2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Comparison Overview
The battle for compact luxury crossover supremacy pits the dynamic 2025 Audi Q3 against the sophisticated 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Audi excites with 228 horsepower and superior all-wheel drive traction, making its 20/28 MPG feel acceptable for the power delivery. Conversely, the GLA captivates with its renowned badge and outstanding efficiency, achieving an impressive 29 combined MPG, although it requires premium fuel. While the Q3 offers substantially more utility with 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GLA's tighter 15.4 cu ft, the Mercedes counters with better fuel economy and its standard front-wheel-drive configuration keeps its MSRP slightly higher at $41,500 versus the Audi's $39,800. Enthusiasts will lean towards the Q3’s 251 lb-ft of torque delivery through its 8-speed automatic transmission, while efficiency-focused drivers will prefer the GLA's 34 MPG highway rating.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The Mercedes-Benz GLA wins for commuters due to its significantly better 29 combined MPG rating.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 provides a much larger 23.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, essential for family hauling.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 offers higher peak horsepower at 228 hp and standard AWD for superior dynamic engagement.
2025 Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 offers more power and significantly more cargo space for a lower starting MSRP of $39,800.
Choose the Audi Q3 if...
- You prioritize maximum utility, benefiting from the Q3's 23.7 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You need standard all-wheel drive assurance and prefer regular unleaded fuel.
- You desire a slight edge in raw output with 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLA if...
- Exceptional fuel economy is paramount, with the GLA achieving 34 MPG highway.
- You prefer the driving characteristics of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
- You want the smallest exterior footprint at 173.6 inches long, making city maneuvering easier.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q3 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient, the 2025 Audi Q3 or the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA holds a distinct advantage in efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Audi Q3's 23 combined MPG. This translates to the GLA achieving 34 MPG on the highway versus the Q3's 28 MPG highway rating.
Does the fuel type affect the overall ownership cost between these two vehicles?
Yes, the Audi Q3 runs happily on regular unleaded, whereas the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA strictly requires premium unleaded fuel. This operational difference can lead to higher recurrent fueling costs for the GLA despite its better mileage.
How does the standard drivetrain differ between the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The 2025 Audi Q3 comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, offering better traction in inclement weather. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA uses a front-wheel-drive configuration as standard.
Which crossover offers superior hauling capability based on specifications?
The 2025 Audi Q3 is the clear winner for cargo capacity, boasting 23.7 cubic feet. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is significantly tighter inside with only 15.4 cubic feet of available cargo space.
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA's lower horsepower balanced by better torque delivery?
The GLA produces 221 horsepower, slightly less than the Q3's 228 hp. However, the GLA compensates slightly with 258 lb-ft of torque, narrowly surpassing the Q3's 251 lb-ft peak, though it utilizes an automated manual transmission.
What is the price difference between the base MSRPs of these two luxury crossovers?
The 2025 Audi Q3 has a more accessible entry point at $39,800 MSRP. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced higher, starting at $41,500 MSRP for the base model.
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