The 2025 Acura Integra and 2025 Audi A3 are gateways into luxury car ownership. Both subcompact cars are small enough to drive around the city during the week and can also be fun on emptier roads during the weekends. All the while, the Integra and A3 each have a prestigious air, offering cool details and distinct styles but remaining relatively affordable.
Based on the excellent Honda Civic platform, the Acura Integra has a sleek hatchback instead of a conventional trunk. It launched for the 2023 model year, so the car is still fresh.
This latest generation of Audi A3 sedan debuted just a year before the Integra and receives a few styling revisions for 2025. It has all the smart design and quality so typical of Audi, yet in this smaller package — along with another Audi hallmark, quattro all-wheel drive (AWD).
If we had to choose between these two, we would have to dig into the details, which we’re going to do right now.
2025 Acura Integra
The 2025 Integra comes in base, A-Spec, A-Spec w/Technology, and Type S. The A-Spec adds 18-inch alloy wheels, contrasting stitching for the upholstery, and a small rear spoiler. The Technology package brings an adaptive suspension, wireless charging, and a larger infotainment screen. The Type S has a more powerful engine and an altogether sportier demeanor.
Acura Integra Highlights
Fun and fuel-efficient engines: The 2025 Acura Integra employs a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, sending 200 horsepower solely to the front wheels. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard. A 6-speed manual is optional and is the only gearbox in the Type S. Speaking of which, the Integra’s range-topping model has a snarling 320-hp turbo 4-cylinder unit occupying its engine bay. Both powertrains are zesty, while the Type S can be downright wild when let loose. Still, the standard turbo 4-cylinder shouldn’t be overlooked, especially since it returns an EPA combined rating of 33 mpg.
Value: Starting at $34,195, the 2025 Integra is a great way to jump into a luxury car at an almost-mainstream price. Higher trims won’t break the bank, either. The Integra A-Spec w/Technology, at $39,195, comes with several more comfort, safety, and tech features. Acura tends to enjoy stronger resale values than Audi, and we’re sure this will be the case between these two contenders.
Cargo space: Despite its petite proportions, the Integra is surprisingly roomy and practical. Its wide-opening hatch swings upward to reveal a handy 24.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which gets even more accommodating when the 60/40-split folding rear seats are folded forward.
Read our Acura Integra Review or see 2025 Acura Integra for sale near you
2025 Audi A3
Starting at $39,495, the 2025 A3 lineup offers a couple more variants and a greater number of trim levels than the Integra, including a sporty S3 and a remarkable RS 3. The first two A3 versions have a 201-hp engine linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive becomes standard for 2025.
Cabin quality: The interior of the A3 is a scaled-down version of Audi’s higher-end sedans like the A4 and A6. Leather seating, tri-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen are all standard. Fit and finish are exceptional, and the upgraded trims of the S3 and RS 3 models are even better.
Virtual Cockpit: Available from the Premium Plus trim level, this highly configurable digital instrument display helps A3 drivers keep their focus on the road ahead. We also like the crystal-clear navigation commands.
Performance with the S3 and RS 3: We think many shoppers will be perfectly happy with the standard 201-hp turbo 4-cylinder in the A3. That said, the sheer acceleration and sharp handling of the S3 and RS 3 are intoxicating. The S3, powered by a 328-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, needs only 4.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. Not quick enough? The Audi RS 3 comes with an impressive 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and hits 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds.
Read our Audi A3 Expert Review or see 2025 Audi A3 for sale near you
Similarities
The Acura Integra and Audi A3 are similar in their approach to wooing buyers seeking a premium product at an affordable price. They both have spirited and efficient turbo 4-cylinder engines in their entry-level models. They are remarkably similar in power and fuel economy. What’s more, they each offer seriously sporty versions (the Type S and the S3/RS 3).
Conclusion
Choosing between the Acura Integra and Audi A3 is tough. Both are enjoyable to drive, and in standard trim, both are quite affordable for luxury-badged vehicles. Of the two, the Integra is the better value, and it can carry a lot more cargo than the A3. As a longer car with a larger wheelbase, the Acura also holds a slight edge in rear legroom. And let’s not forget that the Integra is one of the last remaining luxury cars available with a manual transmission.
The pricier Audi A3 feels more luxurious. It also offers a choice of two performance models, as opposed to only one for the Integra. Granted, the RS 3’s asking price of more than $60,000 means it’s aimed at a specific (and well-heeled) clientele. If money is no object — or less of a concern — the Audi A3 gets the nod in this comparison. But for the majority of drivers on a stricter budget, the practical and highly entertaining Acura Integra makes for a compelling alternative.
Used Prices
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Fair Purchase Price (43085)
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New 2025 Audi A3 Prices
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Fair Purchase Price (43085)
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$39,495 |
$38,918 |
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$42,095 |
$40,449 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and New 2025 Audi A3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Acura Integra | 2025 Audi A3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 1.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 201 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed automatic, AWD |
| Fuel economy | 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined | 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (S3), Turbo 2.5-liter 5-cylinder (RS 3) |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years/70,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 inches | 103.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 176.9 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 71.5 inches |
| Height | 55.5 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 36.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 37.6 inches | 36.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 36.4 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.3 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.4 inches | 35.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.0 inches | 54.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.0 inches | NA |
| Cargo Volume | 24.3 cubic feet | 10.9 cubic feet |
