ADX vs Q3
It’s Acura against Audi in the subcompact luxury suv class, and the ADX and the Q3 are the models carrying each flag. Think of it as a split decision: the ADX takes fuel economy & range, the Q3 takes engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q3 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range ADX wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.1
- Fuel Economy & Range5.3
- Engine & Performance5.2
- Fuel Economy & Range3.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Q3 has 38 hp more power
For total system output, the Q3 leads by a wide margin: 228 hp versus 190 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Q3 has 72 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 251 lb-ft to the ADX’s 179 lb-ft, the Q3 has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The Q3’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The ADX has better fuel economy
The ADX nudges ahead with 28 mpg, while the Q3 lists 25 mpg. The ADX uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The ADX has better city fuel economy
Put simply, the ADX is far ahead here: 26 mpg compared with 22 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the ADX has the better rating here.
-
The ADX has better highway fuel economy
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the ADX leads with 31 mpg to 29 mpg. The ADX uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 63.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Q3 leads
The Q3 wins the engine & performance section decisively. The Q3 stands out with 38 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Q3.
Total system output
ADX: 190 hp Q3: 228 hp The Q3’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
ADX: 179 lb-ft Q3: 251 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
ADX leads
The ADX clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. On the ADX, you get better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the ADX is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
ADX: 28 mpg Q3: 25 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
ADX: 26 mpg Q3: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Call the space & practicality round a draw. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the ADX and the Q3 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 190 hp | 228 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft Least torque in class | 251 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | AWD (quattro) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg (winner) | 29 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 63.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | ADX | Q3 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the ADX if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (28 mpg vs 25 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (26 mpg vs 22 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (31 mpg vs 29 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Q3 if…
- you want more power (228 hp vs 190 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (251 lb-ft vs 179 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Audi and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the ADX or the Q3?
It depends on your priorities: the ADX is stronger on fuel economy & range, while the Q3 leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
The ADX and the Q3 are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. Practically speaking, the ADX’s biggest advantage is better fuel economy. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the ADX has better highway fuel economy. The Q3 isn’t without merit: 38 hp more power is a real advantage.
A quick self-test: do you care more about fuel economy & range or engine & performance? The first answer means the ADX, the second means the Q3.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since fuel economy & range means the ADX and engine & performance means the Q3.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.