2025 Cadillac CT4 vs 2026 Audi A3

$34,995 · Sedan

$40,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The big question when looking at the 2025 Cadillac CT4 versus the 2026 Audi A3 is whether you prioritize accessible power or long-term economy and traction. The CT4 immediately grabs attention with its $34,995 starting price, significantly undercutting the A3's $40,100 MSRP—a difference of over five grand. Power delivery also favors Cadillac, as the CT4 boasts 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft. However, the A3 counters with better fuel efficiency, netting 28 combined MPG running on regular unleaded, while the CT4 is rated for 26 combined MPG and requires premium fuel. You also get a slightly larger trunk in the CT4 at 10.7 cubic feet versus the A3's 8.3 cubic feet, despite the CT4 being nearly 10 inches longer overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi A3

The 2026 Audi A3 is the better commuter due to its superior 24/34 MPG city/highway efficiency and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 offers superior practicality for families with 10.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's smaller 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Cadillac CT4

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Cadillac CT4's higher output of 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque for more spirited driving.

💰 Best Value

2025 Cadillac CT4

The Cadillac CT4 wins on pure upfront cost, starting $5,105 cheaper than the Audi A3.

Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...

You need the most power possible, with 237 hp available right out of the gate.
Your budget is tight, as the CT4 starts at $34,995 versus the A3's $40,100.
You prefer a traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamic paired with a larger 10.7 cu ft trunk.

Choose the Audi A3 if...

All-weather driving is crucial, given the A3’s standard All-Wheel Drive.
You want the better fuel economy, achieving 34 highway MPG using cheaper regular unleaded fuel.
You prefer a slightly smaller, more nimble footprint at 177.3 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Cadillac CT4	Audi A3
Length	187.2"	177.3"
Width	71.4"	71.5"
Height	56.0"	56.2"
Wheelbase	109.0"	103.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	237 hp @ 5000 rpm	201 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	236 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/32 MPG	24/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	374.0/544.0 mi.	348.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.0 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Front Head Room	38.3 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	54.8 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
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	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Rear Head Room	36.5 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	33.4 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.9 in.	53.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	17 in
Tire Size	P225/45R17	225/45R17
Tire Type	✓	All Season
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Cadillac	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Cadillac CT4 and 2026 Audi A3.

Which car will cost less to run day-to-day?

The 2026 Audi A3 should offer lower operational costs because it runs on regular unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Cadillac CT4 recommends premium. Additionally, the A3 gets 2 more combined MPG (28 vs 26).

Is the performance difference between the two sedans noticeable?

Yes, the Cadillac CT4 delivers a clear performance advantage with 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This is significantly more than the Audi A3's 201 hp and 236 lb-ft.

Why is the Audi A3 significantly more expensive upfront?

The Audi A3 starts at $40,100, over $5,000 more than the Cadillac CT4’s $34,995 MSRP. Much of this premium likely covers its standard All-Wheel Drive system and perceived luxury status.

Which sedan offers more space for luggage?

The 2025 Cadillac CT4 has a noticeable advantage in the trunk, providing 10.7 cubic feet of storage capacity. The 2026 Audi A3 is tighter, offering only 8.3 cubic feet.

Do these cars use the same type of driving system?

No, they utilize different primary setups; the Cadillac CT4 uses Rear Wheel Drive, while the Audi A3 comes standard with All Wheel Drive, which is often preferred in snowier climates.