Audi A3 vs. Audi Q2: which is better?
Compare the Audi A3 hatchback to the Q2 crossover in key areas to determine which compact model better suits your needs
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Once a family favourite, hatchbacks are now making way for crossovers and SUVs, and the Audi Q2 is an excellent example. But how does it stack up against the status quo in the A3?
Picking between these two can be tricky. They’re both great options and similar in a lot of ways, just in slightly different packages.
Read this guide to find out not only if the A3 or Q2 is best for you, but also if you’re better suited to a hatchback or a crossover in general.
Audi Q2 vs. Audi A3: which has more style?
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The biggest difference between the Audi Q2 and the Audi A3 is that the former is a compact crossover, and the latter is a familiar family hatchback.
The A3 has been around for a long time, and it was most recently updated in 2020. The latest generation is sleek and sophisticated, as you’d expect from Audi, with soft flowing lines along the bodywork.
By comparison, the Q2 is a bit chunkier, like most crossovers. It has a solid road presence, making it look slightly bigger than it is, but is still understated and classy.
It also has plenty of clever design ideas, such as the two-tone C-pillar (between the rear windows and the rear windscreen), which gives the car the illusion of a floating futuristic roof.
What is it like to drive an Audi Q2 vs. A3?
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Starting with the similarities, both the Audi Q2 and A3 are nice and nimble, making them very easy to drive around town.
You also sit higher up in the Q2, so there’s a better view of the road than in the A3. On the other hand, the A3 feels more stable on the motorway because of its lower stance and better aerodynamics.
They both have reasonably soft suspension that soaks up small lumps and bumps in the road but still feel planted and handle well.
Being a shorter car, the A3 has a lower centre of gravity, which means it’s less likely to lean into corners – something that some larger SUVs do.
Since the Q2 is a crossover and not a full SUV, it doesn’t roll as much as a Q5, for example.
You can also get the A3 with a wider range of engines, including the high-performance S3 and RS3 models, so you’ve got more choice there.
The most popular engine choices for the latest Audi A3 are the 150hp versions of the 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel units, badged 35 TFSI and 35 TDI, respectively.
While they’ve also been available in the Q2, it’s also commonly sold with the smaller 116hp 1.0-litre petrol engine, badged 30 TFSI.
What is the technology in the Audi A3 and Q2?
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At their core, both the Audi A3 and the Q2 use the same infotainment system, and it’s one of the best in the business.
It’s very easy to use, controls many of the car’s features and functionalities, and more importantly, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard kit is reasonably similar, although model years do affect what you may get with your Q2 or A3.
As a guide, many of the latest Q2 models come with bright LED headlights, air-conditioning, rear parking sensors and a digital instrument cluster.
It’s worth upgrading to higher-spec examples of either model if you like your car tech. This will give you features like adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and an upgraded sound system.
Audi A3 vs. Q2 dimensions and boot space
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While there may be some differences on paper, the A3 feels very similar in size to most other family hatchbacks.
There’s also the A3 saloon, which is slightly shorter and slightly longer than the hatchback. It also has a bigger boot but a slightly smaller boot opening.
2020- Audi A3 dimensions (hatchback)
Length: 4,343mm
Width: 1,816 (mirrors folded)
Height: 1,449mm
Boot: 380 litres
2020- Audi A3 dimensions (saloon)
Length: 4,495mm
Width: 1,816mm (mirrors folded)
Height: 1,425mm
Boot: 425 litres
Although it shares many mechanical parts with the A3, the Q2 is a noticeably more compact model, apart from its height.
Audi Q2 dimensions
Length: 4,208mm
Width: 1,794mm (mirrors folded?)
Height: 1,537mm
Boot: 405 litres
A3 vs. Q2: which is more reliable?
Both the A3 and the Q2 are long-standing models in the Audi range, and while the Q2 may be a lot newer, they’re both very popular models that sell in their thousands.
The Q2 is built on the same platform as the previous-generation A3, while the latest A3 model has newer underpinnings.
Audi is also part of the Volkswagen Group, so these cars share many parts with models from VW, SEAT, Skoda and more, including the impressive engines.
Being part of a group means Audi can pool resources, so fewer parts have more development and are, therefore, more reliable.
Customer feedback has been pretty positive on the whole, and few drivers have reported any major issues.
Audi’s factory warranty, which stays with the car even if it changes hands, lasts for three years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. For the first two years, though, there’s no mileage cap.
Read our Audi A3 review
Used Audi Q2 vs. used Audi A3: which should I buy?
If you’re after something with more passenger space, then the Audi A3 makes more sense as a conventional family hatchback.
While the Q2 may have slightly smaller dimensions, it’s a great pick for those who value the higher driving position. Plus, its bigger boot makes it a strong choice for anyone with an active lifestyle.