Audi Q3 vs Renault Kadjar

Audi Q3

Audi’s compact premium SUV.

Renault Kadjar

Renault’s roomy, comfortable compact SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the Q3 if you want a roomy, premium-feeling compact SUV with modern tech — a more premium alternative to the VW Tiguan.

Best engine: The mid-range 1.5 TFSI petrol for the best everyday balance — or the 2.0 TDI for high mileage.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Kadjar

Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 Blue dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol

	Audi Q3	Renault Kadjar
Power	150 hp Winner	140 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	9,2 s Winner	9,6 s
Top speed	205 km/h	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t Winner	100,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	125 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	Renault Kadjar
Boot	530 L Winner	472 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.478 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,65 m
Length	4,50 m	4,45 m
Width	1,86 m	1,84 m
Height	1,62 m	1,61 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	Renault Kadjar
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse, shared with the VW Tiguan Mk2)	CMF-CD
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	6-speed manual · EDC6/EDC7 · X-tronic CVT
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6 / 6d
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6/6d allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics are the best-known weak point
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
DPF on diesels with mainly short trips

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes

Pros

Audi Q3

Generous interior and boot space for its class
Premium build and refined feel
Wide engine range (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid)

Renault Kadjar

Roomy boot and comfortable ride
Affordable and plentiful used
Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel

Cons

Audi Q3

Pricier than a comparable VW Tiguan on the same platform
Early cars need software updates to iron out infotainment bugs

Renault Kadjar

1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
Interior less modern than newer rivals

Driving experience

Audi Q3

As a model line, the Q3 is a comfortable, easy compact SUV that feels grown-up to drive. The steering is light and accurate, the ride is composed, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. Front-drive versions are light and economical, while quattro adds reassuring traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and efficient, the 2.0 TDI strong and frugal. It prioritises comfort and refinement over sportiness, so it feels calm, secure and effortless whether in town or on the motorway.