The Audi Q3 has lengthy been one of many best entry factors into the posh SUV world, however the newest model is beginning to stretch that definition. With pricing now pushing effectively past $40,000, it’s not the accessible premium choice it as soon as was, forcing consumers to query what they’re actually getting for the cash.
That’s the place one small SUV from Mazda quietly flips the script. In its high turbocharged trims, it delivers a near-luxury expertise for hundreds much less, with a extra partaking drive and an inside that feels extra thoughtfully designed than its German rival. It doesn’t depend on flashy tech or badge status, as a substitute, it focuses on getting the basics proper.
And that’s what makes the comparability so attention-grabbing. Regardless of a significant worth hole, the real-world distinction between these two SUVs is way smaller than you’d count on, elevating a easy query: why pay extra if you don’t truly get way more?
With a purpose to provide the latest and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites, together with the EPA.
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Mazda’s small CX-30 Turbo is the Q3 rival you have not thought of
Perky, plush, and priced higher than you’d suppose
The brand new 2026 Audi Q3 has began rolling out, with its extra aggressive exterior appears to be like and sharper efficiency providing some fairly robust enchantment. Nonetheless, its beginning worth has shot up effectively previous the $40,000-mark, making it much less of a finances luxurious choice than it was. In case you’re not a badge snob, although, Mazda has a small compact that, when absolutely loaded, can fairly simply take the struggle to Audi. The CX-30 Turbo is the entry-level luxurious crossover you did not know you wanted.
2026 Mazda CX-30 Turbo trims and pricing
Mannequin
Beginning MSRP
Turbo Aire
$34,410
Turbo Premium Plus
$37,900
The CX-30 truly has a particularly palatable beginning worth of $25,975 for probably the most reasonably priced trim, however we expect the turbocharged fashions are those you are going to need to get should you’re evaluating this Mazda in opposition to a Q3. Audi’s up to date compact SUV now begins at $43,700, that means that you simply’d be saving your self fairly some huge cash by choosing the CX-30. Regardless of the pretty hefty worth hole, you would be stunned with simply how shut the expertise is behind the wheel of those two crossovers.
In case you’re actually wanting to avoid wasting cash, the Turbo Aire is a unbelievable bundle, and presents numerous niceties for the cash. We predict, nonetheless, that the Premium Plus mannequin is one of the best competitor to the Audi, coming geared up with options that make it really feel like a real luxurious choice. This consists of issues like leather-based upholstery, a power-sliding moonroof, a premium sound system, and paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
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The brand new Q3 could also be faster, however the CX-30 Turbo is not far behind
Powered by a punchy turbocharged four-cylinder
With the distinction in worth and model status, you’d suppose the efficiency of those two automobiles could be worlds aside, however that is not the case. Whereas Audi’s tweaks to the efficiency of the Q3 have put it forward of the Mazda in a straight line, the CX-30 Turbo retains up impressively effectively and presents a stage of driving verve that does extra than simply match its German competitor.
Mazda CX-30 Turbo vs Audi Q3 efficiency
Mannequin
Mazda CX-30 Turbo
Audi Q3 S Line
Engine
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Transmission
6-speed computerized
7-speed DCT
Horsepower
250 HP
255 HP
Torque
320 LB-FT
273 LB-FT
Driveline
AWD
AWD
0-60 MPH
6.2 seconds
5.5 seconds
Mazda’s turbocharged four-pot positively has the benefit relating to torque, and you may positively really feel it down low. Sadly, the Japanese automaker has tuned their crossover extra for every day driving than for sporty zero to 60 runs and the turbo runs out of grunt by the point you hit excessive RPMS. The brand new Q3, however, has gotten fairly a lift to energy in comparison with the outgoing mannequin, and Audi have managed to do quite a bit with that energy.
As everyone knows, there’s much more to the driving expertise than acceleration. Whereas the Audi is certainly faster off the road, we’re so impressed with how a lot enjoyable the Mazda is to drive. Its steering is effectively weighted, it handles beautifully, and it handles its weight significantly better than most crossovers. We truly discover it fairly a bit extra partaking to drive than the Q3.
Its additionally value noting that whereas the Audi has a DCT, which we might often suppose is robotically sportier than a standard computerized, it feels pretty unrefined and would not like downshifting all that a lot.
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Audi fumbled the brand new Q3’s inside whereas Mazda continues to shine
The CX-30’s cabin is certainly luxurious grade
Audi has additionally completed quite a bit to the inside of the brand new Q3, fully redesigning nearly every little thing. Sadly, the result’s one thing that feels tragically soulless. They’ve gone in a really company course, and it is not all that inviting. In distinction, Mazda has completely nailed the stylish minimalist look within the CX-30, with the top-trim turbocharged fashions feeling like real opponents to luxurious crossovers.
Inside dimensions and luxury
Mannequin
Mazda CX-30 Turbo
Audi Q3 S Line
Entrance row headroom
38.1 inches
38.1 inches
Entrance row legroom
41.7 inches
40 inches
Second row headroom
38.3 inches
37.6 inches
Second row legroom
36.3 inches
36.1 inches
Cargo capability (behind second row)
20.2 cubic toes
29 cubic toes
Regardless of the Q3’s very boxy wanting exterior, the distinction in passenger area between these two crossovers is pretty negligible. Actually, the Mazda truly has a barely extra accommodating again seat, however it actually is not by a lot of a margin. The place the Audi does pull forward, although, is its cargo maintain. This can be a fairly well-known draw back to the CX-30, although, with its cargo maintain being one of many smallest in its class.
If you will get over the small trunk, we truly suppose the CX-30 beats the Audi in lots of different metrics relating to their interiors. Contemplating the distinction in worth between the highest trim CX-30 and the Q3 is sort of $5,000, the Mazda retains up effectively. Sadly, the German crossover’s redesigned inside could be very uninspiring, and regardless of the Q3 having a few further options, we expect the CX-30’s inside is healthier designed and its a nicer cabin to be in.
Each CX-30 Turbo will get niceties like power-adjustable seats with a reminiscence operate, a power-operated moonroof, heated entrance seats and a heated steering wheel, and leather-based or leatherette upholstery with microsuede accents all through the cabin.
Infotainment and know-how
Credit score: Audi
Audi’s deal with know-how is a little bit stronger than Mazda’s, with the brand new Q3 coming fitted with a bevy of options. Sadly, lots of them really feel gimmicky, and also you’re not going to make use of them. That being stated, its dual-screen setup is crisp and responsive and it is A.I. voice assistant is likely one of the greatest in the marketplace.
The CX-30 Turbo takes a barely extra analog method, however we expect that provides to its appeal relatively than detracting from the expertise. You get a ten.3-inch infotainment display screen as customary with wi-fi smartphone mirroring. You additionally get lots of different tech, together with Alexa Constructed-in, a wi-fi smartphone charging pad, visitors signal recognition, a heads-up show, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, which is probably not pretty much as good because the SONOS system within the Audi, however it comes nearer than you’d suppose.
A small hole for a $5,000 distinction
The brand new Q3 has gotten higher in lots of methods, however it has additionally gotten worse in lots of methods. It could include extra tech and be a extra partaking automotive to drive, however it has gotten much more costly and its inside is a downgrade in our eyes. In case you’re budgeting nearer the $37,000-odd that the previous mannequin used to price, you will discover that the CX-30 Turbo, significantly the Premium Plus trim, provides the Audi fairly a run for its cash. Regardless of being hundreds of {dollars} aside in worth, this Mazda punches effectively above its weight and competes effectively with the Q3.
