Audi Q3 F3 vs Renault Captur MK2

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

Renault Captur

MK2 · 2019 – 2026

The second Captur (MK2), on the CMF-B platform with E-Tech hybrids.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid if you want 380 litres of boot space and city EV driving — ideally models from 2021 onwards.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Captur

Pick the MK2 for the roomier, modern Captur with E-Tech hybrids and the flexible rear bench.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Audi Q3	Renault Captur
Power	150 hp Winner	100 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,2 s Winner	13,0 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	178 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t Winner	87,7 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	115 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	5,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Renault Captur
Boot	530 L Winner	422 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,64 m
Length	4,50 m	4,24 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Renault Captur
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145 · E-Tech PHEV 158
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software bugs on early cars
DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
DPF/AdBlue on diesels with mainly short trips

Renault Captur

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Pros

Audi Q3

45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
2.0 TDI (40): 190 hp and 400 Nm
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments available

Renault Captur

Bigger boot than the MK1
Modern E-Tech hybrids available
Keeps the clever sliding rear bench

Cons

Audi Q3

6-speed manual is restricted to entry-level 35 TFSI and 35 TDI models; all others are S tronic automatic
45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid battery reduces boot space from 530 down to 380 litres

Renault Captur

PHEV pricier and heavier
Infotainment can be slow

Driving experience

Audi Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

Renault Captur

Light and easy to place in town with a reasonably high driving position, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is firmer than the first-generation Captur, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads, though the ride can feel firm on larger wheels. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions once warm. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy compact crossover rather than a driver's car.