Q3 I (8U) vs Forester IV (SJ): which is better?
Audi Q3 I (8U) (2011–2018) vs Subaru Forester IV (SJ) (2012–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi Q3 I (8U)
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)Specifications
| Audi Q3 I (8U) | Subaru Forester IV (SJ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2011–2018 | 2012–2018 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 TFSI | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 171 hp |
| Torque, up to | 280 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch (DCT) | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 385 mm | 4 595 mm |
| Width | 1 831 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Height | 1 608 mm | 1 735 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 603 mm | 2 640 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 220 mm |
| Fuel tank | 64 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi Q3 I (8U)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines
- Gearbox DSG/S tronic with wet clutch: clutch and mechatronics wear at high mileage
Engine (VW/Audi EA888 (1.8–2.0 TSI/TFSI)): oil consumption (piston rings) on second-generation engines; timing chain stretch and tensioner on early engines; plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
Gearbox (DSG/S tronic with wet clutch): clutch and mechatronic wear at high mileage; wears quickly without oil changes.
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 220 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Q3 I (8U) — if you care more about: torque, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- Forester IV (SJ) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Q3 I (8U) or Forester IV (SJ)?
Q3 I (8U): up to 170 hp, Forester IV (SJ): up to 171 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Q3 I (8U) — about 16 475 ₸, Forester IV (SJ) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.