Audi Q3 Sportback vs Ford Transit Custom

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $62,990. That makes the Ford Transit Custom the more affordable entry point by $1,610.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $71,060 and $69,289 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Audi Q3 Sportback and Ford Transit Custom hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 Sportback and 84% for the Ford Transit Custom.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q3 Sportback packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Ford Transit Custom.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 4 in the Ford Transit Custom.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Ford Transit Custom gets a 13-inch display and 12-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with head-up display, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Ford Transit Custom. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Ford Transit Custom offers cloth.

The Audi Q3 Sportback uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Ford Transit Custom responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 390Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving the front wheels.

The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 519mm shorter than the Ford Transit Custom at 5,050mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Transit Custom generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 5800L in the Ford Transit Custom, giving the Ford Transit Custom a 5312L advantage. The Audi Q3 Sportback seats 5 vs 2.

For towing, the Ford Transit Custom leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Audi Q3 Sportback and $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3 Sportback.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom). The Audi Q3 Sportback saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.