Audi Q3 Sportback vs Tesla Model Y

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Audi Q3 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $1,300.

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 $72,490 respectively.

The Tesla Model Y 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.

Both the Audi Q3 Sportback and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 Sportback and 91% for the Tesla Model Y.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model Y, against 6 on the Audi Q3 Sportback.

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 8 in the Tesla Model Y.

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 Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with head-up display and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.

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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 3.2s 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, 261mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 366L advantage.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs 5 years (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.