While it's true that both vehicles belong in the SUV class, they're technically crossover SUV, or CUV, typically built on a passenger car platform, and with a unibody design, as opposed to the body-on-frame. This results in not only a more comfortable ride and interior but also better fuel economy, at the cost of some off-road capabilities.

The Audi Q3 is a 5-door subcompact CUV also available in a Sportback variant, whereas the Audi Q5 is a 5-door compact CUV. This subtly reflects on the size, making the Q5 bigger in just about every external dimension, and giving it a more comfortable interior.

The Q3 weighs in at 3905 lb, a negligible difference compared to the Q5 at 4045 lb. The same can be said of the cargo volume, with the Q3 having 23.7 cf³ of space with the rear seats up, 48 cf³  when folded, compared to Q5's 25.1 cf³, and 53.1 cf³ respectively.

Both vehicles are assembled in China, with additional factories in Hungary for the Q3, and Mexico for the Q5.

Powertrain:

Engine options come in a single 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with the Q5 having slightly more power. It is paired with Audi Tronic automatic transmission (S tronic in Q5 and Tiptronic in Q3) and Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The main difference comes from the plug-in hybrid option available with the Q5's highest tiers of trim levels. It allows the Q5 to outperform the Q3 both in power, and fuel consumption, which is 22 mpg combined for the Q3, compared to 24 mpg combined for the Q5.

Safety:

The diligent work of the Audi's safety research team has made these models some of the best when it comes to construction, active, and passive safety systems. The NHTSA and IIHS crash test evaluation resulted in very positive marks, establishing these vehicles as excellent options when it comes to safety.

The list of safety features on the Q3 and Q5 is truly impressive, including everything you'd think of as standard, in addition to some clever and innovative features. There's no real difference in equipment between them, so you don't need to factor it in the comparison. Some of the key features available include:

●     Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags

●     Front And Rear Head Airbags

●     Stability Control

●     Traction Control

●     Pre-Collision Safety System

●     4-Wheel ABS

●     Emergency Braking Assist

●     Post Collision Safety System

●     Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warning Systems

Trims and features:

The Q3 and Q5 are branded as premium vehicles, and they certainly have the features to back that claim. Available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels, feature customizations is further expanded with sub-categories.

Premium trim

Audi Q3:

●     10.25" digital instrument cluster and MMI touch response with 8.8" center display

●     LED headlights with high-beam assist and LED taillights with dynamic indicators

●     Audi pre sense front and basic

●     Panoramic Sunroof

●     Three-zone Automatic climate control

Audi Q5:

●     18" 5-arm-turbine design wheels

●     Audi smartphone interface including Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto

●     Audi pre sense basic and city

●     MMI Radio plus with 7" screen

Premium Plus trim

Audi Q3:

●     Full LED headlights with unique DRL signature

●     Audi side assist with Rear cross traffic assist and lane departure warning

●     Audi advanced key-keyless start, stop and entry with hands-free tailgate release

●     Audi phone box (signal booster and wireless charger)

●     Frameless auto-dimming interior mirror with digital compass

Audi Q5:

●     Audi virtual cockpit (12.3" LCD digital instrument cluster with two visual modes: Classic and Infotainment)

●     MMI Navigation plus with the voice control system

●     MMI Radio plus with 8.3" screen

●     Parking system plus (front and rear acoustic sensors)

●     Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear with Rear cross-traffic assist and Vehicle exit warning

Prestige trim

Audi Q3:

●     12." Audi virtual cockpit and MMI touch response with 10.1" center display and handwriting recognition

●     Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 15 speakers, 16-channel amplifier and 680 watts

●     Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go

●     The top view camera system

●     Power-folding exterior side mirrors with auto-dimming for driver

Audi Q5:

●     Audi adaptive cruise control with Traffic jam assist

●     Power tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column with memory

●     Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 19 speakers, 16-channel amplifier and 755 watts

●     Top view camera system and Audi park steering assist

●     Head-up display

Expecting only the best from Audi is natural, and you can be assured it is what you will receive if you purchase either of these crossovers! If the size and hybrid engine are an important aspect to you, then the Audi Q5 is a more suitable choice, otherwise, the Q3 is equally as good of an option. With safety and luxury features matched, attractive looks, and great build quality, you won't make a wrong decision no matter which one you pick!