VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
288hp @ 5400
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
280lb-ft @ 1900
Fuel
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
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 272hp @ 6500 while the Audi A3 produces 288hp @ 5400. On fuel, the Tlx returns 26 mpg est. while the A3 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,250 for the Tlx and $44,500 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 TlxFWD w/A-Spec Package 2021 - From $44,250
Audi A3Premium Plus 2.0 TFSI quattro 2019 - From $44,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
288hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
280lb-ft @ 1900
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
175.8in
Width (in)
75.2in
70.7in
Height (in)
56.4in
54.8in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3784lbs
3494lbs
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
—
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
Audi A3
1 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Lower starting price ($44,250)
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 26 mpg est. and the A3 gets 26 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 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the A3 delivers 288hp @ 5400 and 280lb-ft @ 1900 of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and A3?
The Tlx starts from $44,250 and the A3 from $44,500, a difference of just $250, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. 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