@ Audi AG
@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
VS

Audi Q3 vs Dacia Duster – Differences & prices compared

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q3 or Dacia Duster?

Q3 @ Audi AG

Clash of the Compact SUVs: Audi Q3 vs Dacia Duster

With the rise of compact SUVs in the automotive market, the Audi Q3 and Dacia Duster have garnered significant attention. Both offer a blend of design, performance, and practicality, but they cater to different preferences. Let's delve into the technical aspects and innovations that distinguish these two models.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Performance and Engine Options

The Audi Q3 showcases a diverse range of engine options with its 2024 model featuring both petrol and diesel variants, capable of producing between 150 to 245 horsepower. A choice between a manual gearbox and a dual-clutch automatic transmission further enhances its versatility. Furthermore, the Q3 offers the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, ensuring superior adaptability to various driving conditions.

By contrast, the Dacia Duster emphasizes efficiency and eco-friendliness with its engine choices, which include LPG, full hybrid, and petrol mild-hybrid (MHEV) variations. Although it has a lower maximum power range of 91 to 140 horsepower, the Duster compensates with impressive fuel economy, consuming as low as 5 to 6.5 litres per 100 km. Like the Q3, it also offers both manual and automated manual transmission options.

Q3 @ Audi AG

Acceleration and Top Speed

In terms of acceleration, the Audi Q3 is the sportier option, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 to 9.5 seconds, depending on the engine variant. The top speed ranges from 204 to 237 km/h, underlining its performance-oriented design.

While the Dacia Duster falls behind in acceleration, with times ranging from 9.9 to 14 seconds, it retains a respectable top speed of up to 180 km/h. This performance, though modest compared to the Q3, aligns with its economical and accessible nature.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Dimensions and Practicality

The Audi Q3 measures between 4484 and 4500 mm in length, with a trunk capacity of 530 litres, making it a practical choice for those who require ample space without sacrificing luxury. It also offers a payload ranging from 455 to 495 kg.

On the other hand, the Dacia Duster, slightly more compact at 4343 mm in length, offers a range of trunk capacities from 430 to 517 litres. Its payload capacity varies from 414 to 430 kg, catering well to families and adventure enthusiasts looking for practicality.

Q3 @ Audi AG

Environmental Impact and Efficiency

Both SUVs come equipped with emissions control, but the Duster edges out with a lower CO2 efficiency class, ranging from C to E, compared to the Q3's E to G classification. The Duster's lower CO2 output, between 114 and 147 g/km, highlights its eco-friendly credentials over the Q3 which ranges from 149 to 193 g/km.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Conclusion: Luxury vs. Practicality

The Audi Q3 prides itself on its luxury and performance, offering more power and speed, supplemented by high-end features and an all-around more opulent driving experience. Conversely, the Dacia Duster focuses on practicality and economy, making it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious buyers seeking value and efficiency in a compact SUV.

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to one's personal priorities: the sporty sophistication of the Audi Q3 or the functional pragmatism of the Dacia Duster.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Q3 @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Dacia Duster has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16300 £, while the Audi Q3 costs 38200 £. That’s a price difference of around 21951 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi Q3 manages with 1.70 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Dacia Duster with 4.70 L. The difference is about 3 L per 100 km.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi Q3 has a clearly edge – offering 272 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 114 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi Q3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.70 s, while the Dacia Duster takes 9.40 s. That’s about 3.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi Q3 performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 240 km/h, while the Dacia Duster tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 60 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Audi Q3 pulls significantly stronger with 400 Nm compared to 230 Nm. That’s about 170 Nm difference.

Q3 @ Audi AG

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Duster is a bit lighter – 1377 kg compared to 1635 kg. The difference is around 258 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Duster offers barely noticeable more room – 517 L compared to 488 L. That’s a difference of about 29 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Dacia Duster performs a bit better – up to 1609 L, which is about 223 L more than the Audi Q3.

When it comes to payload, Audi Q3 somewhat takes the win – 535 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 82 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi Q3 shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £38,200
Q3 @ Audi AG

Audi Q3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.7 - 8.6 L
  • Electric Range : 118 - 119 km

Audi Q3

5 (1)
rate

The Audi Q3 feels like a grown-up compact SUV with premium polish and city-friendly agility, the sort of car that makes weekend escapes and daily commutes equally satisfying. Inside, you get quality materials and smart packaging that keep things practical without skimping on style, so it’s an easy pick for buyers who want luxury without the drama.

details

Dacia Duster

5 (1)
rate

The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense compact SUV that delivers rugged practicality and surprisingly comfortable everyday driving without fuss. It might not win any beauty contests, but its honest design, easy-to-live-with cabin and tough attitude make it a smart pick for buyers who want reliable transport without luxury frills.

details
Audi Q3
Dacia Duster
Q3 @ Audi AG
Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
38200 - 52900 £
Price
16300 - 24900 £
Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 8.6 L
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
118 - 119 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
co2
39 - 195 g/km
co2
107 - 124 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 60 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1635 - 1900 kg
Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 488 L
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Length
4531 mm
Length
4343 mm
Width
1859 mm
Width
1813 mm
Height
1559 - 1601 mm
Height
1656 - 1659 mm
Max trunk capacity
1196 - 1386 L
Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
Payload
505 - 535 kg
Payload
450 - 453 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 272 HP
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
Max Speed
208 - 240 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
110 - 200 kW
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 - 1789 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Audi
Brand
Dacia
Is the Audi Q3 offered with different drivetrains?

The Audi Q3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.