2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Mazda CX-90

$39,800 · Crossover

$38,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the compact luxury feel of the 2025 Audi Q3 and the larger, more potent 2026 Mazda CX-90 can be tough. If you prioritize premium badge appeal and maneuverability, the Audi starts at $39,800 with 228 hp. However, the Mazda immediately jumps ahead on raw power, offering a substantial 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque while boasting a lower starting MSRP of $38,800. Size is a major factor: the CX-90 is significantly longer at 200.8 inches compared to the Q3's 176.6 inches, which impacts both interior space and city parking. While the Mazda is slightly more fuel-efficient overall at 25 MPG combined versus the Audi's 23 MPG combined, the Q3 sacrifices rear space, showing only 23.7 cu ft of cargo capacity against the CX-90’s 14.9 cu ft, indicating the Mazda’s third row severely limits utility when in use. Both use regular unleaded fuel and standard AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3's smaller 176.6-inch length makes it inherently easier to maneuver and park in dense urban commuting environments.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-90

Despite the smaller quoted cargo capacity of 14.9 cu ft when the third row is up, the Mazda CX-90 is physically the larger vehicle (200.8 inches long) suggesting superior passenger accommodations.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-90

The 2026 Mazda CX-90 clearly wins on performance with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the Audi's 228 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-90

The Mazda CX-90 offers considerably more horsepower (280 hp vs 228 hp) and torque for a lower initial MSRP of $38,800.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

You must have a slightly better city fuel economy rating of 20 MPG versus the CX-90's 23 MPG, even though the combined MPG is lower.
You strongly prefer the smaller, more nimble footprint of a vehicle that is only 176.6 inches long.
Brand prestige and luxury entry-level finishing are primary considerations for your daily drive.

Choose the Mazda CX-90 if...

You need the greater straight-line performance delivered by the 280 hp engine, representing a 52 hp advantage.
You can use the extra interior volume provided by the significantly larger exterior dimensions (200.8 inches long).
Getting nearly 50% more torque (332 lb-ft vs 251 lb-ft) for a lower starting price of $38,800 is important.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Mazda CX-90
Length	176.6"	200.8"
Width	72.8"	78.5"
Height	62.9"	68.3"
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	23/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	425.5/518.0 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 2026 Mazda CX-90.

How does the fuel requirement differ between the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Mazda CX-90?

This comparison is easy: both vehicles specify that they run happily on regular unleaded fuel. This means neither car requires the more expensive premium gasoline for optimal performance, which helps control long-term running costs.

Is the Audi Q3 more fuel-efficient than the Mazda CX-90 for commuting?

The Mazda CX-90 technically has better overall efficiency with a combined rating of 25 MPG compared to the Audi Q3's 23 MPG. However, the Q3 delivers identical 28 MPG on the highway, but loses ground in the city at 20 MPG versus the Mazda's 23 MPG city rating.

If I often haul gear, which crossover provides more usable space?

The specs provided actually suggest the Audi Q3 has a larger primary cargo volume at 23.7 cu ft versus the Mazda CX-90's 14.9 cu ft. This metric is critical if you use the vehicle without the third row folded down, meaning the Q3 is better for small trips.

What is the real-world difference in size that might affect parking?

The size gap is substantial; the 2026 Mazda CX-90 is 200.8 inches long, making it almost 24 inches longer than the maneuverable 2025 Audi Q3, which measures 176.6 inches.

Does the higher horsepower in the Mazda translate to a better transmission?

No, the transmission setup is identical; both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Mazda CX-90 utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The performance difference comes solely from the engine tuning and output figures.

How much more money do I spend upfront for the Q3's smaller size?

The 2025 Audi Q3 carries a starting MSRP of $39,800, which is exactly $1,000 more than the 2026 Mazda CX-90's starting price of $38,800, despite offering significantly less horsepower.