Audi Q3 Sportback vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $58,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the more affordable entry point by $5,610.

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 $64,889 respectively.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q3 Sportback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $10,400 in fuel alone.

Both the Audi Q3 Sportback and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 Sportback and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

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 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with head-up display, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Yamaha audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 2.1s 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, 189mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,720mm (2,704mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 472L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Audi Q3 Sportback a 16L advantage.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg 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 $58/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $2,080 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $2,138 (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs $58 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $2,080 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 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.