The competitive and rapidly evolving luxury compact SUV segment continues to grow, and the 2025 model year brings an exciting matchup between the Audi Q3 and the Mazda CX-5. These two vehicles present compelling packages for Long Island drivers seeking the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. The 2025 Audi Q3 boasts the latest technology, sleek design, and impressive performance, while the 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers a spacious interior, efficient engine options, and an affordable price point. Both SUVs have their strengths, making the choice between them difficult.
Our team at Audi of Huntington created this guide comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5, including their key features, performance, and value, to help you make an informed decision.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
The 2025 Audi Q3 exemplifies German engineering with two turbocharged powertrain options. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Q3 Premium 40 Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection (TFSI) quattro produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, and the upgraded version in the Q3 Premium 45 TFSI quattro Tiptronic boosts output to 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration for merging onto the Long Island Expressway.
The entry-level 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S features a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and higher trim levels have a turbocharged variant that generates 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are commendable, the Audi Q3's standard seven-speed automatic transmission and lighter weight result in a more refined driving experience. The CX-5's six-speed automatic transmission feels sluggish in comparison.
Fuel efficiency figures for the two models are similar, with the 2025 Q3 40 TFSI achieving 22mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway and the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S earning 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway. However, the Audi Q3's quattro all-wheel-drive system gives it an edge in slippery conditions, something you'll appreciate during Long Island winters.
Exterior Design
The 2025 Audi Q3 showcases the brand's contemporary design language with its bold single-frame grille, distinctive LED lighting signatures, and athletic proportions. While its compact footprint makes it ideal for urban environments, the SUV's commanding presence ensures it turns heads. Sharp character lines and available S-line exterior enhancements distinguish the Q# as a premium offering.
While the Mazda CX-5 sports an elegant design with its unique KODO design elements, it lacks the Q3’s sophistication and road presence. The CX-5's larger dimensions may make it less maneuverable in tight parking situations common throughout Long Island's shopping districts and urban centers.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
Interior dimensions reveal interesting contrasts between these vehicles. The Q3 provides 40 inches of front legroom, 39.1 inches of rear legroom, 23.7 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row, and 48 cubic feet of space when you fold the rear seats. The CX-5 offers slightly more space. It has 41 inches of front legroom, 39.6 inches of rear legroom, and more cargo volume, with 30.8 cubic feet behind the second row and the rear seatback down. Both vehicles provide ample passenger and cargo space, but you may prefer the CX-5 if you have a large or growing family.
While both SUVs showcase upscale cabin materials and design elements, the Q3's interior amenities and build quality give it a clear advantage in overall luxury and refinement. It also offers more advanced technology features, such as the available Audi Virtual Cockpit featuring a digital instrument cluster, creating an immersive driving experience.
Comfort and Convenience
The Q3's interior appointments set new standards in the compact SUV segment. Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery come standard. The optional ambient lighting package and microsuede accents elevate the cabin's ambiance, making Long Island commutes more enjoyable.
While the CX-5 offers heated and ventilated front seats on higher trims, it can't match the Q3's overall elegance and attention to detail. The Audi's superior sound insulation and suspension tuning ensure a smooth ride on uneven road surfaces.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology integration remains a strong suit for Audi. The Q3 features a standard 8.8-inch touch screen, which can be upgraded to a 10.1-inch unit with navigation. The available Technology package adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and the impressive 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
While the Mazda CX-5's infotainment system features a large display, it relies on a less intuitive dial controller for most functions. The touch-screen functionality is limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making operating the system more cumbersome.
Safety Ratings and Features
Both SUVs offer excellent safety credentials. The Q3 comes standard with Pre-Sense Basic, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Premium Plus models add active lane assist and optional rear side airbags.
The CX-5 matches these safety features with its comprehensive i-ACTIVSENSE suite, which includes radar cruise control, automatic braking assist with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Both vehicles have earned five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety ratings, demonstrating their commitment to passenger protection. It's a close match in terms of standard offerings, but the Audi Q3's available upgrades give it a slight edge.
Pricing and Value
Both vehicles represent strong value propositions within their segments. You can expect a starting MSRP of $39,800 for the 2025 Audi Q3 45 TFSI Premium, while the starting MSRP for the Mazda ranges from $28,570 for the 2.5 S to $40,600 for the 2.5 Turbo Signature model. The Q3's premium positioning commands a higher entry point, but its superior build quality, advanced technology, and prestigious brand heritage justify the investment.
Test-Drive the 2025 Audi Q3 at Audi of Huntington
While both vehicles offer compelling packages for Long Island drivers, the 2025 Audi Q3 emerges as the superior choice if you want the ultimate in compact luxury SUVs, offering unparalleled performance, technology, and quality. We invite you to test-drive the 2025 Q3 at our Audi of Huntington dealership and experience the difference for yourself. Contact us to learn more about our attractive financing deals or to schedule your test-drive, or drop by and browse our new vehicle inventory. We also offer competitive trade-in values and certified preowned Audi vehicles.
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