Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$61,600RRP
- no option data for this car
$58,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLA the more affordable entry point by $2,700.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $67,760 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q3
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005591 · published 22 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear window glass may have been manufactured out of specification.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-000063 · published 12 Aug 2019If the vehicle's external front indicator light stops operating over time, the driver may not receive the corresponding warning.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2018
- 1 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006325 · published 4 Apr 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the stop rivets on the adjustment rails of the rear seats may have not been installed.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-005401 · published 6 Apr 2022Due to a software issue, the automatic network search of the emergency call system (eCall) communication module may be deactivated.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 11 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 270Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 120mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Audi Q3 a 53L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $1,767/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q3: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 70, but the Mercedes-Benz GLA is $2,700 cheaper
The Audi Q3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 70), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Audi Q3 ahead by 23), fuel economy (Audi Q3 ahead by 5). The Audi Q3 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q3 by $2,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q3 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Audi Q3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Mercedes-Benz GLA, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q3 has the largest boot at 488L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA makes the most power at 120kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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