2021 Audi Q3 vs. 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Audi Q3 and 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Audi Q3 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
When comparing the 2021 Audi Q3's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Audi Q3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, reliability and overall quality score. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Audi Q3's and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a better car than the 2021 Audi Q3.
Pricing: A used 2021 Audi Q3 ranges from $21,400 to $32,906 while a used 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced between $26,024 to $36,815.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Audi Q3 loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA loses 42.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA retains 5.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Audi Q3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi Q3 is 8.1 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA's quality rating is 7.1 out of 10. This results in the Audi Q3 being ranked 2 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs and the Mercedes-Benz GLA being ranked 5 out of 13. Out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, the Audi Q3 is ranked 11 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA is ranked 30.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi Q3 is 6.8 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz GLA the reliability rating is 6.3 out of 10. This gives the Audi Q3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Audi Q3’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA base engine makes 221 horsepower. The Q3 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 477 miles. The GLA is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles.This gives the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Audi Q3 the advantage in maximum range. The Q3 uses regular unleaded, and the GLA uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/subcompact SUVs, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The 2021 Audi Q3 has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The 2021 Audi Q3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$34,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$34,220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$23,200 - $43,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,230
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$34,220
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$23,200 - $43,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,913
Price Range:
$21,400 - $32,906
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,889
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$19,563 - $36,297
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
250
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
45,038
# Good or Great Deals:
108
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$31,116
Price Range:
$26,024 - $36,815
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,889
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$19,563 - $36,297
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Audi Q3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz GLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Audi Q3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
8.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
9.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
8.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
5.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1 - 5.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1 - 5.6
Audi Q3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 59Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
11 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
24 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 68Ranking
31 out of / 68Ranking
43 out of / 68Ranking
44 out of / 68Ranking
53 out of / 68Ranking
58 out of / 68Ranking
61 out of / 68Mercedes-Benz GLA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 68Ranking
12 out of / 59Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
28 out of / 68Ranking
30 out of / 68Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
36 out of / 68Ranking
52 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Audi Q3 Trim Levels
quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro S line Prem Plus 45 TFSI, quattro S line Premium 45 TFSI
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Trim Levels
AMG GLA 35, AMG GLA 45, GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 30 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 477 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
318 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
23.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
48 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
107.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
34.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
50.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
114.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3902 lbs
Width:
79.7 inches
Height:
62.9 inches
Length:
176.6 inches
Wheelbase:
105.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3384 lbs
Width:
79.5 inches
Height:
63.5 inches
Length:
173.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Nano Gray Metallic
Orange
Pulse Orange
Red
Tango Red Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic / Ibis White
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic
White
Digital White Metallic / Polar White
Interior Colors
Beige
Pearl Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Okapi Brown
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Red Stitching
Brown
Bahia Brown
Gray
Neva Grey/Black / Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
