2025 Audi Q3 vs. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA Comparison

It wasn’t that long ago that buyers wanting to get into the luxury segment needed to plunk their money down on a small sedan, and then they’d work their way up into larger luxury sedans. Now, subcompact SUVs like the 2025 Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA are the starter vehicles. Each retains the hallmarks of its luxury lineage while offering the advantages of a small SUV.

Let’s take a closer look at these entry-level luxury offerings.

2025 Audi Q3

The Q3 is Audi’s smallest SUV and its most affordable vehicle. If you want a foothold in the German luxury brand, this may be the best way to get it. Well into its second generation, the Q3’s exterior styling fits right in with the rest of the Q lineup: clean and contemporary. It looks like an Audi.

That feeling carries over to the Audi Q3’s interior space, which is simple, clean, and accented with current safety and convenience technology. With big screens for drivers and passengers, everyone can easily see the necessary information.

The entry-level model uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all four trim levels of the Q3, which isn’t the case for the Mercedes GLA. If you need more power, buyers can upgrade to a more powerful version of the same 4-cylinder that develops 228 hp. Prices start at $41,095, including destination charges.

Audi Q3 Highlights

Driver assistance: Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance is now standard equipment, or technology in this case, across all Audi Q3 trim levels.

Technology package: This is an options bundle with the Premium Plus trim. It brings a larger 12.3-inch digital driver information display, a larger infotainment touchscreen (10.1-inch), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, road sign recognition, navigation, satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system.

Safety first: The Audi Q3 earned a 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and achieved “Good” ratings in most of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q3 models near you.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA

2024 model shown

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the gateway into the 3-pointed-star lineup. The most affordable Mercedes-Benz vehicle received a freshening for the 2024 model year with updates including a revised front grille, a bigger screen for the infotainment system, and a hybrid-assist system for the engine, giving it a little more oomph off the line. For 2025, it gains the option of surround-view cameras.

The GLA’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine develops 221 hp, substantially more than the base model Audi Q3. GLA buyers can upgrade to the AMG variant and its 302 hp.

The new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is tough to miss. The GLA offers plenty of room for adults in the back seat, but that comes at the expense of the vehicle’s storage behind the second-row seats. Prices start at $44,150, including destination charges.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Highlights

MBUX: The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is the grand title of the infotainment system. It responds to voice commands using natural speech (start by saying, “Hey, Mercedes …”). Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is standard.

Awesome audio: Burmester produces some of the world’s best audio systems, particularly for Mercedes-Benz.

Augmented reality: A forward-facing camera shows real-time images on the touchscreen, which then superimposes things like house numbers and direction arrows, making life easier when driving to an unfamiliar location.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLA models near you.

Similarities

The Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA allow buyers to enjoy the perks of a luxury vehicle at a not-so-luxury price. Each offers the benefits of an SUV, such as a higher seating position, higher ground clearance, and room for five adults.

Conclusion

One could argue that the Audi Q3 is the more practical choice, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA delivers a bit more panache. The Q3 has a lower starting price, more interior space, and standard AWD. However, the GLA reaches higher levels of luxury and performance but at an extra cost. The right luxury SUV depends on your priorities and your budget.

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 New 2025 Audi Q3 vehicles and New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 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.

	2025 Audi Q3	2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder	2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower	184 hp @ 4,800 rpm	221 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	221 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Transmission	8-speed Tiptronic quattro	8-speed dual clutch
Fuel Economy	22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg	25 city/34 highway/28 combined mpg
Also Available	2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder	AWD
Specs
Basic Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5 stars	N/R
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	105.5 inches	107.4 inches
Overall Length	176.6 inches	173.6 inches
Width	72.8 inches	72.2 inches
Height	62.9 inches	63.5 inches
Turning Diameter	38.4 feet	37.4 feet
Headroom, Front	39.6 inches	39.0 inches
Headroom, Rear	37.6 inches	38.1 inches
Legroom, Front	40.0 inches	41.0 inches
Legroom, Rear	36.1 inches	38.0 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	56.7 inches	55.9 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	55.1 inches	54.8 inches
Cargo Volume	23.7 cubic feet	16.0 cubic feet