2025 Audi A3 vs 2025 Volvo S60
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A3 hits the asphalt with taut German handling and Quattro AWD grip, offering an exciting, compact package starting at a tempting $38,200. Meanwhile, the 2025 Volvo S60 delivers substantial Scandinavian power and maturity, boasting 247 hp—a noticeable 46 hp advantage over the Audi—wrapped in a longer, more spacious frame. While the Audi impresses with its efficiency, achieving 34 MPG highway versus the Volvo's 36 MPG highway, the S60 claws back efficiency points due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating against the A3's 28. The A3 saves buyers $4,400 upfront, but the S60 counters with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A3's tight 8.3 cu ft. For drivers prioritizing immediate punch and rear-wheel bias feel from its AWD system, the A3 shines; for those seeking more serene space and outright power, the S60 commands attention.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the superior commuter due to its smaller footprint (177.3 inches long) and slightly better fuel economy with regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 offers significantly more utility for families with 11.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Audi's 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 provides 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a superior straight-line performance advantage over the A3's 201 hp.
2025 Audi A3
The Audi A3 offers a substantial $4,400 lower starting MSRP, making it the immediate choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You prioritize a lower initial investment, as the MSRP starts at $38,200, undercutting the S60 by $4,400.
- You prefer the dynamic handling stability provided by an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system in a compact body.
- You want the convenience of running on regular unleaded fuel instead of premium.
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You need greater hauling capacity with 11.6 cu ft of standard cargo space.
- You demand higher output, leveraging the S60's 247 horsepower for quicker acceleration.
- You value a slightly smoother, more traditional driving feel from the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 188.1" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.8" |
| Height | 56.2" | 56.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 113.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 236 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 27/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 mi. | 429.3/572.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 220W |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.4 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 235/45R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2025 Volvo S60.
Which car is faster in a straight line, the 2025 Audi A3 or the 2025 Volvo S60?
The 2025 Volvo S60 is notably faster, producing 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial 46 hp advantage over the Audi A3's 201 hp rating.
How does the fuel requirement differ between these two sedans?
The Audi A3 is designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs lower. Conversely, the Volvo S60 recommends premium unleaded fuel for its higher-output engine.
Is the Audi A3 or the Volvo S60 better for road trips regarding storage?
The Volvo S60 offers more practical storage for families, providing 11.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Audi A3 is significantly tighter in the trunk, offering only 8.3 cubic feet.
Which vehicle provides a better sense of grip in inclement weather?
The 2025 Audi A3 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), generally offering superior traction and stability compared to the Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration of the base 2025 Volvo S60.
What is the total cost difference between the starting prices?
The 2025 Audi A3 has an MSRP of $38,200, while the 2025 Volvo S60 starts at $42,600, resulting in a direct upfront price difference of $4,400.
Which car is more maneuverable in tight city environments?
The Audi A3 is the more city-friendly option due to its smaller dimensions, measuring 177.3 inches in length compared to the S60's 188.1 inches.
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