2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Audi A3 is the $7,200 MSRP difference, with the TLX starting at $45,400 compared to the A3's $38,200. This price gap reflects a substantial performance disparity; the TLX generates 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. However, the A3 offers superior efficiency, achieving a combined 28 MPG versus the TLX’s 25 MPG, and it runs on regular unleaded fuel, unlike the TLX's premium recommendation. In terms of size, the TLX is notably larger at 194.6 inches in length compared to the A3's 177.3 inches. While the Acura provides superior hauling capability with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft, the A3 counters with standard all-wheel drive versus the TLX's FWD configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 wins for commuting due to its better fuel economy of 28 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Acura TLX
The Acura TLX offers superior practicality with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space, compared to the Audi A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Acura TLX
The Acura TLX delivers substantially higher output with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque compared to the A3's respective figures.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 offers a much lower entry price point at $38,200 while still providing standard AWD capability.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- Maximum power output is a priority, evidenced by 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.
- You require more storage space, as the TLX offers 13.5 cu ft versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
- You prefer the established stability of a front-wheel-drive platform paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Budget is critical, as the A3 has a starting MSRP that is $7,200 lower than the TLX.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the A3’s 28 combined MPG rating.
- All-wheel drive capability is desired straight from the base trim level.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura TLX | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6" | 177.3" |
| Width | 75.2" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.4" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 103.7" |
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 Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height 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 | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 236 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 | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/31 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 349.8/492.9 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| ELS Studio Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Speaker System | 13 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
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 | 37.2 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/40R | 225/45R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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 TLX and 2025 Audi A3.
What is the performance gap based on horsepower ratings?
The 2025 Acura TLX significantly leads in power, producing 272 hp, which is 71 more horsepower than the 2025 Audi A3's 201 hp output. This results in a noticeable difference in acceleration metrics not detailed here.
Which sedan is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The Audi A3 is the more efficient option, achieving 28 combined MPG (24 city/34 highway). The Acura TLX trails slightly with a combined rating of 25 MPG (22 city/31 highway).
Does the fuel requirement differ between these two sedans?
Yes, the Acura TLX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance figures. Conversely, the Audi A3 operates effectively on regular unleaded fuel, lowering ongoing running costs.
How does cargo capacity compare for practicality?
The Acura TLX provides significantly more storage volume at 13.5 cubic feet. The smaller Audi A3 offers a trunk capacity of only 8.3 cubic feet, making the TLX better suited for large loads.
What is the primary difference in drivetrain configuration?
The base Audi A3 comes standard with an all-wheel drive system, whereas the standard 2025 Acura TLX utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout.
Considering the MSRP difference, what justifies the TLX's higher starting price?
The $7,200 higher starting price for the TLX ($45,400 vs $38,200) is primarily justified by its higher power output (272 hp vs 201 hp) and greater cargo capacity.
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