In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the XT5 are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Q3 doesn't offer a back seat reminder.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The XT5 (except Luxury) offers optional Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Q3 doesn't offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

Both the XT5 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, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac XT5 is safer than the Audi Q3:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Cadillac XT5 is safer than the Audi Q3:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Cadillac's powertrain warranty covers the XT5 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Audi covers the Q3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Q3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 84 percent more Cadillac dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the XT5's warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the XT5 has a standard 170-amp alternator (155-amp - XT5 V6 without Towing Package). The Q3's 140-amp alternator isn't as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the XT5 has a standard 730-amp battery. The Q3's 680-amp battery isn't as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates' 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 69 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Cadillac higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates' 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Cadillac vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The XT5's standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 51 more horsepower (235 vs. 184) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 221) than the Q3 40 TFSI's standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The XT5's 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 7 more horsepower (235 vs. 228) and 7 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI's standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The XT5's optional 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 82 more horsepower (310 vs. 228) and 20 lbs.-ft. more torque (271 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI's standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cadillac XT5 V6 is faster than the Q3 45 TFSI:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine's cylinders helps improve the XT5's fuel efficiency. The Q3 doesn't offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The XT5 FWD's standard fuel tank has 3.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q3 (19.4 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XT5 AWD's standard fuel tank has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q3 (21.7 vs. 15.9 gallons).

The XT5 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 Cadillac XT5, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Q3.

For better stopping power the XT5's brake rotors are larger than those on the Q3:

The XT5 stops much shorter than the Q3:

The Cadillac XT5's wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Audi Q3 only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The XT5 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q3's suspension doesn't offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT5's wheelbase is 7 inches longer than on the Q3 (112.5 inches vs. 105.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XT5 is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 2.9 inches wider in the rear than on the Q3.

The XT5 AWD handles at .82 G's, while the Q3 pulls only .79 G's of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The XT5 executes Motor Trend's “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Q3 (27 seconds @ .65 average G's vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G's).

For greater off-road capability the XT5 has a 2.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (7.8 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the XT5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the XT5 2.0 Turbo uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Q3 doesn't offer active grille shutters.

The XT5 has 20.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Q3 (104.5 vs. 84).

The XT5 has .1 inches more front headroom, 1.2 inches more front legroom, 1.6 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2.9 inches more rear legroom and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q3.

The XT5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Q3 with its rear seat up (30 vs. 23.7 cubic feet). The XT5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q3 with its rear seat folded (63 vs. 48 cubic feet).

The XT5's cargo area is larger than the Q3's in almost every dimension:

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the XT5's rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Q3 doesn't offer automatic folding seats.

Maximum trailer towing in the Audi Q3 is limited to 1500 pounds. The XT5 offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the XT5 uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q3 doesn't offer electronic trailer sway control.

The XT5 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.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport's standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver's seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Q3 doesn't offer an easy entry system.

The XT5's instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights' don't warn you until damage has been done. The Q3 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning, navigation instruction, infotainment and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver's line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Q3 doesn't offer a heads-up display.

The XT5 has standard Keyless Access that allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. The Audi Advanced Key costs extra on the Q3.

The XT5's power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Q3's cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the XT5 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.

When the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Q3's mirrors don't automatically adjust for backing.

Both the XT5 and the Q3 have standard heated front seats. The XT5 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren't available in the Q3.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the XT5 (except Luxury) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q3 doesn't offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport's standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Q3 doesn't offer a heated steering wheel.

The Cadillac XT5 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the overhead console. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Audi charges extra for Homelink® on the Q3.

Compared to traditional radio, the Cadillac XT5's standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Q3.

The XT5 Premium Luxury/Sport's Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Q3 doesn't offer an automated parking system.

The XT5 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q3 doesn't offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XT5 is less expensive to operate than the Q3 because typical repairs cost much less on the XT5 than the Q3, including $131 less for a water pump, $323 less for a starter, $497 less for front struts and $298 less for a power steering pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Cadillac XT5 and the Audi Q3, based on reliability, safety and performance.