Audi is a popular brand among Cartelligent clients and their line of crossover SUVs are always top choices.
With the 2015 release of the smaller Q3 and the redesign of the Q7 (which will be available in 2016), a number of clients have asked for help comparing the series. To that end, we’ve compiled the details of the Q3, Q5 and Q7, so that you can weigh the benefits of each and decide which option is right for you.
Q3 vs. Q5 vs. Q7?
In this article, we’ve configured a sample vehicle for each car and then examined some of the key differentiating factors of each. We’ve based our sample models on popular choices among Cartelligent clients.
- 2016 Audi Q3 Premium Plus: Our sample Q3 is the Premium Plus 2.0 TFSI equipped with a eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Added features include navigation and power tailgate. MSRP as configured is $39,375.
- 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus: We’ve chosen a 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus 2.0 TFSI with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Features include navigation, Bang & Olufson sound and a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles. MSRP as configured is $47,880.
- 2017 Audi Q7 Premium Plus: We’ve equipped a sample 2017 Audi Q7 Premium Plus 3.0 TFSI with a eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Features include adaptive cruise control, high-beam assistant, four-zone climate control and ventilated front seats. MSRP as configured is $62,800.
Vehicle Comparison
We’ll look at the features of each vehicle side-by-side.
| Q3 | Q5 | Q7 | |
| Model Type | 2016 Q3 Premium Plus | 2016 Q5 Premium Plus | 2017 Q7 Premium Plus |
| MSRP | $39,375 | $47,880 | $62,800 |
Engine and Fuel Economy
| Q3 | Q5 | Q7 | |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder TFSI | 2.0L 4-Cylinder TFSI | 3.0L 6-Cylinder TFSI |
| Horsepower | 200 | 220 | 333 |
| City mpg | 20 | 20 | TBA |
| Highway mpg | 28 | 28 | TBA |
The Q3 and Q5 offer identical fuel economy, but the Q5 provides more horsepower. The Q7 has not yet been rated by the EPA.
Capacities
| Q3 | Q5 | Q7 | |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Cargo volume (behind seats) | 16.7 ft3 | 29.1 ft3 | 37.5 ft3 |
| Cargo volume (rear seats folded) | 48.2 ft3 | 57.3 ft3 | 71.6 ft3 |
The Q3 provides about 84% of the Q5’s cargo volume when the rear seats are folded down. The Q7 offers 29% more cargo space than the Q5 with the second row of seats up, and 25% more with both rows of seats folded.
Safety
| Q3 | Q5 | Q7 | |
| IIHS rating | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick+ | TBA |
| Rearview camera | n/a | Available | Standard |
| Crash prevention | n/a | Available | Available |
Both the Q3 and Q5 are IIHS Top Safety Picks (the Q5 is a Top Safety Pick+ when configured with optional front crash prevention). The 2017 Q7 has yet to be rated.
Cost to purchase: Q3 vs. Q5 vs. Q7
First we’ll examine the cost of each when purchased. We’ve assumed an interest rate of 2.9%. All payments represent pricing based on market conditions at the time of writing. Pricing for the Q7 is estimated and assumes an initial high demand for the new model.
| Q3 | Q5 | Q7 | |
| MSRP | $36,913 | $43,911 | $62,800 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $685 | $820 | $1,175 |
| Total of payments over five years | $42,915 | $50,880 | $71,825 |
The Q3 is around $135/month less than the Q5 and saves about $8,000 in payments over the course of five years. The Q7 is about $350 more per month than the Q5 and costs about $20,000 more over the course of the loan.
Cost to lease: Q3 vs. Q5 vs. Q7
Next we’ll compare the three vehicles on a three year, 12,000 mile/year lease.
| Q3 | Q5 | Q7 | |
| MSRP | $36,913 | $43,911 | $62,800 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $500 | $550 | $950 |
| Lease disposition fee | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| Total of payments over three years | $20,350 | $22,100 | $36,100 |
The Q3 is again the lowest cost option, saving about $50/month and $1,750 over the course of the lease. The Q7 is much higher than the Q5, leasing for $400 more per month, or $14,000 over the three year lease.
Which to buy: Q3, Q5 or Q7
The Q5 is a strong value, especially on a lease, offering greater power and a more spacious interior for only a little more money. Both the Q3 and the Q7 can be a fantastic options depending on your personal circumstances. Your Cartelligent agent can talk you through the pros and cons of each vehicle (as well as any other brands) to help you make an educated decision.
Whether you want a new Audi SUV or any other new car, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.