2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Kia Sorento lies in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the Sorento undercuts the Q3 by $7,610, starting at $32,190 compared to the Audi's $39,800. Despite the lower entry price, the Q3 delivers superior power output, generating 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque versus the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy slightly favors the Kia, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Audi's 23 combined MPG. However, the Audi boasts greater utility, offering 23.7 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. Dimensionally, the Sorento is a larger vehicle across all metrics, notably being 13 inches longer in overall length.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers a better fuel economy rating of 26 combined MPG compared to the Audi Q3's 23 combined MPG for lower running costs.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 provides substantially more usable space with 23.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Kia Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 supplies 37 more horsepower (228 hp) and greater torque (251 lb-ft) for improved performance metrics.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers a $7,610 lower entry price point, representing significantly better base affordability.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- Maximum hauling capacity is needed, as the Audi Q3 offers 23.7 cu ft of cargo space.
- Superior power delivery is prioritized, with the Q3 producing 251 lb-ft of torque.
- Buyers require standard All-Wheel Drive capability from the base model.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Achieving the lowest possible initial transaction price is the top priority, starting at $32,190.
- Slightly better fuel efficiency is desired, delivering 31 highway MPG versus the Q3's 28 highway MPG.
- A larger exterior footprint is necessary, as the Sorento is 13 inches longer than the Q3.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.6" | 189.6" |
| Width | 72.8" | 74.8" |
| Height | 62.9" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/28 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 318.0/445.2 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.0 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Front Hip Room | — | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.1 in. |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Kia Sorento.
What is the main difference in drivetrains between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Audi Q3 comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Sorento comes standard with front-wheel drive and a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
How much more spacious is the Audi Q3's cargo area than the Kia Sorento's?
The Audi Q3 offers 23.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 11.1 cubic feet more than the Kia Sorento’s capacity of 12.6 cu ft. This substantial difference impacts utility for hauling larger items.
Is the Sorento more fuel-efficient than the Q3 despite being larger?
Yes, the Kia Sorento achieves superior efficiency metrics, rated at 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway). The Audi Q3 lags slightly behind with 23 combined MPG (20 city/28 highway).
Which vehicle offers significantly better horsepower and torque figures?
The Audi Q3 is the more powerful option, generating 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 37 hp advantage over the Kia Sorento's 191 hp output.
What is the difference in the required fuel type?
Both the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Kia Sorento are specified to use regular unleaded gasoline, simplifying refueling decisions for owners of either vehicle.
How do the dimensions compare in terms of overall size?
The Kia Sorento is notably larger overall; it is 13.0 inches longer (189.6 vs 176.6 inches) and slightly wider and taller than the Audi Q3.
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