Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-05 · Specs from the manufacturers and fueleconomy.gov · Prices paid from CarWhere verified deals
The short answer
The 2027 Q3 starts at $44,400 and the Q5 at $53,300, both with standard quattro AWD. The Q5 is 7.3 in longer, makes 268 hp versus 255, has more cargo room (27.6 vs 25.0 cu ft behind the rear seat, 56.9 vs 50.0 max) and tows 4,400 lb versus 1,500.
Key differences
- The Audi Q3 starts $8,900 lower (base MSRP $44,400 vs $53,300, before destination).
- The Q5 is 7.3 in longer (178.4 vs 185.7 in).
- Max cargo: 49.95 cu ft (Audi Q3) vs 56.9 cu ft (Q5).
- The Q5 tows up to 4,400 lb, 2,900 lb more.
- Most powerful version: 255 hp (Audi Q3) vs 268 hp (Q5).
Q3 vs Q5 specs side by side
| Audi Q3 | Audi Q5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model year compared | 2027 | 2027 |
| Base MSRP range (excl. destination) | $44,400 | $53,300 |
| Destination charge | $1,395 | $1,395 |
| Powertrains (hp / torque) | 2.0L TFSI turbo I4: 255 hp / 273 lb-ft | 2.0L TFSI turbo I4: 268 hp / 295 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | 2.0L TFSI quattro AWD: 22/28/24 mpg | Not published |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo behind rear row | 24.97 cu ft | 27.6 cu ft |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | 49.95 cu ft | 56.9 cu ft |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 4,400 lb |
| AWD / 4WD | Standard | Standard |
| Length | 178.4 in | 185.7 in |
| Width | 73.2 in | 74.8 in |
| Height | 64.1 in | 65.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.6 in | 110.9 in |
- Audi Q3: Third-generation Q3, all-new for MY2026 (US on sale Q1 2026); MY2027 is a carryover with packaging updates. US offers a single model, Q3 S line quattro, in one Premium trim column at $44,400 (equipment via packages); MY2026 started at $43,700. Cargo behind row 2 is 24.97–29.03 cu ft depending on sliding rear-bench position. Width excludes mirrors (82.2 in with mirrors). quattro AWD standard. Audi does not publish ground clearance in the spec sheet.
- Q5: Third-generation Q5 SUV (PPC platform, new for MY2025). MY2027 US Q5 is listed in a single Premium trim column at $53,300 with equipment via packages (MY2026 started at $52,800 with Premium/Premium Plus/Prestige trims). MY2027 EPA estimates are 'TBA' in Audi's spec sheet and not yet on fueleconomy.gov; the MY2026 Q5 was EPA-rated 21 city / 29 hwy / 24 combined. Q5 Sportback: same 268-hp powertrain, $55,600 (MY2027). SQ5: 3.0L turbo V6, 362 hp / 406 lb-ft, $65,900 (SQ5 Sportback $67,300). Width excludes mirrors (84.8 in with mirrors). Towing 4,400 lb with hitch. Audi does not publish ground clearance in the spec sheet.
What buyers actually paid
Median discount off MSRP from CarWhere's verified, buyer-submitted deal sheets for new Q3 and Q5 purchases. Each model is matched exactly, so no other nameplate is mixed in. Use the median as a target discount when you negotiate.
Audi Q3
3.6% off MSRP (median)
Middle half of buyers: 0% to 6.8% off · 5.6% paid over MSRP
18 verified deals · model years 2025–2026
Audi Q5
8% off MSRP (median)
Middle half of buyers: 4.1% to 10% off · 0% paid over MSRP
5 verified deals · model years 2025–2026
Snapshot 2026-11-05. Approved, de-duplicated deals only; shown when each side has at least 5 deals. % off MSRP is before rebates. Methodology
Reliability and known issues
More on each model
FAQ
Which is better, the Audi Q3 or the Q5?
The 2027 Q3 starts at $44,400 and the Q5 at $53,300, both with standard quattro AWD. The Q5 is 7.3 in longer, makes 268 hp versus 255, has more cargo room (27.6 vs 25.0 cu ft behind the rear seat, 56.9 vs 50.0 max) and tows 4,400 lb versus 1,500.
Is the Audi Q3 cheaper than the Q5?
The Audi Q3 has the lower starting price: the 2027 Audi Q3 starts at $44,400 and tops out at $44,400, and the 2027 Q5 starts at $53,300 and tops out at $53,300. Those are base MSRPs before destination ($1,395 and $1,395), from the manufacturers.
Is the Audi Q3 bigger than the Q5?
The Audi Q3 is 178.4 in long on a 105.6-in wheelbase; the Q5 is 185.7 in on a 110.9-in wheelbase. Maximum cargo space is 49.95 vs 56.9 cu ft. Seating: 5 vs 5.
Which tows more, the Audi Q3 or the Q5?
The Q5: up to 4,400 lb vs 1,500 lb, properly equipped, per the manufacturers.
How much off MSRP are buyers getting on the Audi Q3 and Q5?
In CarWhere's verified deals, the median Audi Q3 buyer paid 3.6% below MSRP (18 deals) and the median Q5 buyer paid 8% below MSRP (5 deals). Use those as a target discount when you negotiate; results vary by trim, region and month.
Related comparisons
Sources
- Audi Newsroom — 2027 Audi Q3 SUV technical specifications (updated 8/3/26)
- Audi Newsroom — Model year 2027 lineup release (pricing tables)
- Audi Newsroom — All-new 2026 Audi Q3 release
- fueleconomy.gov — 2027 Audi Q3 (id 50770)
- Audi Newsroom — 2027 Audi Q5 and SQ5 SUVs technical specifications
- Audi Newsroom — 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 technical specifications (MY2026 EPA)
- fueleconomy.gov — 2026 Audi Q5 TFSI quattro (id 50288)
"Not published" means the manufacturer has not released that figure for this model year; CarWhere does not estimate missing specs.
Cite this page: CarWhere Research, "Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5," carwhere.com/car-comparisons/audi-q3-vs-audi-q5.