2025 Audi Q3 vs 2025 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Stuck between wanting luxury entry and needing practicality on a budget? That’s the core conflict when pitting the 2025 Audi Q3 against the 2025 Mazda CX-50. The Audi commands a steep $39,800 MSRP compared to the Mazda’s accessible $30,500 price tag—a significant $9,300 difference. While the Q3 offers a peppier drive with 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, the CX-50 counters with superior efficiency, delivering 28 combined MPG versus the Audi's 23 combined MPG. The Mazda also boasts a much larger trunk, offering 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Q3’s 23.7 cubic feet. If outright power is less crucial than saving money and hauling more gear, the Mazda pulls ahead significantly, even though both offer standard All-Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 combined MPG, offering better fuel savings over daily driving compared to the Audi Q3's 23 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-50
Families will prefer the CX-50 because it offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Q3's 23.7 cubic feet.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque compared to the CX-50's lower figures.
2025 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 clearly delivers better value by offering greater size and fuel economy while costing $9,300 less than the Audi Q3.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- You prioritize brand prestige and interior refinement associated with the Audi nameplate.
- You desire more responsive acceleration thanks to the 228 hp engine.
- You prefer the slightly more compact dimensions (176.6 inches long) for easier city parking.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Saving money is a top priority, given the $30,500 MSRP compared to the Q3's $39,800.
- You frequently haul larger items, utilizing the substantial 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want to spend less time at the pump, capitalizing on the 5 MPG advantage in combined efficiency.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 185.8" |
| Width | 72.8" | 75.6" |
| Height | 62.9" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/28 MPG | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.0/445.2 mi. | 397.5/492.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.1 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2025 Mazda CX-50.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Audi Q3 than the Mazda CX-50?
The Audi Q3 starts with an MSRP of $39,800, which is exactly $9,300 more than the 2025 Mazda CX-50's starting price of $30,500. This significant gap highlights the difference in their positioning as entry-level luxury versus mainstream utility.
Which crossover has better fuel economy for highway driving?
The Mazda CX-50 leads in efficiency, rated for 31 MPG highway compared to the Audi Q3's 28 MPG highway rating. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the Mazda's overall combined 28 MPG beats the Audi's 23 MPG.
If I need maximum space, which car should I choose?
The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 31.4 cubic feet in the rear cargo area. The Audi Q3 is noticeably smaller, providing only 23.7 cubic feet behind the second row.
Does the Audi Q3 offer significantly more power than the CX-50?
Yes, the Audi Q3 provides a distinct performance edge, generating 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda CX-50 is less powerful at 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
Are the dimensions very different between these two AWD crossovers?
The Mazda CX-50 is noticeably larger overall, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Q3's 176.6 inches. Both vehicles offer standard All-Wheel Drive, but the Mazda is wider and slightly taller as well.
What kind of transmissions do these vehicles use?
Both models use shiftable automatic transmissions, but they differ in the number of gears. The Audi Q3 utilizes an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Mazda CX-50 comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic.
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