VS
At a Glance
Power
255hp @ 6500
180hp @ 5800
Torque
273lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
26 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
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 255hp @ 6500 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Q3 returns 26 mpg est. while the Forester uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,700 for the Q3 and $41,595 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 quattro 2026 - From $43,700
Subaru ForesterTouring AWD 2026 - From $41,595
Performance
Power Output (hp)
255hp @ 6500
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
273lb-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
7
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.4gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
178.4in
183.3in
Width (in)
73.2in
72in
Height (in)
64.1in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
105.1in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3935lbs
3664lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
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
Forester
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi Q3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,595)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q3 or Forester?
The Q3 gets 26 mpg est. and the Forester gets 28 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 255hp @ 6500 and 273lb-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 $43,700 and the Forester from $41,595. The Forester is cheaper by $2,105 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 1500lbs 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.