2025 Audi A3 vs 2025 Subaru WRX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A3 bursts forth with refined, premium agility, boasting a respectable 201 hp and an excellent 28 combined MPG. Contrast this with the snarling 2025 Subaru WRX, a pure performance machine wielding 271 hp from its turbocharged engine. The WRX delivers a visceral punch, appealing to adrenaline seekers willing to sacrifice efficiency for thrills. Conversely, the A3 leverages its standard all-wheel drive and efficient 7-speed automated manual to deliver smoother, more accessible daily driving. Fuel economy is a significant dividing line; the A3 achieves 34 MPG on the highway, while the WRX lags at 26 MPG highway, requiring premium fuel. Furthermore, the WRX offers substantially more utility with 12.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A3’s tight 8.3 cu ft, despite the WRX being slightly longer at 183.8 inches versus the A3’s 177.3 inches. The 70 hp disparity highlights this core difference: luxury convenience versus raw power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the WRX's 22 combined MPG.
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX provides significantly more usability for families, offering 12.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Subaru WRX
The WRX is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting a potent 271 hp and a traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
2025 Audi A3
While nearly identically priced, the A3's inclusion of regular unleaded fuel capability and higher MPG grants it better long-term running value over the WRX.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You prioritize fuel economy and can average 34 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the responsiveness and ease of an automated manual transmission.
- You desire the prestige and polished driving dynamics associated with the Audi badge.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You crave raw performance, highlighted by the WRX's 271 hp engine.
- You demand engaging driving via a classic 6-speed manual transmission.
- You need usable trunk space, as the WRX offers 12.5 cu ft versus 8.3 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 183.8" |
| Width | 71.5" | 71.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 57.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 105.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| 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 | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 mi. | 315.4/431.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 49.3 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 245/40R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2025 Subaru WRX.
How does the fuel cost difference affect ownership between these two AWD sedans?
The A3 is significantly cheaper to run, offering 28 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel. The WRX requires premium fuel and achieves only 22 combined MPG, resulting in higher daily running costs.
Is the Audi A3 significantly smaller or less practical than the WRX?
The WRX is physically larger, measuring 183.8 inches long compared to the A3's 177.3 inches, and it offers considerably more utility with 12.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
Which vehicle offers a more engaging driving experience?
The Subaru WRX provides the more passionate drive, equipped with 271 hp and a physical 6-speed manual gearbox for driver involvement.
What is the horsepower gap between the base models?
There is a substantial 70 horsepower advantage for the WRX, which generates 271 hp, easily outclassing the A3's 201 hp output.
Are both cars equipped with all-wheel drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2025 Subaru WRX come standard with an all-wheel drive system.
How do the starting MSRPs compare?
The two vehicles are closely matched in initial price, with the WRX starting at $37,750, just slightly under the A3's $38,200 MSRP.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool