Mazda CX-60 vs Audi RS Q3
What's the difference?

Mazda CX-60

$36,980 - $77,985

2025 price

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Audi RS Q3

$83,888 - $99,990

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Mazda CX-60

2023 Audi RS Q3

By Byron Mathioudakis

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.3L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

8.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Quality feel
Spacious and practical interior
Superb powertrain and handling capabilities

Dynamics
Refinement
Quality

Dislikes

Some suspension noise intrusion
Oddly dated styling inside and out
Still a premium-priced Mazda

Front seats tricky to get in and out of
Sizeable turning circle
Only six airbags

2025 Mazda CX-60 Summary

A good car in its own right, the Mazda CX-60 has nevertheless been one of the most disappointing new-model releases of recent times.

After the ongoing critical and commercial success of the CX-5, its somewhat larger premium mid-sized sibling should have been a slam dunk, with BMW-evoking longitudinal drivetrain and terrific in-line six-cylinder engine choices, as well as the surprisingly far-sighted option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from the get-go.

Yet, when launched internationally during 2022, the quality, packaging and performance were overshadowed by high prices, a jarring ride, odd handling and erratic transmission calibration, particularly in the aforementioned PHEV.

Now there’s been a wholesale re-think surrounding all of the CX-60’s objectionable systems, as well as a new, lower priced grade, among other updates.

Is it the SUV Mazda should have launched in the first place? Let’s find out.

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Interested in a Mazda CX-60?

2023 Audi RS Q3 Summary

Is 10 years long enough for a special birthday celebration? When you're a kid, hitting 'double figures' is a pretty big deal, and Audi's obviously in the mood to make some noise because it has lit the candles on a limited 10th anniversary version of its compact SUV rocket ship, the RS Q3.

Only 555 examples of the 'RS Q3 Sportback edition 10 years' will be produced for worldwide consumption, with Audi Australia capturing a batch of them and sending one our way for a brief blast as the fiery five-cylinder starts filtering into dealerships.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Mazda CX-60 2023 Audi RS Q3

Verdict

Have no doubts. The MY25 version of the CX-60 is the SUV that Mazda should have launched in Australia in 2023.

It fulfils the promise of its sophisticated specification, builds on the extensive dynamic abilities of previous models, and now provides a compelling – and unique – choice for medium-SUV buyers who do not need an extended seven-seater.

It may still looks a bit daggy from some angles outside, and we’d like a little bit less suspension noise on the inside, but the CX-60 should now be on Australian family-car shortlists.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Audi RS Q3 Sportback edition 10 years is dynamically brilliant, beautifully finished and surprisingly civilised on day-to-day duty. A polished compact performance package that even in this special 'get-it-while-you-can' guise offers compelling value relative to its direct competitors.

Mazda CX-60 vs Audi RS Q3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mazda CX-60 vs Audi RS Q3
What's the difference?