Audi Q3 vs Mazda CX-70
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.
Audi Q3
From $61,600
SUV
4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD)
110kW
5.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
575L
Mazda CX-70
From $76,720
SUV
Petrol
254kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
598L
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-70 opens at $76,720. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $15,120.
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 $67,760 and $84,392 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q3 by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-70 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-70 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Audi Q3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 7 in the Mazda CX-70. The Mazda CX-70 adds a 360-degree camera that the Audi Q3 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Mazda CX-70. The Mazda CX-70 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 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-70 responds with a Petrol making 254kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels.
The Mazda CX-70 has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 589mm shorter than the Mazda CX-70 at 5,120mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-70 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 575L in the Audi Q3 and 598L in the Mazda CX-70, giving the Mazda CX-70 a 23L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-70 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 1,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m to 11.8m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $2,309/year for the Mazda CX-70. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Audi Q3) vs $2,309 (Mazda CX-70). The Audi Q3 saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-70). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-70 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda CX-70 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Audi Q3 will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-70?
The Audi Q3 is the cheapest at $61,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-70 by $15,120.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q3 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q3 and Mazda CX-70 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-70 has the largest boot at 598L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-70 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-70 makes the most power at 254kW.
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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