2017 Audi A3 vs. Its Competition

2017 Audi A3 e-tron Sportback
Andrew Ganz Andrew Ganz Senior Editor

The A3 squares off best against the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Acura ILX, which are sized about the same and both have rather more pedestrian roots.

Against those, the ILX gives the A3 a run for its money in terms of polish and value, while the CLA is more daring to look at but feels comparatively unrefined.

The Volvo S60 is larger and pricier, but it still substantially undercuts its rivals like the BMW 3-Series and Audi's A4.

Buick's Verano comes in at a much lower price and equipment point than the A3, but the turbocharged model is a worthwhile consideration for those focused on value.

Meanwhile, BMW hasn't yet gotten in on the subcompact luxury sedan game, but its 2-Series coupe is more of a thoroughbred sports car compared to the A3.

2017 Audi A3 e-tron Sportback2017 Audi A3
Browse Used Listings		2017 Acura ILX2017 Acura ILX
Browse Used Listings		2017 BMW 2-Series2017 BMW 2-Series
Browse Used Listings		2016 Buick Verano Turbo2017 Buick Verano
Browse Used Listings		2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class
Browse Used Listings		2017 Volvo S602017 Volvo S60
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.3
The 2017 Audi A3 comes well-equipped and is a pleasant, polished entry-level sedan worthy of serious consideration.
6.7
The 2017 Acura ILX isn't long on glamor, but it's a focused and comfortable compact sedan on the first rung of the luxury ladder.
8.2
It may be BMW's entry-level model, but the 2-Series provides the sort of driving excitement the brand seems to have otherwise forgotten about.
5.8
The 2017 Buick Verano delivers quiet and comfort but the most appealing engine, the 2.0-liter turbo, doesn't return for the final run. Buyers should look for deals on this lame-duck car.
6.6
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a sharp-looking sedan that washes its hands of back-seat space, and stuns us in CLA45 AMG trim.
7.0
The 2017 Volvo S60 is a solid alternative to those tired of the German sedan game. It's not as flashy, but it is more sensibly priced.
MSRP From     
N/A$27,990$33,150$21,065$32,400$33,950
Gas Mileage     
25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy
Engine     
N/APremium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Gas/4-cylIntercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
N/ACompact CarsSubcompact CarsCompactSubcompact CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
N/ASedan230i Coupe4-Door Sedan w/1SVCLA 250 CoupeT5 FWD Dynamic
Drivetrain     
N/AFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
N/A54555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/A4N/AN/A
Body Style     
N/ASedanCoupeSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
N/AAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAuto-Shift Manual w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2017 Audi A3 vs. 2017 Acura ILX2017 Audi A3 vs. 2017 BMW 2-Series2017 Audi A3 vs. 2017 Buick Verano2017 Audi A3 vs. 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class2017 Audi A3 vs. 2017 Volvo S60