2025 Acura RDX vs 2025 Audi Q3

$44,700 · Crossover

$39,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between wanting a bit more zip and keeping a closer eye on the bank account? That’s the core dilemma facing shoppers looking at the 2025 Acura RDX versus the 2025 Audi Q3. The RDX brings 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably punchier than the Q3's 228 hp output. However, that performance comes at a cost: the RDX starts at an MSRP of $44,700, which is exactly $4,900 more expensive than the Q3's $39,800 entry point. Interestingly, both share the same respectable combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG, though the Q3 nets slightly better highway mileage at 28 MPG versus the RDX's 27 MPG. Physically, the RDX is the larger vehicle, boasting 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Q3's 23.7 cubic feet, giving the Acura a clear advantage in hauling gear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Acura RDX if...

You prioritize horsepower and prefer the stronger pull from a 272 hp engine.
You need maximum utility, valuing the larger 29.5 cu ft cargo area for luggage or gear.
You prefer a larger overall footprint, measuring 187.4 inches long.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

Keeping the initial purchase price under $40,000 is a primary goal.
You are willing to use regular unleaded fuel instead of the RDX’s recommended premium.
You want the best highway fuel economy rating (28 MPG) in this comparison.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura RDX	Audi Q3
Length	187.4"	176.6"
Width	74.8"	72.8"
Height	65.7"	62.9"
Wheelbase	108.3"	105.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	272 hp @ 6500 rpm	228 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	251 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Audi
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.1/461.7 mi.	318.0/445.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Audi
Infotainment Display	10.2 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	9	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	180W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Audi
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.0 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Audi
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura RDX and 2025 Audi Q3.

Is the extra power in the Acura RDX worth the higher price tag?

The 2025 Acura RDX offers 44 more horsepower than the Audi Q3, which translates to quicker acceleration. Whether the added performance justifies the $4,900 price increase depends entirely on how aggressively you plan to drive.

Do these crossovers require the same kind of fuel?

No, the 2025 Acura RDX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance figures. Conversely, the 2025 Audi Q3 is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded, saving money at the pump over time.

How significant is the size difference for parking or tight garages?

The 2025 Audi Q3 is physically smaller in every dimension, being nearly 5 inches shorter in length (176.6 inches vs 187.4 inches for the RDX). This smaller profile often makes maneuvering and parking easier in crowded city environments.

How much more can I carry in the RDX versus the Q3?

The 2025 Acura RDX offers 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. This provides an extra 5.8 cubic feet of space when compared to the 2025 Audi Q3’s 23.7 cubic feet maximum cargo volume.

Does the base powertrain in the Q3 compromise all-wheel drive performance?

Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive capability, ensuring sure-footedness in poor weather. While the Q3 has less horsepower (228 hp), its 251 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic is still capable for standard AWD demands.