Compare the2023 Fiat 500XVS 2023 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.

The 500X Sport’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, front and rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

There are over 17 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 engine in the Q3 has 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 fuel mileage than the Q3 45 TFSI (24 city/30 hwy vs. 21 city/28 hwy).

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 (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).

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 design of the Fiat 500X amounts to more than styling. The 500X has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .35 Cd. That is lower than the Q3 (.37). A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the 500X get better fuel mileage.

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. 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 Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 500X will cost $315 less than the Q3 over a five-year period.

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.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Fiat 500X will be $3077 to $3291 less than for the Audi Q3.