Audi A3 vs. Acura ILX

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A3 and Acura ILX 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 Audi A3 and the Acura ILX.

When we compare the Audi A3's and the Acura ILX's specifications and ratings, the Audi A3 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Acura ILX has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Audi A3 and Acura ILX have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A3's and the Acura ILX's specifications and ratings, the Acura ILX is a better car than the Audi A3.

Pricing: A used 2022 Audi A3 ranges from $23,995 to $32,996 while a used 2022 Acura ILX is priced between $21,955 to $29,997.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A3 loses 48.3 percent of its value and the Acura ILX loses 40.8 percent of its value. This means the Acura ILX retains 7.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A3.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A3 is 8.2 out of 10 while the Acura ILX's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Audi A3 being ranked 9 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Acura ILX being ranked 5 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A3 is 7.1 out of 10. For the Acura ILX the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Acura ILX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A3.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Audi A3 and the Acura ILX makes 201 horsepower. The A3 is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. The ILX is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles. This gives the Audi A3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Acura ILX. The A3 uses regular unleaded, and the ILX uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Acura ILX has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Audi A3 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Audi A3 and the Acura ILX have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.