2021 Audi Q5 vs. 2021 BMW X3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Audi Q5 and 2021 BMW X3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Audi Q5 and the 2021 BMW X3.
In comparing the 2021 Audi Q5's and the 2021 BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Audi Q5 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2021 BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Audi Q5's and the 2021 BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW X3 is a better car than the 2021 Audi Q5.
Pricing: A used 2021 Audi Q5 ranges from $23,999 to $36,997 while a used 2021 BMW X3 is priced between $26,789 to $44,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Audi Q5 loses 53.6 percent of its value and the 2021 BMW X3 loses 48.6 percent of its value. This means the 2021 BMW X3 retains 5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Audi Q5.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi Q5 is 8.1 out of 10 while the BMW X3's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Audi Q5 being ranked 4 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the BMW X3 being ranked 1 out of 29. Out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, the Audi Q5 is ranked 12 and the BMW X3 is ranked 2.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi Q5 is 8.1 out of 10. For the BMW X3 the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW X3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi Q5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Audi Q5’s base engine makes 261 horsepower, and the 2021 BMW X3 base engine makes 248 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Audi Q5 and the 2021 BMW X3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
While the BMW X3 is widely considered the driver’s choice, thanks in no small part to the top-spec X3 M, those who emphasize aesthetics are likely to prefer the Audi Q5, with its sleeker exterior design and more stylish interior. Both models offer 4- and 6-cylinder engines, yet the Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas it’s an extra-cost option on the X3. Audi also offers a full plug-in hybrid version of the Q5, whereas a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup has replaced the optional plug-in design on the X3. Both manufacturers equip their SUVs with a healthy list of advanced driver assistance systems, but more of them come standard on the Q5. As for infotainment, the X3’s standard touchscreen is more than two inches larger than the Q5’s, while BMW’s iDrive system remains a challenge for some users. The X3 comes with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, something Audi does not offer on the Q5.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$43,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$43,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,866
Price Range:
$23,999 - $36,997
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
645
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
43,140
# Good or Great Deals:
297
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,552
Price Range:
$26,789 - $44,499
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,025
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
41,435
# Good or Great Deals:
578
Audi Q5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Audi Q5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 BMW X3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
17.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Audi Q5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 27Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 59Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
27 out of / 68Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
41 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 59Ranking
43 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
2021 Audi Q5 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 45 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 45 TFSI, quattro Prestige 45 TFSI
2021 BMW X3 Trim Levels
M40i, sDrive30i, xDrive30i
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 29 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
430 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
25.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
28.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4079 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
65.5 inches
Length:
184.3 inches
Wheelbase:
111 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3931 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic / Ibis White
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic
Gray
Dark Graphite Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Atlas Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Rock Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige/Black / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Black
Black / Black w/ Oyster Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching