Audi Q3 Sportback vs Mazda CX-90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$64,600RRP
- no option data for this car
$66,100RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Audi Q3 Sportback & Mazda CX-90
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-90 opens at $66,100. That makes the Audi Q3 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $72,710 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q3 Sportback by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q3 Sportback
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005591 · published 22 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear window glass may have been manufactured out of specification.Year range on the notice: 2022
Mazda CX-90
- REC-006434 · published 15 Sep 2025Due to a software programming issue of the Body Control Module (BCM), the instrument cluster fuel level may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-006174 · published 14 Nov 2024Due to a software issue, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) may impact the hybrid battery assist function.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006173 · published 14 Nov 2024Due to a software issue, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) may impact the hybrid battery assist function.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mazda CX-90 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 — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-90. The Mazda CX-90 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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-90 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-90 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda CX-90 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 589mm shorter than the Mazda CX-90 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 257L in the Mazda CX-90, giving the Audi Q3 Sportback a 231L advantage. The Mazda CX-90 seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,653/year for the Audi Q3 Sportback and $2,337/year for the Mazda CX-90. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3 Sportback.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 Sportback if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-90 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q3 Sportback: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 71
The Audi Q3 Sportback comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 71), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Mazda CX-90 ahead by 29), fuel economy (Audi Q3 Sportback ahead by 22), safety (Audi Q3 Sportback ahead by 17). The Audi Q3 Sportback will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q3 Sportback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q3 Sportback and Mazda CX-90?
The Audi Q3 Sportback is the cheapest at $64,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-90 by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q3 Sportback uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Audi Q3 Sportback holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mazda CX-90, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q3 Sportback has the largest boot at 488L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-90 makes the most power at 254kW. The Mazda CX-90 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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