VS
At a Glance
Power
355hp @ 5500
394hp @ 6000
Torque
354lb-ft @ 1400
354lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
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 355hp @ 5500 while the Audi A3 produces 394hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Tlx returns 22 mpg est. while the A3 uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $53,100 for the Tlx and $56,200 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 TlxType S w/Performance Tire SH-AWD 2021 - From $53,100
Audi A32.5 TFSI 2020 - From $56,200
Performance
Power Output (hp)
355hp @ 5500
394hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
354lb-ft @ 1400
354lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
2.5 L/151ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
24mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
14.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
194.6in
176.3in
Width (in)
75.2in
70.7in
Height (in)
56.4in
55in
Wheelbase (in)
113in
103.6in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4200lbs
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
Audi A3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
A3
Fuel Economy
A3
Value
Tlx
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Acura Tlx
Lower starting price ($53,100)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Audi A3
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tlx or A3?
The Tlx gets 22 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 355hp @ 5500 and 354lb-ft @ 1400 of torque while the A3 delivers 394hp @ 6000 and 354lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The A3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tlx and A3?
The Tlx starts from $53,100 and the A3 from $56,200. The Tlx is cheaper by $3,100 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