VS
At a Glance
Power
184hp @ 4800
284hp @ 6400
Torque
221lb-ft @ 3500
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
26 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q3 delivers 184hp @ 4800 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Q3 returns 26 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $37,400 for the Q3 and $37,500 for the Pathfinder. 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 Plus 40 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $37,400
Nissan PathfinderS 2WD 2026 - From $37,500
Performance
Power Output (hp)
184hp @ 4800
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 3500
259lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
3.5 L/213ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.6in
197.7in
Width (in)
72.8in
77.9in
Height (in)
62.9in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
105.5in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3902lbs
4334lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Pathfinder
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Q3
Value
Tied
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Pathfinder
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or Pathfinder?
The Q3 gets 26 mpg est. and the Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Q3 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 Pathfinder?
The Q3 produces 184hp @ 4800 and 221lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and Pathfinder?
The Q3 starts from $37,400 and the Pathfinder from $37,500, a difference of just $100, 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 Pathfinder?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Pathfinder can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the Pathfinder?
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.