2025 Acura TLX vs 2025 Audi S3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Acura TLX and the 2025 Audi S3 is the 56 horsepower advantage held by the S3, boasting 328 hp versus the TLX's 272 hp. This performance edge is reflected in the Audi's higher MSRP of $48,700 compared to the Acura's $45,400. Despite the power gap, the Audi S3 achieves slightly better fuel economy with 26 MPG combined, narrowly edging out the TLX's 25 MPG combined rating, though both vehicles require premium fuel. The difference in size is also notable: the TLX measures 194.6 inches long, offering a substantial 13.5 cu ft of cargo space, while the more compact S3 is only 177.4 inches long and provides a restrictive 8.3 cu ft for storage. The TLX prioritizes space and power output parity, while the S3 focuses on refined, AWD-based performance figures.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura TLX
The 2025 Acura TLX offers superior passenger and cargo space with 13.5 cu ft, making it more practical for daily use than the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Acura TLX
The larger exterior dimensions, specifically the 194.6-inch length and greater cargo volume, favor the TLX for family needs.
2025 Audi S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is the superior choice for driving engagement due to its 328 hp, 295 lb-ft torque, and standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2025 Acura TLX
The TLX provides 272 horsepower for $45,400, delivering significantly more power per dollar than the S3's $48,700 price tag for its increased output.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- Budget constraints are a priority, as the TLX starts at $45,400, undercutting the S3 by $3,300.
- You require maximum usable storage space, evidenced by the TLX's 13.5 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
- Front-Wheel Drive configuration and a 10-speed automatic transmission are preferred driving characteristics.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Maximum available power is the objective, given the S3's 328 hp output, which is 56 hp more than the TLX.
- All-Wheel Drive traction is a non-negotiable performance feature.
- A slightly more efficient powertrain is desired, as the S3 achieves 26 MPG combined versus the TLX's 25 MPG combined.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura TLX | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6" | 177.4" |
| Width | 75.2" | 71.5" |
| Height | 56.4" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 103.6" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
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 | 328 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 295 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) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/31 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 349.8/492.9 mi. | 333.5/449.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| 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/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
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 | — |
| Tire Size | P255/40R | 225/40R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
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 S3.
Which sedan has better straight-line acceleration potential?
Based on specifications, the 2025 Audi S3 should exhibit superior acceleration due to its 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque managed through an All-Wheel Drive system. The TLX offers 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, but its FWD configuration may limit launch effectiveness compared to the S3's AWD setup.
How significant is the difference in cargo space?
The difference is substantial, with the 2025 Acura TLX offering 13.5 cu ft of cargo space. Conversely, the 2025 Audi S3 provides only 8.3 cu ft, representing a 5.2 cu ft deficit for the smaller S3 sedan.
Is the Acura TLX cheaper to own initially than the Audi S3?
Yes, the 2025 Acura TLX has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $45,400. The 2025 Audi S3 starts $3,300 higher at $48,700, making the TLX the more accessible entry point.
Does either vehicle achieve better highway fuel economy?
Both vehicles achieve identical highway fuel economy ratings of 31 MPG. However, the S3 slightly leads in combined efficiency at 26 MPG versus the TLX's 25 MPG combined rating.
What is the main mechanical difference regarding the drivetrain?
The TLX utilizes a Front Wheel Drive layout paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The S3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, utilizing a faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission.
Are both cars similar in physical footprint?
No, the Acura TLX is significantly larger, measuring 194.6 inches in length compared to the S3's 177.4 inches. The TLX is also wider at 75.2 inches versus the S3's 71.5 inches.
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