Audi Q3 vs Tesla Model Y

The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $4,300.

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 $67,760 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, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi Q3 and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Audi Q3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 8 in the Tesla Model Y.

The Audi Q3 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 Tesla Model Y counters with panoramic roof that the Audi Q3 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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

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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW 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 194kW 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 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 575L in the Audi Q3 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 279L advantage.

For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). Both match on warranty length.