VS
At a Glance
Power
184hp @ 4800
180hp @ 5800
Torque
221lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q3 delivers 184hp @ 4800 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Q3 returns 26 mpg est. while the Forester uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,400 for the Q3 and $37,695 for the Forester. 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
Audi Q3Premium 40 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $37,400
Subaru ForesterLimited AWD 2026 - From $37,695
Performance
Power Output (hp)
184hp @ 4800
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 3500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.6in
183.3in
Width (in)
72.8in
72in
Height (in)
62.9in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
105.5in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3902lbs
3613lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
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
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Q3
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Lower starting price ($37,400)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or Forester?
The Q3 gets 26 mpg est. and the Forester gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 Q3 or Forester?
The Q3 produces 184hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and Forester?
The Q3 starts from $37,400 and the Forester from $37,695, a difference of just $295, 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.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q3 or Forester?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the Forester?
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.