2025 Audi Q3 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 lies in performance, with the CX-90 delivering an extra 52 horsepower (280 hp vs. 228 hp) and 81 lb-ft more torque (332 lb-ft vs. 251 lb-ft). Despite the power deficit, the smaller Audi Q3 (176.6 inches long) maintains a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the CX-90's 25 MPG combined (note: the provided data states 23 MPG combined for the Q3 and 25 MPG combined for the CX-90, correcting the summary to reflect the provided input data: CX-90 achieves 25 MPG combined, Q3 achieves 23 MPG combined). The CX-90 also offers substantially more vehicle presence, being 24.2 inches longer and 5.7 inches wider. Conversely, the Q3 provides superior dedicated cargo volume at 23.7 cubic feet versus the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet. Pricing is comparable, with the CX-90 starting at $38,045 and the Q3 at $39,800.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Audi Q3 is the better choice for commuters due to its more compact 176.6-inch length, making city navigation and parking easier.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The significantly larger 2025 Mazda CX-90, with its 200.8-inch length and greater overall volume, is inherently more suited for family needs despite having less dedicated cargo space than Car 1.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 overwhelmingly wins for performance metrics, offering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Audi Q3's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft.
2025 Mazda CX-90
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offers 52 more horsepower and better combined fuel economy (25 MPG vs. 23 MPG) for a lower starting MSRP of $38,045.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- Your primary concern is maximizing the primary cargo area, as the Q3 offers 23.7 cubic feet versus the CX-90's 14.9 cubic feet.
- You prefer the nimbleness of a shorter vehicle, given the Q3's length is only 176.6 inches.
- You are comfortable with the slightly higher starting MSRP of $39,800 for the Audi badge.
Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...
- Maximum performance is essential, as the CX-90 delivers 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a larger exterior footprint, as the CX-90 is over 24 inches longer than the Q3.
- You prioritize achieving the superior combined fuel economy of 25 MPG while paying less upfront at $38,045.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Mazda CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 200.8" |
| Width | 72.8" | 78.5" |
| Height | 62.9" | 68.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 122.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 3.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 280 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/28 MPG | 24/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.0/445.2 mi. | 444.0/518.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 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 | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | 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 | — | 56.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 39.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.5 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 265/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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-90.
Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency for city driving?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 provides a marginally better city fuel economy rating at 24 MPG compared to the 2025 Audi Q3's 20 MPG in urban settings. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel.
What is the primary trade-off between the superior power of the CX-90 and the Audi Q3's cargo space?
The CX-90 offers 52 more horsepower but sacrifices a significant amount of dedicated cargo space, yielding 14.9 cu ft versus the Q3's 23.7 cu ft in the rear.
Are both vehicles equipped with the same type of transmission and drivetrain?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with all-wheel drive.
How significant is the price difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 starts at $38,045, making it $1,755 cheaper than the 2025 Audi Q3, which begins at $39,800.
Which vehicle is physically larger in overall dimensions?
The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is substantially larger across all dimensions, measuring 200.8 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 68.2 inches tall, compared to the Q3's measurements.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
No, based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.
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