Compare the2026 Mazda CX-5VS 2026 Audi Q3

The Mazda CX-5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q3 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CX-5 has a standard Rear Smart Brake Support that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Q3 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

Both the CX-5 and the Q3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the CX-5 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Audi covers the Q3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Q3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 77 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 44 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mazda higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 112 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better fuel mileage than the Q3 (24 city/30 hwy vs. 22 city/29 hwy).

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda CX-5 uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Q3 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-5’s wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the Q3 (110.7 inches vs. 105.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-5 is .8 inches wider in the front and 2 inches wider in the rear than on the Q3.

For better maneuverability, the CX-5’s turning circle is 1.9 feet tighter than the Q3’s (36.8 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The CX-5 has 22.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Q3 (106.5 vs. 84).

The CX-5 has 1.6 inches more front headroom, 1.7 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more front shoulder room, 2.6 inches more rear headroom, 3.8 inches more rear legroom and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q3.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Q3 with its rear seat up (33.7 vs. 25 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q3 with its rear seat folded (66.5 vs. 50 cubic feet).

The CX-5’s cargo area is larger than the Q3’s in every dimension:

The CX-5 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Q3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-5 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q3 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium Plus has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Q3 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Both the CX-5 and the Q3 offer available heated front seats. The CX-5 Premium also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Q3.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the CX-5 Premium keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

With standard voice command, the CX-5 offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The Q3 doesn’t offer a voice control system.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mazda CX-5’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Q3.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Mazda CX-5 retains 57.6% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 49.66% resale value of the 2026 Audi Q3 after five years, which can save the Mazda’s owner up to $6629 in depreciation.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Audi Q3 by almost six to one during 2025.