2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S3 hits the street as the sophisticated, point-and-shoot machine, boasting 328 hp and a lightning-fast 7-speed automated manual ready to devour pavement, wrapped in a compact 177.4-inch sedan shell. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is the raw, analog weapon, clinging to its revered 6-speed manual transmission while delivering 295 lb-ft of torque in a utilitarian hatchback format. While the Audi asks for an MSRP of $48,700, challenging the GR Corolla's wallet-friendly $39,920 entry point, the performance differences are subtle; the Audi holds a 28 hp advantage. Commuters might appreciate the Audi’s marginally better combined 26 MPG versus the Toyota’s 24 MPG, but the GR Corolla offers nearly double the utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the S3's restrictive 8.3 cu ft, making this a battle between polished speed and engaging practicality.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined 26 MPG efficiency and more refined automated manual transmission for stop-and-go traffic.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is the clear choice for families, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft compared to the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the GR Corolla's visceral connection offered by the standard 6-speed manual transmission over the S3's automated setup.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla provides immense performance, sharing the same 295 lb-ft of torque for $8,780 less than the Audi S3, representing superior monetary value.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You demand the highest peak output, benefiting from the 328 hp delivered by the S3's powertrain.
- You prefer the sleek, traditional silhouette of a sedan over a hatchback design.
- You value the convenience of a quick-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission for daily driving.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- Your budget requires keeping the starting MSRP closer to $40,000, as the GR Corolla is $8,780 cheaper.
- You absolutely require maximum utility, benefiting from the GR Corolla's expansive 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You crave the unfiltered, engaging experience provided exclusively by a 6-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Toyota GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 173.6" |
| Width | 71.5" | 72.8" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 277.2/369.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 36.8 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.6 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 45.5 in. |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 235/40R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi S3 and 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
Is the Audi S3 significantly faster than the GR Corolla?
Not dramatically on paper; the Audi S3 boasts 328 hp, giving it a 28 hp edge over the GR Corolla’s 300 hp, but both share an identical 295 lb-ft of torque figure.
Which car is better for long road trips based on fuel economy?
The Audi S3 holds a slight advantage for highway cruising efficiency, achieving 31 MPG compared to the GR Corolla’s 28 MPG highway rating. However, both demand premium unleaded fuel.
How does the size difference affect maneuverability in the city?
The GR Corolla is shorter in length (173.6 inches vs. 177.4 inches) but slightly wider and taller, meaning the Audi S3’s smaller overall footprint might offer marginally easier parking.
Why is the Audi S3 so much more expensive than the GR Corolla?
The S3 commands its higher $48,700 MSRP due to its perceived premium positioning, sophisticated technology suite, and its automated manual transmission, creating an $8,780 gap with the $39,920 GR Corolla.
Which vehicle offers more practical hauling capability?
The Toyota GR Corolla offers vastly superior utility, boasting 17.8 cu ft of cargo space—more than double the 8.3 cu ft available in the Audi S3 sedan.
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