2025 Audi Q3 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

$39,800 · Crossover

$43,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck between choosing the compact luxury SUVs? The 2025 Audi Q3 ($39,800 MSRP) versus the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ($43,000 MSRP) presents a classic trade-off: upfront savings versus long-term efficiency. The GLA boasts a significant efficiency advantage, achieving 29 MPG combined on premium fuel, while the Q3 offers 23 MPG combined using regular unleaded. Performance is close, with the Q3 producing slightly more power at 228 hp compared to the GLA's 221 hp, though the Mercedes leads in torque with 258 lb-ft versus Audi's 251 lb-ft. Crucially, practicality leans toward the Audi, offering 23.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the GLA's smaller 15.4 cu ft. If maximizing cargo utility and saving $3,200 initially matters most, the Q3 is compelling, despite the GLA's superior 6 MPG overall economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The Mercedes GLA-Class wins for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is better suited for families as it provides substantially more cargo capacity at 23.7 cubic feet compared to the GLA's 15.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 takes the enthusiast nod due to its marginally higher 228 hp output and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 offers better immediate value, undercutting the Mercedes by $3,200 at its base MSRP.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

You prioritize initial cost savings, as the Q3 starts $3,200 cheaper than the GLA.
You regularly carry bulky items, benefiting from the Q3's 23.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer using readily available regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium fuel.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class if...

Saving on fuel over the long haul is critical, thanks to the GLA's 29 MPG combined rating.
You value a slightly tighter exterior footprint, as the GLA is 3.0 inches shorter in length.
You prefer the precise feel of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Length	176.6"	173.6"
Width	72.8"	72.2"
Height	62.9"	63.5"
Wheelbase	105.5"	107.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	228 hp	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	251 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	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/28 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	351.0/459.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	13.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.0 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	55.9 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	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	235/55R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
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.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Which car has better long-term running costs based on fuel?

The Mercedes GLA-Class is projected to have lower fuel costs overall, achieving 29 MPG combined, which is 6 MPG better than the Audi Q3's 23 MPG combined rating. However, remember the GLA requires premium unleaded fuel, which may offset some of those savings.

Is the $3,200 price difference between the two worth noting?

Yes, the $3,200 price gap is significant; the 2025 Audi Q3 starts at $39,800 while the GLA-Class begins at $43,000. This difference is a major factor when determining immediate budget constraints.

Which crossover is physically bigger inside for hauling gear?

The Audi Q3 is the clear winner for utility, offering 23.7 cu ft of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Mercedes GLA-Class provides only 15.4 cu ft of space behind the second row.

How do the standard powertrains compare in power and drivetrain?

The Audi Q3 produces a bit more horsepower (228 hp vs 221 hp) and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive through its 8-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes GLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, provides 258 lb-ft of torque, but is primarily a Front Wheel Drive vehicle in its base configuration.

Does the physical size affect parking or maneuverability?

The Mercedes GLA-Class is slightly smaller overall, being 3.0 inches shorter in length (173.6 inches vs 176.6 inches for the Q3) and slightly narrower. Both are compact crossovers, but the GLA may edge out slightly in very tight urban parking scenarios.

Are there any differences in the type of gasoline required?

A key operational difference is the fuel requirement; the Audi Q3 runs perfectly fine on regular unleaded gasoline. The Mercedes GLA-Class mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.