2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$39,800 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference lies in the power output, with the 2026 Mazda CX-70 generating 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the 2025 Audi Q3's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. This power disparity is reflected in a higher MSRP for the Mazda, costing $42,250 compared to the Audi's $39,800. Despite the size difference—the CX-70 is 200.8 inches long versus the Q3's 176.6 inches—the Mazda achieves slightly better efficiency, delivering a combined 25 MPG compared to the Q3's 23 MPG, though both share 28 MPG on the highway. Furthermore, cargo capacity is a major differentiator; the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft, vastly surpassing the Q3's 23.7 cu ft of storage space. Both utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 offers a slightly lower curb presence and a negligible 2 MPG deficit in city driving (20 vs 24), making it marginally easier to navigate urban cores.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 provides substantially more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Q3's 23.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 dominates in performance metrics, boasting 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, a significant advantage over the Q3's 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 achieves a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $39,800, undercutting the CX-70's $42,250 price point.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

Budget is the primary constraint, as the Audi Q3 starts $2,450 less at $39,800.
Maneuverability and parking in tight city spaces are priorities due to its shorter 176.6-inch length.
Fuel economy remains critical despite a small difference, with the Q3 delivering 28 MPG highway versus the CX-70's identical highway rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum cargo capacity is required, as the CX-70 offers 39.6 cu ft versus the Q3's 23.7 cu ft.
Performance is highly desired, given the CX-70's 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque output.
A larger vehicle footprint is acceptable, as the CX-70 measures 200.8 inches long and 68.2 inches high.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Mazda CX-70
Length	176.6"	200.8"
Width	72.8"	-
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	—	✓
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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 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)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
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	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	56.2 in.
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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.
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	275/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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 2026 Mazda CX-70.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient overall?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 edges out the Audi Q3 in overall fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Q3's 23 MPG combined. Both vehicles achieve an identical 28 MPG rating on the highway cycle, and both use regular unleaded fuel.

How do the dimensions impact daily use between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 is significantly larger, measuring 200.8 inches long and 68.2 inches high, compared to the Audi Q3's 176.6 inches length and 62.9 inches height. This extra size in the Mazda directly translates to 15.9 cubic feet more cargo volume.

Is the higher cost of the Mazda CX-70 justified by the power difference?

The Mazda CX-70 costs $2,450 more ($42,250 vs $39,800) and delivers 52 more horsepower (280 hp vs 228 hp) and 81 more lb-ft of torque (332 vs 251). Enthusiasts valuing straight-line acceleration will find this justified by the superior output figures.

Do these vehicles have the same type of drivetrain?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How much space difference is there for loading cargo?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 offers a substantially larger storage area at 39.6 cu ft. The 2025 Audi Q3 trails significantly with only 23.7 cu ft of cargo capacity available behind the rear seats.

What is the difference in city MPG ratings?

The Mazda CX-70 provides better city efficiency at 24 MPG, while the Audi Q3 is rated slightly lower at 20 MPG in city driving conditions. This 4 MPG difference in stop-and-go traffic could impact daily commuter running costs.