Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Membership Icon

Non-member Version

Unlock Consumer Report’s ratings and test results today.

Become a Member

2026 Audi A3 vs. 2025 Audi A4 Comparison

See how the 2026 Audi A3 and 2025 Audi A4 performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

A3 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 Audi A3

$40,100 - $52,000

All Test Results

A4 2025

Luxury small cars

2025 Audi A4

$42,000 - $44,100

All Test Results
Membership Lock Icon

Unlock Consumer Report's Ratings and Test Results

CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.


About
About
The A3 packs a solid and upscale feel into a small package. The front seats are comfortable, and the cabin is nicely finished. The rear seat is cramped, as is the norm in this class. A 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a seven-speed dual-clutch a...
 
Even though it's about to be redesigned, the A4 remains among the best luxury compact sports sedans, thanks to its enjoyable driving experience. The punchy 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, driving all ...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Handling
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Front-seat comfort
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
 
Green Checkmark Icon A very well-rounded sports luxury sedan that does almost everything right
Green Checkmark Icon Responsive handling
Green Checkmark Icon Quiet interior
Green Checkmark Icon Comprehensive and advanced infotainment electronics
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Tight rear seat
 
Red 'X' Icon Controls require a learning curve
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

wagon, sedan

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Premium Plus, Premium, S3, RS 3

 

Premium Plus, Prestige, Premium, S4, allroad

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$40,100 - $52,000

 

$42,000 - $44,100

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 turbo (328 hp); 2.5-liter 5 turbo (394 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)

 

2-liter 4 turbo (261 hp); 3-liter V6 turbo (349 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

7-speed Sequential

 

7-speed Sequential, 8-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

Membership Lock Icon

Unlock Consumer Report's Ratings and Test Results

CR membership is here to help you buy smarter, own with confidence, and save every day—so you can spend your hard-earned money on cars and products that really work and are proven to last.

130+

researchers, engineers, and testing experts

89 years

of fighting for what's right

5M

members strong

Add Another Model

cr-trademark

Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.