Audi A3 Vs. A4: Audi’s Smallest Sedans Compared

With the world jumping on the SUV bandwagon, sedan sales are falling fast. However, they are still the stylish vehicles of choice for many people who don’t want obnoxiously big cars with even bigger gas bills. Thankfully, Audi is still committed to serving its executive customers with luxury sedans for every budget. In this article, we’re comparing the 2025 Audi A3 vs. the Audi A4 to find out which of Audi’s smallest sedans is the better choice.

This is an on-paper comparison taking into account manufacturer-supplied specifications. All information regarding the latest models is correct at the time of writing. This comparison focuses on the core A3 and A4 ranges, not the performance-focused S- and RS-badged derivatives.

The Contenders: Audi’s Baseline

• 

  2025 Audi A4

  Engine

  2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas

  Transmission

  Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

• 

  2025 Audi A3 Sedan

  Engine

  2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

  Transmission

  Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

Audi sedans have been a cornerstone of the brand since its inception. Contending with German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi’s smaller luxury sedans offer drivers a premium package at a reasonable price point, which made them very popular with younger drivers looking to buy a fancy car without breaking the bank. The A3 kicks off the range as the most affordable vehicle available from Audi America, with the Audi A4 sitting just above it, but one stands out in a few key areas.

Exterior Design: Fun-sized A3 Meets Mature A4

Playing spot the difference between the Audi A4 and A3, there’s no doubt that they have their own traits to suit various lifestyles and needs. The 2025 Audi A3 sees sharper lines and more dynamic styling, with further customization options in the form of alloy wheels and additional packages. A laser-etched Audi logo is branded on the B-pillar, a new front fascia and updated LED lighting design surrounds the frameless front grille, while a prominent diffuser finishes the rear. Its compact dimensions are a perfect match for zipping through the city and finding a parking space.

On the other hand, the A4 takes a more mature approach. Its wider grille, elegant bodywork, and more pronounced shoulder lines reflect an imposing yet sophisticated character. Despite only receiving minor additions since its last refresh in 2020, the A4 still looks current. A pronounced crease along the doors brings an otherwise flat side-profile to life, and all models get 18-inch wheels with a five-arm trapezoid design, styled with black exterior trim as standard.

An Audi S-Line Plus package is available on the Premium Plus and Prestige A4s, which swaps even more parts for a black finish. On top of a black Audi badge on the front grille, black mirror housings instead of body-colored, and dark chrome exhaust tips, it also brings bigger 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers. It costs $2,350, which is the same as adding the wheels alone. The main difference lies in the Audi A3 size compared to the A4. Though the Audi A4 is bigger than the A3, it’s still a manageable size for navigating tighter streets.

Performance: A4 Is Quicker And More Powerful

Audi is getting its house in order and simplifying its range. Previously offering multiple engine variants per model, the new A3 and A4 are now limited to one engine. Both use the same 2.0-liter gas turbo engine that powers most of the current models, paired to a fantastic seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission, but they’re tuned to different outputs.

The 40 TFSI powers the lighter A3 with 201 horsepower, and the entry-level front-wheel-drive model has been scrapped in favor of Quattro all-wheel drive. Though it doesn’t sound like much, this will be adequate for most owners. Sharing the same engine cranked up to 261 hp, the Audi A4 generates more power and torque, and consequently offers little more in terms of speed. The next stages in performance come in the S and RS models.

Lighter A3 Is Marginally More Efficient

There’s barely a difference in fuel consumption, either, given they both share an engine. The more relaxed 40 TFSI powertrain of the A3 burns slightly less at 28 mpg combined, but the A4 still achieves 26 mpg while producing more power. It’s a shame Audi didn’t carry the 40 TFSI engine over from the 2024 Audi A4, as it would be the most frugal at 30 mpg combined. That said, there is an annual difference of only $150 between them, but this will add up over time. Regardless, there isn’t much that can be done with the limited engine choices.

* As per the EPA

Interior: A3 Is More Modern But A4 Is More Spacious

While both cars can accommodate five occupants, a family will be happier in the slightly more spacious A4. Rear shoulder room is better in the A4, so it’s the preferred choice for carrying three passengers at the back. Furthermore, the A4 has a much larger trunk.

Other than that, the interior differences lie within the technology and the general design.

A3 Cabin Has A Sportier, More Contemporary Look

Having had a recent facelift, the Audi A3 has a more modern interior than the A4. Gloss black plastics, attractive ambient lighting, and an integrated 10.1-inch touchscreen display elevate the cabin of the less expensive A3, making it seem like a bargain. Moreover, sleek new air vents sit atop the dashboard at either side of Audi’s futuristic 10.25-inch virtual cockpit, and a toggle switch shifter saves even more space. Plus, Audi connect Nav trial has been extended to three years from six months. Other features will be available on a subscription basis.

Since the incoming Audi A5 will replace the A4, it has been left out of the recent range refresh. It now looks dated compared to the A3, leaving the touchscreen on top of the dash as if they forgot to add it until the last minute. It does benefit from more trim levels delivering more standard features as you climb the range, including Nav on Premium Plus and Prestige models, and Homelink buttons on all models. Despite the less modern appearance, the A4’s interior is generally finished in high-quality materials.

*Navigation standard on A4 Premium Plus and Prestige models.

Sales Comparison: A3 Outsold A4 In 2024

Audi America sold 196,576 vehicles in 2024, which is 14% fewer than the previous year. Interestingly, the A3 and A4 fell by 30% and 48% respectively. However, the A3 remains the most popular of the two, leading by 2,492 with 9,528 units sold. The A5 and A6 models saw marginal growth, while the Audi Q3—Audi’s smallest SUV in the USA—increased by an astonishing 45%, reflecting the demand for crossovers. This could simply be due to market trends, but value for money might play a part.

2025 Pricing: Audi A3 vs. A4

Being the smallest car in the Audi range, the A3 is less expensive than any other Audi model, though it’s catching up with the Audi Q3. It starts from $38,200 for a premium sedan that has a whole host of new technology added for this year. Despite having a smaller engine than the A4, it will be sufficient for most owners, and save a few dollars on gas over the years.

The A4 is almost the same as it has been for the last five years, but offers more power, greater cargo space, plus more available grades and additional packs. All in all, an A3 Premium Plus seems to be the sweet spot, adding some features over the Premium while still costing less than the entry A4.

* Excludes options, destination, and any rebates

Audi A3 vs. A4: Which Is Better?

Sometimes, at the end of these comparisons, it turns out the cheapest options aren’t the best. This time, it seems to be the case. The A3 is more affordable than the A4 and more economical in the long run. Sure, the A4 gets a few more features as standard, but you need to weigh up how significant those upgrades are to you. Not everyone uses HomeLink, for example, and most people use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for maps—which is free for three years on the A3 anyway. If a bit more power and extra cargo space are essential, then the A4 is the one for you. If you can live with the smaller interior, the A3 is the more modern of the two.

Which Audi is better between the A3 or A4?

Depending on your needs, the new A3 is better than the A4. It offers similar levels of technology for less money, and is more economical to save money on gas. However, the A4 has more power, better cargo space, and is slightly more refined.

What is the difference between the A3 and A4?

The main difference between the A3 and A4 is the size: the Audi A3 is smaller inside and out. However, the A4 gets a more powerful engine and more available options.

Why is the Audi A3 so popular?

The Audi A3 is popular because it is a reliable, premium car at an affordable price point.

What are the disadvantages of the Audi A3?

The Audi A3 is the smallest car in the range, so it suffers from a lack of interior and cargo space. It is also limited to a single engine unless you opt for the performance variants, but it should be powerful enough for most owners.

Sources:
Audi