Compare the2022 Fiat 500XVS 2022 Audi Q3

The 500X has standard Reactive Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Reactive Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Q3 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the 500X and the Q3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, front and rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 19 percent more Fiat dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 500X’s warranty.

The engine in the 500X has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engines in the Q3 have dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 500X has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Q3’s 140-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

On the EPA test cycle the 500X gets better mileage than the Q3:

The 500X has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Q3 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Fiat 500X, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Q3.

The 500X stops shorter than the Q3:

The 500X Pop executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Q3 40 TFSI Premium Plus (28 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the 500X’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the Q3’s (36.3 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the 500X has a 2.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (7.9 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the 500X to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Fiat 500X may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 pounds less than the Audi Q3.

The 500X is 9.4 inches shorter than the Q3, making the 500X easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 500X has 7.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Q3 (91.7 vs. 84).

The 500X has 1.4 inches more front legroom and .2 inches more rear headroom than the Q3.

The 500X’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q3’s (2000 vs. 1500 pounds).

The 500X has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior, with the optional automatic climate control feature. The Q3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the 500X has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Q3 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Insurance will cost less for the 500X owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the 500X with a number “5” insurance rate while the Q3 is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 500X is less expensive to operate than the Q3 because it costs $346 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the 500X than the Q3, including $196 less for a water pump, $63 less for a muffler, $25 less for front brake pads, $427 less for a starter, $568 less for front struts, $404 less for a timing belt/chain and $575 less for a power steering pump.