Compare the2026 Audi Q4 e-tron SportbackVS 2025 Polestar 3

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q4 e-tron Sportback. But it costs extra on the 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, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

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.

The Q4 e-tron Sportback’s electric motors produces 40 more horsepower (335 vs. 295) and 175 lbs.-ft. more torque (536 vs. 361) than the Polestar 3 Single Motor’s standard electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the Q4 e-tron Sportback gets better mileage than the Polestar 3:

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 850 to 1050 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 (2650 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 Premium Plus offers available 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.