VS
At a Glance
Power
228hp @ 6000
281hp @ 5800
Torque
251lb-ft @ 4500
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q3 delivers 228hp @ 6000 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Q3 returns 24 mpg est. while the Sorento uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,800 for the Q3 and $39,790 for the Sorento. 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 Plus 45 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $39,800
KIA SorentoEX AWD 2026 - From $39,790
Performance
Power Output (hp)
228hp @ 6000
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
251lb-ft @ 4500
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.6in
189in
Width (in)
72.8in
74.8in
Height (in)
62.9in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
105.5in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3913lbs
4211lbs
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
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ 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
KIA Sorento
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($39,790)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or Sorento?
The Q3 gets 24 mpg est. and the Sorento gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sorento 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 Sorento?
The Q3 produces 228hp @ 6000 and 251lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and Sorento?
The Q3 starts from $39,800 and the Sorento from $39,790, a difference of just $10, 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 Sorento?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Sorento can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the Sorento?
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.