VS
At a Glance
Power
228hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
251lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
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 228hp @ 6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Q3 returns 24 mpg est. while the Forester uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,800 for the Q3 and $38,385 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 Q3S line Premium 45 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $39,800
Subaru ForesterWilderness CVT 2026 - From $38,385
Performance
Power Output (hp)
228hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
251lb-ft @ 4500
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.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.6in
182.9in
Width (in)
72.8in
72.4in
Height (in)
62.9in
69.3in
Wheelbase (in)
105.5in
104.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3913lbs
3675lbs
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q3
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($38,385)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or Forester?
The Q3 gets 24 mpg est. and the Forester gets 26 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 228hp @ 6000 and 251lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Q3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and Forester?
The Q3 starts from $39,800 and the Forester from $38,385. The Forester is cheaper by $1,415 at this variant level. 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 3500lbs. 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.