Audi Q3 Sportback vs Mazda CX-80

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-80 opens at $64,490. That makes the Mazda CX-80 the more affordable entry point by $110.

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 $70,939 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q3 Sportback by roughly $1,280 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi Q3 Sportback and Mazda CX-80 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 Sportback and 92% for the Mazda CX-80.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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 6 in the Mazda CX-80.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-80 gets a 10.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-80. The Mazda CX-80 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Mazda CX-80 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 3-zone in the Mazda CX-80.

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 Mazda CX-80 responds with a Petrol making 209kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Mazda CX-80 has the clear power advantage at 209kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-80 is 0.1s quicker. 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, 459mm shorter than the Mazda CX-80 at 4,990mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 258L in the Mazda CX-80, giving the Audi Q3 Sportback a 230L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mazda CX-80 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 1,300kg 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 $2,394/year for the Mazda CX-80. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3 Sportback.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs $2,394 (Mazda CX-80). The Audi Q3 Sportback saves you roughly $256 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 (Mazda CX-80). Both match on warranty length.