.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Pricing

As mentioned, the Audi Q2 costs less, with prices starting just below £30,000, so it’s more budget-friendly than rivals like the Mercedes GLA. The Audi Q3 isn’t far off; the prices start from around £35,000, similar to the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. In the used market, the price difference is even smaller.

Great news: you can easily finance either car with Carplus, where you’ll find competitive APR rates, fast quotes, and prices that fit your budget. It doesn’t matter if you’re leaning towards the Audi Q2 or Q3 — we’ll make it easy to drive away in either model.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Engines

The Audi Q2 comes with two petrol engine options that deliver 116bhp and 150bhp. Both Audi models can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the 150bhp version also offers a seven-speed automatic.

The Audi Q3 skips the lower-powered petrol and starts with the same 150bhp engine, available in both manual and automatic. It also offers more powerful petrol engines with 190bhp and 245bhp, both of which come with four-wheel drive. For long-distance driving, the Q3 offers two diesel options: a 150bhp front-wheel drive and a 193bhp all-wheel drive. The Audi Q3 TFSI e offers 242bhp by combining a 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Styling

The Audi Q2 and Q3 both have a classic, premium look with Audi’s signature style. They both feature bold grilles, chrome details, and distinctive headlights. However, the Q3 has a larger grille and a more striking design; the Audi Q2 is sportier and more compact.

Another difference is that the Q3’s design is bolder, and the Audi Q2 feels sportier. Both models offer trim options to boost their appearance, such as black alloys with the Black Edition or privacy glass with the S line. If you’re interested in higher trims, buying a used Audi Q2 or Q3 is a great way to get these features at a lower cost.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Interior and technology

Audi Q3

The high interior quality is clear in both the Audi Q2 and Q3. They feature premium materials and well-designed controls. Both models also include advanced infotainment systems, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included as standard from around 2019. Both cars are also equipped with the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster.

Audi Q2

The Audi Q2’s interior feels more chic, with options like ambient lighting, but it uses an older infotainment system. The Audi Q3 feels more modern, especially with its touchscreen controls.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Driving experience

The Audi Q2 features adaptive suspension as standard, which makes for a comfortable drive. The S Line model, with its sportier suspension, lowers the car and makes for a more engaging driving experience, although it does sacrifice some comfort.

The Audi Q3 also offers adaptive suspension and handles well on country roads, so expect a stable and secure ride. The S Line trim is a bit firm for some, but the performance is excellent.

Overall, both models are great options, well-suited for everyday driving, with no need for off-road capabilities.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Practicality and boot space

The Audi Q2 is the company’s smallest SUV, but it still has a comfortable interior. Its back seats are better for smaller passengers, so it’s a good option if you travel with kids. It features a 405-litre boot, which is decent for everyday use.

If you need more room, the Audi Q3 is a major upgrade. It provides 675 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded down (550 litres in a normal configuration) and has a more spacious cabin.

Both models are practical and well-built for daily use. However, their luxury design might mean higher repair costs, although this usually results in fewer repairs over time.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Safety and reliability

Both cars earned five stars in safety tests by Euro NCAP. The Audi Q3 was found to be a bit better at protecting adults in a crash. It also has extra features like rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition, which are standard features, unlike the Audi Q2, which only includes automatic emergency braking.

As for reliability, neither car has major issues. They both come with a three-year warranty: the first two years have no mileage limit, and the last year covers up to 60,000 miles.

Audi Q2 vs. Q3: Running costs

The Audi Q2 offers solid fuel efficiency, with combined figures ranging between 43.5 mpg and 48.7 mpg, depending on the engine and transmission. It’s worth noting that real-world results will vary based on how you drive and how often you charge the vehicle.

As for the petrol-powered Audi Q3 models, they achieve between 32.1 mpg and 44.8 mpg combined. If you choose a diesel Q3, you’ll see slightly better fuel economy. On top of it, you can get the Q3 in a plug-in hybrid version, which reaches an exciting 176.6 mpg, according to official figures. However, once the battery is depleted, this drops to around 45 mpg.

To keep running costs down, opt for one of the lower-powered front-wheel-drive models. If you do a lot of motorway driving, a diesel version will be more economical in the long run.

Who is the Audi Q2 for?

Audi Q2

The Audi Q2 is ideal for town use and young professionals who want a trendy, compact SUV that’s easy to park and drive in urban areas. It’s a great car for those who love a fun, sporty drive and appreciate a touch of luxury. If you’re mostly driving solo or with a partner and don’t need a lot of space, the Audi Q2 is a perfect match.

Who is the Audi Q3 for?

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a great fit for small families or anyone who needs more room for passengers and luggage. It’s comfortable on longer journeys, so those who enjoy weekend getaways or regular road trips will find it a solid choice.

Verdict: Audi Q2 vs. Audi Q3: Which should you buy?

The Audi Q2 and Audi Q3 are both strong contenders in their categories and when compared directly, both are attractive options. The great news is that whether you choose the Audi Q2 or Q3, you’re getting a fantastic car. Both are easy to drive, elegant, practical and come with the latest tech. The main difference is in how much space you get.

If you don’t use the rear seats often, the Audi Q2 is a great choice. It offers a more exciting drive and a luxurious cabin and can save you a lot of money. But if you regularly carry passengers in the back and prefer a more comfortable ride, the Q3 might be a better fit. It’s also a bit smoother on long trips.

The decision is yours!