Audi Q3 F3 vs Volkswagen T-Cross C11

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

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

Volkswagen T-Cross

C11 · 2019 – 2026

The first-generation T-Cross (C11), on the MQB A0 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the roomy, tech-rich Q3 with the Virtual Cockpit and the smooth 1.5 TFSI — ideally a full-history example.

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

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen T-Cross

Pick the T-Cross for an agile urban SUV with a high seat, clever interior packaging and low running costs.

Best engine: The 1.0 TSI (115 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 115 · Petrol

	Audi Q3	Volkswagen T-Cross
Power	150 hp Winner	115 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	200 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,2 s Winner	10,0 s
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	193 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t Winner	96,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	5,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Volkswagen T-Cross
Boot	530 L Winner	455 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.281 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,55 m
Length	4,50 m	4,14 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	16,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	10,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.100 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Volkswagen T-Cross
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	MQB A0 (transverse)
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	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA288 1.6 TDI
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

Volkswagen T-Cross

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

Pros

Audi Q3

Roomy interior & big boot
Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
Modular EA engines

Volkswagen T-Cross

Sliding rear bench (385–455 l boot)
High seating position and good visibility
Facelift (2024+) brought LED lighting and a nicer cabin

Cons

Audi Q3

Firm ride on S line
Some hard plastics

Volkswagen T-Cross

Rear bench tight for three adults
Pre-facelift interior plainer

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.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Light, easy and built for town driving. The T-Cross steers quickly and lightly, rides acceptably, and is easy to park and place in traffic. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its city role. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible choice — smooth and economical — the 1.5 TSI adds useful pace, and the DSG is smooth once moving. Body control is fine for a small crossover. It prioritises space, visibility and ease of use over any driving involvement.