Mitsubishi ASX vs Audi Q3
What's the difference?

Mitsubishi ASX

$37,740 - $46,490

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi Q3

$58,700 - $84,327

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mitsubishi ASX

2026 Audi Q3

By Tim Nicholson

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

5.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Flexible, practical interior
Sprightly turbo engine
Fun to drive

Stylish, premium looks
Well-integrated technology
Good active safety calibration

Dislikes

Base LS missing several features
Temporary spare wheel should be standard
Much more expensive than previous ASX

No PHEV option (yet)
A few rattles in our test car
Small back seat

2026 Mitsubishi ASX Summary

For 15 years the Mitsubishi ASX has been one of the most popular SUVs in Australia. Well into its life cycle, it maintained strong sales thanks to keen pricing and a reputation for reliability.

The second-generation ASX is finally here, but it’s a very different proposition to the original.

For starters, the new model is a twin of French brand Renault’s Captur small SUV. That model is not currently sold here, so Mitsubishi has clear air, for now.

Secondly, it’s no longer cheap. Pricing puts this new model into the high-$30,000 section of the segment, but it also gains modern tech and specs.

Whether buyers care that the ASX has gone upmarket remains to be seen. But we attended the Australian launch to see if French flair has improved the ASX formula.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Audi Q3 Summary

Replacing a popular model is fraught with danger. Existing customers will tell you they love it, while focus groups of non-customers will tell you why they hate it and sometimes carmakers get caught trying to appease both groups.

Sometimes they’ll make it too big or change too much in the search for more sales and ultimately end up removing the elements that made it popular in the first place.

Which is why Audi has been extra careful with some subtle evolution for this new-generation Q3 SUV and Sportback. This isn’t just a popular model for Audi Australia, it has been the best-selling model for the German brand for more than five years, so getting it wrong would be a disaster.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mitsubishi ASX 2026 Audi Q3

Verdict

There is no question the new ASX is a much better car to drive than the model it replaces. This one is actually fun behind the wheel. The tech represents a massive upgrade, so too does the interior design and practicality. The fact is, it’s a much more expensive car than the old ASX. It is a European built and designed small SUV with loads more tech and features so when you consider that, the pricing makes more sense.

Regardless of the previous model, this new ASX impresses. It’s not perfect - the LS is missing too many items, no hybrid, slightly firm ride - but it’s now a genuine rival for higher quality rivals in the small SUV segment. If the ASX is in your price bracket, it might be time to add it to the consideration list.

Verdict

So is this new Q3 good enough to remain Audi’s number one choice? In a word, yes.

Audi has resisted the temptation that some brands fall into by making too many changes to a proven sales performer. This new Q3 isn’t radically different from the old Q3, but it has improved in almost every way.

It isn’t different enough to widely expand its appeal to a new wave of customers, but there’s no reason it won’t remain Audi’s most popular choice for the foreseeable future.

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

Mitsubishi ASX vs Audi Q3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mitsubishi ASX vs Audi Q3
What's the difference?