VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
201hp @ 4800
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
221lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
29 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 201hp @ 4800. On fuel, the Tlx returns 26 mpg est. while the A3 uses 29 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,900 for the Tlx and $40,100 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/Technology Package 2022 - From $42,900
Audi A3Premium quattro 2026 - From $40,100
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
201hp @ 4800
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
221lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
29 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
34mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
176.9in
Width (in)
75.2in
71.5in
Height (in)
56.4in
56.2in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
103.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3756lbs
3417lbs
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
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi A3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tlx
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
A3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($40,100)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or A3?
The Tlx gets 26 mpg est. and the A3 gets 29 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 201hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Tlx is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and A3?
The Tlx starts from $42,900 and the A3 from $40,100. The A3 is cheaper by $2,800 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