2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$39,800 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi Q3 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is the $4,000 difference in starting MSRP, with the Audi priced at $39,800 versus the Mercedes at $43,800. Furthermore, the GLB offers a superior fuel economy rating, achieving 28 MPG combined compared to the Q3's 23 MPG combined, although this advantage comes with the requirement for premium unleaded fuel. Performance metrics show the Q3 leading in peak output with 228 horsepower against the GLB's 221 hp, but the GLB counters with higher torque at 258 lb-ft versus the Audi's 251 lb-ft. Dimensions also vary; the GLB is substantially taller at 66.7 inches compared to the Q3's 62.9 inches, while the Q3 retains a slight edge in maximum cargo volume at 23.7 cubic feet versus the GLB's 22.0 cubic feet. These specifications dictate distinct compromises in efficiency, initial outlay, and physical footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q3

The 2025 Audi Q3 is preferable for families as it offers greater maximum cargo capacity at 23.7 cubic feet compared to the GLB's 22.0 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q3

The 2025 Audi Q3 is marginally better for enthusiasts as it produces higher peak horsepower at 228 hp versus the GLB's 221 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q3

The 2025 Audi Q3 provides better entry value with a $4,000 lower MSRP, starting at $39,800.

Choose the Audi Q3 if...

Your budget requires an entry price under $40,000, as the MSRP is $39,800.
You prioritize maximum cargo space, as the Q3 provides 23.7 cubic feet compared to 22.0 cubic feet in the GLB.
You prefer using regular unleaded fuel instead of premium unleaded, which the GLB requires.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Achieving the best possible fuel efficiency is paramount, evidenced by its 28 MPG combined rating.
You need a taller vehicle for ingress/egress or clearance, as the GLB stands 66.7 inches high.
You prefer higher torque for immediate responsiveness, with the GLB delivering 258 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q3	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	176.6"	182.4"
Width	72.8"	72.2"
Height	62.9"	66.7"
Wheelbase	105.5"	111.4"

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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	318.0/445.2 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
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.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	40.0 in.	41.1 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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	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.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.1 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	54.9 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 GLB.

Which crossover has better city driving efficiency?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB is more efficient in city cycles, achieving an EPA rating of 25 MPG City compared to the Audi Q3's 20 MPG City. However, buyers must factor in the GLB's required use of premium unleaded fuel.

How significant is the physical size difference between the two crossovers?

The 2026 GLB is noticeably larger overall, measuring 182.4 inches long compared to the Q3's 176.6 inches. The GLB is also significantly taller by nearly 4 inches (66.7 in vs 62.9 in).

Does the lower horsepower of the GLB translate to slower acceleration?

While the GLB has 7 less horsepower (221 hp vs 228 hp), it generates 7 lb-ft more torque (258 lb-ft vs 251 lb-ft). Torque often influences initial acceleration feel more than peak horsepower.

What is the impact of the different transmissions on driving experience?

The Audi Q3 utilizes a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mercedes-Benz GLB uses an 8-speed automated manual. This typically means the Q3 offers smoother, conventional shifting.

Considering the price difference, does the GLB's efficiency offset its higher MSRP?

The GLB starts $4,000 higher ($43,800 vs $39,800) and requires more expensive premium fuel. Despite the 5 MPG combined advantage, the initial cost savings offered by the Q3 are substantial enough to sway value-focused buyers.

Which vehicle offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

The 2025 Audi Q3 comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB specification provided lists Front Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.