2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Audi A3

$37,750 · Sedan

$40,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru WRX significantly outpaces the 2026 Audi A3 in performance metrics, leading with a 70-horsepower advantage (271 hp vs. 201 hp) and 22 lb-ft more torque (258 lb-ft vs. 236 lb-ft). This power difference is balanced by the A3's superior efficiency, offering a 6 MPG higher combined rating (28 MPG vs. 22 MPG) and utilizing less expensive regular unleaded fuel versus the WRX's recommended premium. Dimensionally, the WRX is notably longer at 183.8 inches compared to the A3's 177.3 inches, translating directly to better utility, as the WRX provides 12.5 cu ft of cargo space against the A3's smaller 8.3 cu ft. While the A3 is priced slightly higher at $40,100 compared to the WRX's $37,750, the WRX compensates with its standard 6-speed manual transmission, appealing to traditional performance buyers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi A3

The 2026 Audi A3 is the commuter winner due to its superior 28 combined MPG and requirement for regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru WRX

The 2025 Subaru WRX offers 4.2 cubic feet more cargo capacity (12.5 cu ft vs. 8.3 cu ft) which is crucial for family utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The WRX is the choice for enthusiasts due to its substantial lead in power output, delivering 271 horsepower and a 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru WRX

Despite the A3's efficiency, the WRX offers significantly more power (70 hp advantage) for a lower MSRP of $37,750.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

You prioritize raw acceleration and engine output, as the WRX provides 271 hp.
You require a traditional, full engagement driving experience provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
Greater utility is needed, evidenced by the 12.5 cu ft cargo capacity versus the A3's 8.3 cu ft.

Choose the Audi A3 if...

Lower running costs are paramount, thanks to the A3's 28 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded fuel.
You prefer the slightly smaller footprint, measuring 177.3 inches in length.
You desire the modern precision of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a conventional stick shift.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru WRX	Audi A3
Length	183.8"	177.3"
Width	71.9"	71.5"
Height	57.8"	56.2"
Wheelbase	105.2"	103.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Driver Attention 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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	271 hp @ 5600 rpm	201 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 2000 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	24/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.4/431.6 mi.	348.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	54.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	53.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.3 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	245/40R	225/45R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Audi
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2026 Audi A3.

What is the primary difference in fuel requirements between the two sedans?

The 2025 Subaru WRX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its 271 hp rating. Conversely, the 2026 Audi A3 is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which typically results in lower refueling costs.

How does the standard transmission impact the driving experience in the WRX vs. A3?

The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, targeting drivers who want direct mechanical control. The A3 uses a 7-speed automated manual, offering faster, automated shifts while retaining some efficiency benefits.

Which car offers better passenger and cargo space based on listed specifications?

The WRX is physically larger, being 6.5 inches longer (183.8 in vs 177.3 in), and this is reflected in cargo space, where the WRX holds 12.5 cu ft compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.

Despite the lower MSRP, does the WRX offer better overall value when considering power?

Yes, the WRX offers substantial performance value, generating 271 hp for an MSRP of $37,750. The A3 costs $40,100 but produces 70 fewer horsepower.

What are the exact MPG differences for highway driving?

The 2026 Audi A3 achieves 34 MPG on the highway, significantly better than the 2025 Subaru WRX's highway rating of 26 MPG, representing an 8 MPG advantage in favor of the A3.