Or can a smaller size bring certain advantages? We analyze the most important aspects between these three SUV couples from different segments.
The neighbors like to whisper when suddenly a smaller car than the previous one appears parked. A mistake? Well, less isn’t really worse, and in fact, it’s often even the best option.
Sure, the smaller models have less space and (usually) a narrower trunk. But the question you should ask yourself is if you really need those extra inches. The size affects many sections, including dynamics. The same engine may fit better in the smaller car or be overwhelmed in the larger car.
We analyze all this in six current SUVs: we have cited the Audi Q3 and its brother the Q5, both in their athletic Sportback bodywork, and the BMW X3 and X5 and the two Hyundai PHEVs, the Tucson and the Santa Fe, have also been included. No surprises cannot be ruled out in any duel, so keep an eye on the conclusions to be able to choose correctly.
Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line vs. Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line
Day to Day: For starters, the Q3 has some good arguments over its big brother: it is 19 centimeters shorter and, not for that, offers much less space. In addition, it offers almost the same capacity in terms of trunk (the Q5 only cubic 80 liters more). Inside, the older brother is not much bigger either, although the feeling is more comfortable: five centimeters more width make a difference.
Something that happens in both: when entering the rear seats, occupants over 1.80 meters have to lower their heads, but once seated inside they can slide the rear bench seat to find more space for their legs. One other point for the Q3: In city traffic, it feels more poised than the Q5.
Running: Although both have the same engine, the sound insulation of the Q5 is superior to that of its little brother. While Audi’s Q3 makes the 200bhp diesel sound rougher, the same four-cylinder in the Q5 whispers more softly. At high speed, wind and road noise penetrate the Q3 more noticeably.
On the other hand, owners of the Q3 can only dream of the optional air suspension of the Q5 (2,150 euros), a highly recommended extra. The stock chassis of the Q3 performs more than decently, but even compared to the stock chassis of the Audi Q5, it’s noticeably rougher on rough roads. And despite the 211-kilogram weight advantage, the Q3 offers few fuel economy advantages.
Price: expenses and maintenance are at the same level, although the Q5 insurance fees are higher. The Audi Q3 has a price advantage, although it is also very expensive. There is a technical tie, but the interior and comfort make the Q5 the winner.
My opinion: 7,160 euros is a considerable price difference, there is no doubt about that. But the Q5 Sportback offers a more noble and refined behavior, and you can tell just when you start the engine. It is also more comfortable and offers higher quality. Win the big one!
BMW X3 xDrive30d vs. X5 xDrive30d
Day to day: At 4.71 meters long and 1.89 meters wide, the X3 is now the same size as the first X5. The current one is 4.92 meters long and two meters wide, and that can be a problem when looking for parking in many cities: most garages are not prepared for these dimensions.
The X3 is plenty roomy, even in the back row, though the massive X5 adds a few inches across the board. As for the trunk, the X3 offers up to 1,600 liters, while the X5 reaches up to 1,870. Only in the X5, BMW offers two folding seats for a third row (although not with this engine).
On the go: We recommend the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel for its power and progressiveness. It’s mated to the ever-convincing ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox that acts quickly and smoothly. The performance is superb in both models, although the X3 drives a little more lively and agile, especially with the adaptive dampers (1,231 euros). Its direction is direct and precise, and that makes the driving go up several integers. The X5, for its part, with the recommended air suspension (it costs 2,485 euros and is not available in the X3) cushions much more smoothly and knows how to maintain a great balance, despite its size and weight. In consumption, the X3 reached 7.5 l/100 km, which was 8.3 in the huge BMW X5.
Price: a lot of difference: the X3 xDrive30d costs 63,900 euros, while the X5 xDrive30d costs 77,200 euros, both with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. The ‘Off Road’ package (with four driving modes and differential lock costs 3,491 euros) is only available for the X5, as is rear-wheel steering (1,479 euros).
My opinion: The BMW X3 and X5 are among the best in their class, especially with the wonderful three-liter diesel. However, our pick here is clearly the X3, the smaller one. It offers enough space and is more logical in everyday life (and significantly cheaper). The little one wins!
Hyundai Tucson 1.6 T-GDI PHEV Tecno vs. Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDI PHEV Tecno
Day to day: there are 800 kilometers between the US cities of Tucson (Arizona) and Santa Fe (New Mexico). And a few centimeters of difference between these two cars: the first is 4.50 meters long and 1.87 meters wide; the Santa Fe, 4.79 meters long and 1.90 wide. But the Hyundai Tucson has a surprising amount of space, also in the back row.
The Santa Fe adds a few extra inches, but it’s not a huge difference. A maximum of 1,721 liters fit in the trunk of the Tucson, while in the Hyundai Santa Fe they are, curiously, 17 liters less. In the rear, Hyundai’s large SUV offers a sliding bench seat and, if desired, a third row with two folding child seats.
Running: both arrive with identical plug-in hybrid drives, with 265 hp obtained from adding the strength of a 1.6-liter gasoline block and another electric motor. In terms of performance, the Tucson is always a little ahead thanks to its lower weight. In 100% electric mode, both can travel almost 60 kilometers and when the battery runs out (and that happens quickly on the highway) the gasoline engine appears.
The six-speed automatic transmission shifts fairly lazily, though it’s very smooth and you’ll barely notice the transitions. Both have direct and quick enough steering that nevertheless feels somewhat artificial in the hands.
Price: the Tucson 1.6 T-GDI PHEV costs 48,300 euros, including automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. It is a lot of money, there is no doubt about that, but the Santa Fe is almost close to 60,000 euros. Both are convincing proposals since they show off the blue sticker of the DGT with all its advantages.
My take: Only those who need a third-row seat should consider the Santa Fe. For everyone else, the practical and cheaper Tucson is the right choice. Both look great: they’re modern, well-appointed, and very comfortable. The little one wins!
conclusion
Once again it is shown that being bigger does not have to be better. Smaller often turns out to be smarter: X3 and Tucson offer as much talent as their big brothers, but drive cheaper and more nimble.
