You’ll find no shortage of competition when browsing our ranking of the Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs. Two strong entries include the vehicles about to be compared right here, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
We’ve spent countless hours and miles putting each of these small luxury SUVs through their paces. After all, when paying a premium for a vehicle, you want to know you’re getting a premium product and not simply a fancier label.
Want to see how they compare? Let’s look at some highlights of the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA
The GLA is Mercedes’ smallest and least expensive SUV, although it can also be had in performance-tuned AMG trim. This upgrade significantly increases the GLA’s power and performance, though it costs considerably more. The standard version is the front-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 or all-wheel drive GLA 250 4Matic.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Highlights
Zippy to drive: We’re fans of how nimble the GLA is in all types of driving scenarios. This fleet-footedness is great for navigating city traffic or leisurely journeys on empty roads full of twists and turns.
Hate curbside parking? You’re in luck: Not many people will admit to enjoying parking their vehicle. The Mercedes-Benz GLA’s available Parking Assistance feature will guide you into a parallel or perpendicular spot without touching the wheel or pedals.
AMG excitement: With a starting price hovering around $60,000, the AMG GLA 35 commands a whole lot more money than the GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic. Don’t get us wrong, they get down the road just fine thanks to their 221-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder. Yet the AMG GLA 35 justifies its price when you punch the gas pedal. Its 302-hp turbo 4-cylinder sounds great and scoots this Mercedes from 0-60 mph in about five seconds.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLA models near you.
2025 Audi Q3
The 2025 Q3 also happens to be Audi’s least expensive SUV. There are two main trims — Premium and Premium Plus — and both have an 184-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, an 8-speed automatic, and AWD. Easy to drive and with a nicely controlled suspension, the Q3 doesn’t feel like you’re getting anything less than a proper luxury vehicle.
Audi Q3 Highlights
Slick tech: The business class-like cabin features an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. This dash looks cool and is a breeze to use while driving. You can upgrade to what Audi calls “Virtual Cockpit,” which consists of a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. The latter puts vehicle info, like navigation or music settings, directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Standard AWD, optional engine: You get the added all-season assurance of all-wheel drive on every Q3. You must pay extra for it in most competing models, including the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The available 228-hp turbo 4-cylinder is better suited to the Q3. It’s noticeably peppier than the base engine and nearly as economical.
Classy cabin: Similar to its Mercedes rival, the Q3’s interior is a definite cut above mainstream models. The materials are of high quality and have a robust look and feel. Fun add-ons include heated and ventilated front seats, ambient LED interior lighting, and driver’s seat memory settings.
Adaptive cruise control: Standard on every Q3, adaptive cruise control lets you set your speed, and the system maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead. This is great if your daily driving routine includes extended stints on the highway.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Q3 models near you.
Similarities
The Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3 are close when it comes to pricing and the refined way in which they operate. From inside, you’ll feel like you paid for a luxury vehicle, not to mention one that doesn’t guzzle gas or feel unwieldy.
Pricing
New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA Prices
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA vehicles and New 2025 Audi Q3 vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA | 2025 Audi Q3 | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 184 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 24 city/34 highway/28 combined | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cyl. (302 hp), AWD | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cyl. (228 hp) |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | NA | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 107.4 inches | 105.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.6 inches | 176.6 inches |
| Width | 72.2 inches | 72.8 inches |
| Height | 63.5 inches | 62.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.1 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 15.4 cubic feet | 23.7 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Given how well-rounded they are, it’s no surprise the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3 reside near the top of your rankings of subcompact luxury SUVs. We think they’re equally worthy of a test drive, but neither has a significant advantage in performance or comfort levels. The GLA can be downright crazy fast in AMG tune, of course, though the Q3 counters with a larger cargo hold and has AWD on every trim.