Compare the2024 Audi Q4 e-tron SportbackVS 2025 Polestar 3

Both the Q4 e-tron Sportback and the Polestar 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Polestar 3 has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

There are almost 10 times as many Audi dealers as there are Polestar dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Q4 e-tron Sportback’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Audi vehicles are better in initial quality than Polestar vehicles. With 74 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Audi higher than Polestar.

For better maneuverability, the Q4 e-tron Sportback’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the Polestar 3’s (37.7 feet vs. 38.8 feet).

The Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 1000 pounds less than the Polestar 3.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback is 1 foot shorter than the Polestar 3, making the Q4 e-tron Sportback easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat up (26.1 vs. 17.1 cubic feet). The Q4 e-tron Sportback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Polestar 3 with its rear seat folded (54.4 vs. 50 cubic feet).

The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Polestar 3’s (2646 vs. 0 pounds).

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q4 e-tron Sportback Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Polestar 3 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Polestar 3’s power mirror controls are embedded in the infotainment system, seriously distracting drivers who have to adjust them while driving.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, based on reliability, safety and performance.