Audi Q3 Sportback vs Volvo EX40
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 4 Sep 2026, price 25 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer 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
$69,990RRP
- 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 & Volvo EX40
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Audi Q3 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $5,390.
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 $76,989 respectively.
The Volvo EX40 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q3 Sportback does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
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
Volvo EX40
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
78kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon 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 Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.
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 Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo EX40 is 1.8s 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, 91mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX40 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 48L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m 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 11.4m 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
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 / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 Sportback if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q3 Sportback: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 68
The Audi Q3 Sportback comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 68), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q3 Sportback ahead by 24), safety (Audi Q3 Sportback ahead by 23), performance (Volvo EX40 ahead by 17). If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 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 Volvo EX40?
The Audi Q3 Sportback is the cheapest at $64,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $5,390.
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 Volvo EX40, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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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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