Test bench | Audi Q3 competition

Compact SUVs abound. The Mazda CX-30, Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40 are popular. How do they compare to the Audi Q3?

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

Mazda CX-30

Price: from $36,581 (GT)

Let’s dare the CX-30! The coat of arms is less prestigious, the basic guarantee a little less generous, but this urban utility nevertheless attacks elitist brands by promising a price / performance ratio of the most competitive. Equipped with the optional turbocharged engine (the bill climbs to $39,781), the CX-30 does not shy away from comparison in terms of style or pure performance. On the other hand, the Japanese consumes more, does not brake over such a short distance and its suspensory elements are not as considerate. To this should be added a cabin and a more cramped trunk.

Mercedes GLA

Price: from $43,200

Without a shadow of a doubt, the second generation of the GLA is much more accomplished than the first. Is it enough to shake the Q3? Yes, in some aspects. Mercedes indeed offers more temperamental mechanics (the AMG version produces 382 hp), more flexible, but these require to be refueled with super gasoline. Unlike the Q3, the GLA is less functional (the volume of its trunk, bench seat in place, is less), but its cabin is just as spacious.

Volvo XC40

Price: from $42,779

Undoubtedly the most atypical luxury urban utility vehicle in the category, the XC40 from Volvo is able not only to tow a greater load than that of the Q3, but also to offer a more padded ride comfort, a more clever interior (storage) and more cheerful mechanics (T-4 and T-5). But these qualities have a price and, from this point of view, the XC40 suffers from the comparison with its Germanic rival. On the other hand, note that the XC40 has the advantage of offering a fully electric version (Recharge).