VS
At a Glance
Power
255hp @ 6500
328hp @ 5500
Torque
273lb-ft @ 4500
326lb-ft @ 3500
Fuel
26 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
—
Engine
2.0 L/121ci
—
Choosing between the Audi Q3 and the GMC Acadia is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q3 delivers 255hp @ 6500 while the GMC Acadia produces 328hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Q3 returns 26 mpg est. while the Acadia uses 23 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,700 for the Q3 and $43,800 for the Acadia. 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 quattro 2026 - From $43,700
GMC AcadiaFWD 4dr Elevation 2026 - From $43,800
Performance
Power Output (hp)
255hp @ 6500
328hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
273lb-ft @ 4500
326lb-ft @ 3500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/121ci
—
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
23 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.4gal
19.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
178.4in
203.96in
Width (in)
73.2in
79.56in
Height (in)
64.1in
70.97in
Wheelbase (in)
105.1in
120.93in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3935lbs
Coming Soonlbs
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
✓ 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
Audi Q3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Acadia
Fuel Economy
Q3
Value
Tied
Practicality
Q3
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($43,700)
Few notable weaknesses
GMC Acadia
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (23 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or Acadia?
The Q3 gets 26 mpg est. and the Acadia gets 23 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 Acadia?
The Q3 produces 255hp @ 6500 and 273lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Acadia delivers 328hp @ 5500 and 326lb-ft @ 3500 of torque. The Acadia is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q3 and Acadia?
The Q3 starts from $43,700 and the Acadia from $43,800, 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 Acadia?
The Q3 has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Acadia can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q3 or the Acadia?
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.