Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA.
When comparing the Audi Q3's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the Audi Q3 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi Q3's and the Mercedes-Benz CLA's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Audi Q3 ranges from $34,998 to $45,207 while a used 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA is priced between $36,888 to $54,096. For a new model, the Audi Q3's price is between $42,197 and $48,540, with the Mercedes-Benz CLA priced between $45,500 and $69,572.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi Q3 loses 50.3 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 3.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi Q3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi Q3’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA base engine makes 221 horsepower. The Q3 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. The CLA is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Audi Q3. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Audi Q3, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The 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:
42197 - 48540
Starting MSRP:
37400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
39820
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
25940 - 49900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
45500 - 69572
Starting MSRP:
44400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
59440
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
39600 - 101100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
39574
Price Range:
34998 - 45207
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
41731
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
25921 - 50559
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
43740
Price Range:
36888 - 54096
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
43740 - 51330
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
18940
Depreciation %:
0.50640517
Resale Value $:
18460
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.51752001
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
0.50640517 - 0.5424919
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
N/A
Category Depreciation Range:
N/A
Audi Q3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz CLA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi Q3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
10.7 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.01
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
13.4 - 13.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.09
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.6166901616938345
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.5 - 13.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.9324757262781636
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
3.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact Cars)
2.1 - 6.6
Audi Q3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 12Ranking
11 out of / 12Ranking
12 out of / 70Ranking
13 out of / 62Ranking
14 out of / 70Ranking
16 out of / 70Ranking
18 out of / 70Ranking
20 out of / 70Ranking
22 out of / 70Ranking
50 out of / 70Ranking
50 out of / 70Ranking
54 out of / 70Ranking
55 out of / 70Ranking
59 out of / 70Ranking
63 out of / 70Mercedes-Benz CLA Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
7 out of / 35Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
12 out of / 35Ranking
16 out of / 35Ranking
18 out of / 35Ranking
21 out of / 35Ranking
23 out of / 35Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
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
Mercedes-Benz CLA Trim Levels
AMG CLA 35, AMG CLA 45 S, CLA 250, CLA 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 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):
0.063 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 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium 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):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
351 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
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:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
33.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
89.1 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:
3494 lbs
Width:
78.7 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
184.6 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.1 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:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Chronos Gray Metallic / Nano Gray Metallic
Orange
Pulse Orange
Red
Progressive Red Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Arkona White / Glacier White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Cosmos Black Metallic / Night Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Hyper Blue Metallic / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Mountain Grey Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic
White
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
Brown w/ Grey Stitching
Gray
Titanium Grey/Black
Red
Classic Red/Black
