VS
At a Glance
Power
290hp @ 6200
400hp @ 5850
Torque
267lb-ft @ 4500
354lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.5 L/151ci
Choosing between the Acura Tlx and the Audi A3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Tlx delivers 290hp @ 6200 while the Audi A3 produces 400hp @ 5850. On fuel, the Tlx returns 24 mpg est. while the A3 uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $48,950 for the Tlx and $54,900 for the A3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura Tlx3.5L SH-AWD PMC Edition 2020 - From $48,950
Audi A3RS 3 2.5 TFSI S Tronic 2018 - From $54,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
290hp @ 6200
400hp @ 5850
Torque (lb-ft)
267lb-ft @ 4500
354lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
2.5 L/151ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
190.7in
176.3in
Width (in)
73in
70.7in
Height (in)
57in
55in
Wheelbase (in)
109.3in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3812lbs
3593lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tlx
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Lower starting price ($48,950)
Few notable weaknesses
Audi A3
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or A3?
The Tlx gets 24 mpg est. and the A3 gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The A3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tlx or A3?
The Tlx produces 290hp @ 6200 and 267lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the A3 delivers 400hp @ 5850 and 354lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and A3?
The Tlx starts from $48,950 and the A3 from $54,900. The Tlx is cheaper by $5,950 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Tlx or the A3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider