2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Dodge Durango

$39,800 · Crossover

$38,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi Q3 bursts onto the scene as the sophisticated, compact urban cruiser, while the 2026 Dodge Durango arrives as a robust, road-commanding utility vehicle. The Audi captivates with its nimble dimensions (176.6 inches long) and efficiency, netting an excellent 28 MPG highway from its 228 hp engine, perfectly suited for tight city navigation. Conversely, the Durango flexes raw muscle, boasting 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque to power its significantly larger frame (200.8 inches long). This power advantage over the Q3 is substantial, representing a 67 hp difference, making the Durango the choice for those prioritizing outright acceleration over the Q3's fuel economy which clocks in at 23 combined MPG versus the Durango's 20 combined MPG. Although the Q3 is more thrifty, the sheer presence and power of the V6-powered Durango deliver a visceral driving reward that the premium German compact just can't match across every metric.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q3

The 2025 Audi Q3 is the superior commuter due to its superior efficiency, achieving 28 MPG highway compared to the Durango's 25 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango offers a physically larger footprint, translating to greater passenger volume, despite having less listed cargo space at 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango provides substantially more thrilling performance with 295 horsepower versus the Audi Q3's 228 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Dodge Durango

The 2026 Dodge Durango offers 67 more horsepower for only $805 less than the Audi Q3's starting MSRP of $39,800.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

You prioritize efficiency, as the 2025 Audi Q3 delivers 23 combined MPG.
You need a smaller footprint for easier urban parking and maneuvering, with a length of only 176.6 inches.
You prefer the refined stability of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for slippery conditions.

Choose the Dodge Durango if...

You crave maximum power, benefiting from the Durango's 295 horsepower rating.
You frequently haul large items and need the RWD platform capable of towing more.
Your budget is tighter, as the 2026 Durango starts $805 cheaper at $38,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Dodge Durango
Length	176.6"	200.8"
Width	72.8"	75.8"
Height	62.9"	72.1"
Wheelbase	105.5"	119.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Dodge
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	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp	295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	251 lb-ft	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/28 MPG	18/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	442.8/615.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	24.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Dodge
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	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	10	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	With Real Time Traffic

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Dodge
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	58.5 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	—
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	—	57.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R18	265/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Dodge
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Dodge
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.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Dodge Durango.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Dodge Durango than the 2025 Audi Q3?

The Durango commands a significant power advantage; it produces 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is a 67 horsepower lead over the Audi Q3's 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better for highway road trips based on fuel economy?

The 2025 Audi Q3 is noticeably better for long highway stints, achieving 28 MPG highway compared to the 2026 Dodge Durango’s 25 MPG highway rating.

Why does the Durango have a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) base setup when the Audi uses AWD?

The Durango uses RWD for a more traditional, powerful, rear-biased driving feel favored by enthusiasts, whereas the Audi Q3 comes standard with AWD for enhanced all-weather stability and grip in a smaller package.

Is the Audi Q3 substantially smaller than the Durango?

Yes, the size difference is notable; the Durango is over 4 inches longer (200.8 inches vs. 176.6 inches) and significantly taller, making the Q3 the more compact crossover overall.

Which vehicle offers better sheer value considering performance metrics?

The Durango offers better value in performance terms, starting at a lower MSRP ($38,995) while delivering nearly 30% more horsepower than the Q3.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Dodge Durango are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps ongoing operating costs more predictable.