2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Acura RDX
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Acura RDX often comes down to size versus immediate savings. You’re looking at a $5,300 initial price gap, with the Q3 starting at $39,800 versus the RDX's $45,100 entry point. If outright punch matters, the RDX delivers significantly, boasting 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, easily topping the Q3's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. Despite the power difference, fuel economy is remarkably similar, with both achieving a combined 23 MPG, although the Q3 uses regular unleaded while the RDX recommends premium. Practicality swings heavily toward the larger Acura; the RDX is over 10 inches longer (187.4 inches versus 176.6 inches) and offers substantially more storage with 29.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Q3’s 23.7 cubic feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi Q3
The lower $39,800 MSRP and use of regular unleaded fuel make the 2025 Audi Q3 a slightly gentler proposition for daily drivers.
2026 Acura RDX
The 2026 Acura RDX provides significantly more utility thanks to its larger physical footprint and 29.5 cu ft of cargo space.
2026 Acura RDX
With 44 more horsepower (272 hp) and a more responsive 10-speed transmission, the RDX offers a notably punchier driving experience.
2025 Audi Q3
Saving $5,300 upfront while still getting AWD and near-identical combined MPG figures establishes a strong initial value proposition for the Q3.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- You prioritize keeping the initial purchase price under $40,000.
- You prefer using regular unleaded gasoline for slightly lower running costs.
- You rarely utilize the back seat or need maximum cargo volume, as 23.7 cu ft is sufficient.
Choose the Acura RDX if...
- You frequently carry larger items and need the 29.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire the extra performance delivered by the 272 hp engine.
- You prefer the slightly larger vehicle dimensions (187.4 inches long) for road presence or stability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Acura RDX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 187.4" |
| Width | 72.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 62.9" | 65.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 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 | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/28 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.0/445.2 mi. | 359.1/461.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 10.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 9 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 60.0 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 | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 50.0 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 19 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Acura |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Acura RDX.
How much more powerful is the Acura RDX compared to the Audi Q3?
The 2026 Acura RDX produces 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 44 hp advantage over the 2025 Audi Q3's 228 hp output.
Are the fuel costs significantly different between these two crossovers?
Both vehicles achieve 23 MPG combined, but the RDX requires premium unleaded fuel, which costs more per gallon than the Q3’s regular unleaded requirement.
Does the size difference affect the practicality of the Audi Q3?
Yes, the Audi Q3 is about 10.8 inches shorter than the RDX and offers nearly 6 cubic feet less cargo room (23.7 vs 29.5 cu ft), making the RDX better for hauling luggage or large groceries.
What is the price difference at the starting MSRP?
There is a $5,300 gap between the two entry prices, with the 2025 Audi Q3 starting at $39,800 and the 2026 Acura RDX starting at $45,100.
Which transmission offers smoother shifting in daily driving?
While both are automatic, the 2026 Acura RDX utilizes a 10-speed unit, compared to the 2025 Audi Q3's 8-speed, which may offer more refined transitions at speed.
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