2025 Audi A3 vs 2026 Toyota Crown
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi A3 bursts onto the scene with premium agility, offering 201 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive in a tightly sculpted sedan package starting at $38,200. It's the nimble European contender focused on dynamic handling within a compact 177.3-inch frame. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Crown arrives as a bold statement: a high-riding, crossover-like sedan boasting a substantial 236 horsepower and achieving an incredible 41 MPG combined. The Crown commands $41,440 but rewards buyers with nearly double the utility, sporting 15.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A3’s tight 8.3 cu ft. While the A3 feels tauter, the Crown’s significant 13 MPG efficiency advantage and higher power output define its appeal as a practical, yet spirited, long-distance cruiser.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Crown
The 2026 Toyota Crown wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 41 MPG combined versus the Audi A3's 28 MPG.
2026 Toyota Crown
Families will strongly prefer the 2026 Toyota Crown, which offers substantially more storage with 15.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Crown
The 2026 Toyota Crown excites drivers more with 236 horsepower on tap, significantly outpacing the 201 hp found in the 2025 Audi A3.
2025 Audi A3
The 2025 Audi A3 provides a more affordable entry point at $38,200 while still including the desirable all-wheel drive system standard.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- You prioritize a lower initial purchase price, as the Audi A3 starts at $38,200.
- You prefer a more compact, agile footprint, measuring 177.3 inches in length.
- You desire the quick shifts of a 7-speed automated manual transmission for a sportier feel.
Choose the Toyota Crown if...
- Maximum fuel efficiency is critical, given the Crown’s 41 MPG combined rating.
- You require significant cargo space, as the Crown delivers 15.2 cu ft versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft.
- You want more outright acceleration, powered by the Crown's 236 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A3 | Toyota Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.3" | 196.1" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.2" | 60.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.7" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 236 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/34 MPG | 42/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 41 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/493.0 mi. | 609.0/594.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 57.1 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.2 in. |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 38.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 53.1 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | 19 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/45R17 | 225/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A3 and 2026 Toyota Crown.
Is the Audi A3 significantly smaller than the Toyota Crown?
Yes, the dimensions highlight a clear difference in size; the 2025 Audi A3 is 177.3 inches long and 56.2 inches high, while the 2026 Toyota Crown is notably longer at 196.1 inches and taller at 60.6 inches, giving it a more imposing stance.
How does the difference in horsepower impact the driving experience?
The 2026 Toyota Crown benefits from 236 hp, giving it a 35 hp advantage over the 201 hp generated by the 2025 Audi A3. This should translate to noticeably stronger acceleration in the Crown.
Which vehicle is better for covering long distances on a budget?
The 2026 Toyota Crown is the superior choice for fuel economy, rated at 41 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel, significantly beating the Audi A3’s 28 MPG combined rating.
Does the cargo capacity differ greatly between these two sedans?
The cargo capacities are vastly different; the 2026 Toyota Crown offers 15.2 cubic feet of storage, while the compact 2025 Audi A3 provides only 8.3 cubic feet, making the Crown much better for hauling gear.
Are both cars equipped with All-Wheel Drive and what fuel do they require?
Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, and happily, both the 2025 Audi A3 and the 2026 Toyota Crown run happily on regular unleaded fuel.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2026 Toyota Crown has a $41,440 MSRP, making it $3,240 more expensive than the 2025 Audi A3's starting price of $38,200.
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