2026 Audi A3 vs 2026 Toyota Crown

$40,100 · Sedan

$41,440 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant quantitative divergence between the 2026 Audi A3 and the 2026 Toyota Crown lies in fuel economy, where the Crown achieves a 41 MPG combined rating, substantially surpassing the A3's 28 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Crown offers 236 horsepower versus the A3's 201 hp, a 35 hp advantage utilized in a vehicle that is also physically larger, measuring 196.1 inches long compared to the A3's 177.3 inches. However, the A3 commands a slight advantage in its initial outlay, starting at an MSRP of $40,100 versus the Crown's $41,440. While both feature all-wheel drive, the Crown boasts nearly double the utility with 15.2 cu ft of cargo space compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft, demonstrating a clear trade-off between German efficiency in a compact footprint and Japanese hybrid-like fuel economy and space. The A3 delivers 236 lb-ft of torque, while the Crown uses a CVT transmission against the A3's 7-speed automated manual.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Crown

The Toyota Crown's superior 41 MPG combined efficiency significantly lowers operational costs for daily travel compared to the Audi A3's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown provides substantially more utility with 15.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, far exceeding the A3's 8.3 cu ft, making it better for hauling passengers and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Crown

The Crown generates 236 horsepower, offering 35 more horsepower than the A3's 201 hp, suggesting quicker acceleration potential.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi A3

Despite its lower power and efficiency figures, the Audi A3 presents a lower entry price point at $40,100 compared to the Crown's $41,440 MSRP.

Choose the Audi A3 if...

Your primary concern is minimizing the initial purchase price, as the A3 starts at $40,100.
You prefer the direct shifting feel of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over a CVT.
You require a more maneuverable vehicle with a shorter overall length of 177.3 inches.

Choose the Toyota Crown if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, highlighted by the Crown's 41 MPG combined rating versus the A3's 28 MPG.
You require maximum cargo volume, as the Crown offers 15.2 cu ft compared to 8.3 cu ft.
You desire higher engine output, benefiting from the Crown's 236 horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi A3	Toyota Crown
Length	177.3"	196.1"
Width	71.5"	72.4"
Height	56.2"	60.6"
Wheelbase	103.7"	112.2"

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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable 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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	201 hp	236 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Audi	Toyota
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/34 MPG	42/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	41 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	348.0/493.0 mi.	609.0/594.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	14.5 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Toyota
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
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.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	57.1 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	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.2 in.
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Toyota
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	38.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	53.1 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	19 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/45R17	225/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi A3 and 2026 Toyota Crown.

How significant is the MPG difference between the 2026 Audi A3 and the 2026 Toyota Crown?

The difference is substantial: the Toyota Crown achieves 41 MPG combined, while the Audi A3 is rated at 28 MPG combined, meaning the Crown is expected to require significantly fewer fuel stops over the same distance.

Which sedan is physically larger, and how does this affect interior space?

The 2026 Toyota Crown is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 196.1 inches long versus the A3's 177.3 inches, which directly translates to better utility; the Crown offers 15.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the A3's 8.3 cu ft.

Does the higher MSRP on the Crown justify its lower horsepower compared to the A3?

No, the Crown has higher power at 236 hp compared to the A3's 201 hp, meaning the $1,340 higher MSRP secures both increased power and vastly superior fuel economy and cargo space.

What are the key mechanical differences in the drivetrain between these two AWD models?

The Audi A3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Toyota Crown employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) to manage its power delivery.

If driving enjoyment is paramount, which car provides better performance metrics?

The Crown leads in peak power with 236 hp, while the A3 counters with more low-end torque at 236 lb-ft compared to the Crown's unlisted torque figure, but the A3 is also substantially lighter due to its smaller size.

Are both vehicles compatible with standard (regular unleaded) fuel?

Yes, both the 2026 Audi A3 and the 2026 Toyota Crown are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fuel requirements for owners of either model.