Audi Q3 vs. Mazda CX-3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-3 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 Audi Q3 and the Mazda CX-3.
When comparing the Audi Q3's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Audi Q3 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Audi Q3's and the Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the Mazda CX-3 is a better car than the Audi Q3.
Pricing: A used 2021 Audi Q3 ranges from $21,400 to $32,906 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-3 is priced between $17,524 to $22,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi Q3 loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Mazda CX-3 loses 32.1 percent of its value. This means the Mazda CX-3 retains 15.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi Q3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi Q3 is 8.1 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-3's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Audi Q3 being ranked 2 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Mazda CX-3 being ranked 2 out of 20 Best Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi Q3 is 6.8 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-3 the reliability rating is 6.1 out of 10. This gives the Audi Q3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mazda CX-3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi Q3’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the Mazda CX-3 base engine makes 148 horsepower. The Q3 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 477 miles. The CX-3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles.This gives the Mazda CX-3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Audi Q3 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/subcompact SUVs, the Audi Q3 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi Q3 and the Mazda CX-3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$34,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$34,220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$23,200 - $43,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$20,790
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$22,058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$18,750 - $29,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,913
Price Range:
$21,400 - $32,906
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,889
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$19,563 - $36,297
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
254
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
45,967
# Good or Great Deals:
57
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,352
Price Range:
$17,524 - $22,997
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$21,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,501 - $28,440
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
40
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49,857
# Good or Great Deals:
6
Audi Q3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi Q3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
8.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
9.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda CX-3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.3 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
15.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1 - 5.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.5 - 10
Audi Q3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 59Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
24 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 68Ranking
31 out of / 68Ranking
43 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
53 out of / 68Ranking
58 out of / 68Ranking
61 out of / 68Mazda CX-3 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 20Ranking
19 out of / 20Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi Q3 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI
Mazda CX-3 Trim Levels
Sport
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
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:
4 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:
184 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 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):
22 / 30 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 477 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
23.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
48 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
107.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
105.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3902 lbs
Width:
79.7 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
176.6 inches
Wheelbase:
105.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2851 lbs
Width:
69.6 inches
Height:
60.7 inches
Length:
168.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Nano Gray Metallic
Orange
Pulse Orange
Red
Tango Red Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic / Ibis White
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Ceramic Metallic / Machine Gray Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
