2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura TLX ignites the road with a potent 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, promising a genuinely engaging drive from its larger 194.6-inch frame, demanding a $45,400 entry fee. Conversely, the nimble 2026 Audi A3 captivates with efficiency and superior traction, leveraging its standard All-Wheel Drive system despite having 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The A3 shines brightly on the ledger, starting at $40,100, making it $5,300 cheaper, and netting better fuel economy at 28 combined MPG compared to the TLX's 25 MPG. While the TLX offers significantly more practicality with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the A3's tight 8.3 cu ft, the German compact boasts better highway mileage at 34 MPG versus 31 MPG, keeping running costs lower for the budget-conscious driver who values agility over sheer output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi A3
The 2026 Audi A3 is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway on regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Acura TLX
The 2025 Acura TLX provides substantially more utility for passengers and cargo, boasting 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Acura TLX
Enthusiasts will favor the TLX for its significant performance edge, delivering 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque versus the A3's 201 hp.
2026 Audi A3
The 2026 Audi A3 offers compelling value, undercutting the TLX by $5,300 while providing standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- You prioritize raw performance, benefiting from an extra 71 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque.
- You frequently haul luggage or larger items, utilizing the 13.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the smoother, guaranteed shifts of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the A3 starts $5,300 cheaper at $40,100.
- You seek maximum traction in varied conditions with standard All-Wheel Drive.
- Fuel efficiency is crucial, highlighted by 34 MPG highway capability on less expensive regular unleaded fuel.
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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Audi A3.
How much more power does the 2025 Acura TLX actually offer over the 2026 Audi A3?
The TLX boasts a considerable advantage in output, featuring 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more than the A3's 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, translating to quicker acceleration potential for the Acura.
Is the Audi A3's lower price justified by its superior fuel economy?
Yes, the A3 saves the buyer $5,300 upfront and offers better efficiency with 28 combined MPG versus the TLX's 25 MPG. Furthermore, the A3 runs happily on regular unleaded fuel, reducing ongoing running costs compared to the TLX's recommended premium.
Which sedan is better suited for carrying passengers and gear?
The 2025 Acura TLX is superior for utility, offering 13.5 cu ft of cargo volume. The 2026 Audi A3 is considerably smaller in length (177.3 inches vs. 194.6 inches) and thus is limited to only 8.3 cu ft of storage.
Does the standard FWD on the Acura compare to the AWD on the Audi?
The A3 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, providing enhanced grip and stability in adverse weather. The TLX utilizes a front-wheel drive configuration, which, while capable, does not offer the same level of all-weather assurance as the Audi's AWD system.
What are the differences in transmission technology between these two vehicles?
The Acura TLX employs a conventional 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission geared towards smooth power delivery. In contrast, the Audi A3 uses a 7-speed automated manual, which often aims for quicker, crisper shifts often associated with sportier driving.
Which vehicle is physically larger and feels more substantial on the road?
The 2025 Acura TLX is the significantly larger vehicle, measuring 194.6 inches long and 75.2 inches wide. The A3 is tighter at 177.3 inches long and 71.5 inches wide, making the TLX feel like the bigger, more planted presence.
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