Head-to-head
2026 Audi A3 vs 2026 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla wins clearly, 93 to 67.2, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Audi A3 is ahead on performance and warranty.
A
2026 Audi A3
The 2026 Audi A3 is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact sedan. The most efficient version, the A3 quattro, is EPA-rated at 28 mpg combined. NHTSA lists no recall …
vs
A2026 Toyota Corolla
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact sedan with 12 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Corolla Hybrid, …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Toyota Corolla
Clear winThe Toyota Corolla wins clearly, 93 to 67.2, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Audi A3 is ahead on performance and warranty.
Tech & comfort 2026 Toyota Corolla leads by 63.3
Price 2026 Toyota Corolla leads by 42.8
Fuel & range 2026 Toyota Corolla leads by 50.8
| Category · weight | 2026 Toyota Corollaoverall 93 | 2026 Audi A3overall 67.2 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 57.2 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 49.2 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 80.4 | 81.3 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 75.6 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 82.7 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 36.7 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantyw 2 | 86.8 | 90.8 | |||||||||||||||
Basic and powertrain coverage in years and miles. | |||||||||||||||||
| Overall | 93 | 67.2 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · all 7 categories compared
Toyota Corolla: base trim LE FWD · Audi A3: base trim A3 quattro AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Toyota Corolla wins
- It lists 30 standard driver-assist features against 2.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (30 points against 11 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It starts $17,175 lower ($22,925 against $40,100 base MSRP).
Where the 2026 Audi A3 answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (2 against 18 filed with NHTSA).
- It turns out 236 lb-ft of torque against 151.
What they share
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
48 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $22,925 | $40,100 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,987 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0-Liter Dynamic Force 4-Cylinder DOHC 16-Valve | 2.0L TFSI 4 cyl |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 169 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 151 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 32 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 35 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 41 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 4.167 / 3.125 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 7 |
| Transmission type | cvt | S-tronic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | — |
| Overall height | 56.5 in | 56.2 in |
| Overall length | 182 in | 177 in |
| Overall width | 70.1 in | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | 104 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 13.1 cu-ft | 8.3 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 88.6 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 36.8 in |
| Third-row headroom | — | 36.6 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 41.2 in |
| Third-row legroom | — | 35.2 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 2,955 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 2,955 lbs | 3,461 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar | Mcpherson strut front axle |
| Rear suspension type | Torsion beam rear suspension | Four-link rear suspension |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion | Electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 35.6 ft | 36.5 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 274 mm | 306 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Automatic Electric Parking Brake | Electro-mechanical |
| Rear brake diameter | 259 mm | 272 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | steel | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P205/55R16 | 225/45 R17 91H all-season |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Toyota | — |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 60 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 60 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 54.8 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 53 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
133 features · differences first, then sharedSafety28 differ · 30 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | std | — |
| Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection | std | — |
| Lane Tracing Assist | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor on all passenger belts | std | — |
| Adjustable front shoulder anchors, driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | std | — |
| Auto High Beams | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening seats | std | — |
| Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | std | — |
| Electric Parking Brake | std | — |
| Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column | std | — |
| Front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones with side-impact door beams | std | — |
| Head-impact protection structure | std | — |
| High-tensile-strength steel body panels | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control | std | — |
| Integrated backup camera with projected path | std | — |
| Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | std | — |
| Road Sign Assist | std | — |
| Ten airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 | std | — |
| Engine immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System | std | — |
| Anti-Lock Braking System Standard, All Four Wheels, with Electronic Brake Force Distribution | std | std |
| Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | std |
Infotainment11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist controls | std | — |
| 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® 3-month trial subscription. | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with "Hey, Toyota", and Destination Assist. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging | opt | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Tilt/telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist controls | std | — |
| Two front USB-C ports | std | — |
| Two rear USB-C ports | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — With AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming with Apple Music® and Amazon Music compatibility. Subscription required. 30 days or up to 3GB trial included. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
Convenience6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, panic, and trunk-release functions | opt | — |
| LE Premium Package: Includes Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, panic and trunk-release functions; 16-in. alloy wheels and P205/55R16 tires; and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging | opt | — |
| Multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic, and trunk-release functions | std | — |
| One 12V auxiliary power outlet | std | — |
| Power door locks with automatic locking feature | std | — |
| Front and rear power windows with one-touch auto up/down | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, and push-button controls | std | — |
Seating4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest and two cup holders | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed 6-way adjustable driver's seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed 6-way adjustable driver's seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with center armrest and two cup holders | std | — |
Interior21 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 7-in. Digital Gauge Cluster | std | — |
| Base MSRP (USD) | — | std |
| Center console with storage compartment | std | — |
| Comprehensive Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 mi whichever occurs first | — | std |
| Destination and Delivery (USD): $1,395 | — | std |
| Digital clock | std | — |
| EPA Class: Midsize Car AWD | — | std |
| Front- and rear-door storage pockets | std | — |
| Headroom, Front (in.) | — | std |
| Headroom, Rear (in.) | — | std |
| Legroom, Front (in.) | — | std |
| Legroom, Rear (in.) | — | std |
| Overhead console with maplights | std | — |
| Passenger-side glove compartment | std | — |
| Seating: 5 | — | std |
| Shoulder Room, Front (in.) | — | std |
| Shoulder Room, Rear (in.) | — | std |
| Two front cup holders | std | — |
| Two rear cup holders | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors | opt | — |
Exterior25 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 16-in. alloy wheels and P205/55R16 tires | opt | — |
| 16-in. steel wheels with covers and P205/55R16 tires | std | — |
| Black front grille | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with Blind Spot Monitor warning indicators | std | — |
| Color-keyed outside door handles | std | — |
| Color-keyed power outside mirrors with Blind Spot Monitor warning indicators | std | — |
| Color-keyed roof-mounted shark-fin antenna | std | — |
| Curb Weight (lbs.) | — | std |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd.) | — | std |
| Height (in.) | — | std |
| Intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights and accent lighting | std | — |
| LED headlights | std | — |
| LED taillights and stop lights | std | — |
| Length (in.) | — | std |
| Overall Width with Mirrors (in.) | — | std |
| Overall Width without Mirrors (in.) | — | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Tire Repair Kit | std | — |
| Tires (Optional) | — | opt |
| Tires (Standard) | — | std |
| Wheelbase (in.) | — | std |
| Wheels (Optional) | — | opt |
| Wheels (Standard) | — | std |
| Rear window defogger with timer | std | — |
Powertrain25 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| quattro® all-wheel drive | — | std |
| Front-wheel drive (FWD) | std | — |
| 0-100 km/h (secs.) Est. | — | std |
| 0-60 mph (secs.) Est. | — | std |
| Automatic engine shutoff | std | — |
| Bore (mm): 82.5 | — | std |
| Compression Ratio :1 | — | std |
| Cylinder Head: Aluminum alloy | — | std |
| Drivetrain Configuration: Transverse | — | std |
| Engine Type: 2.0L TFSI 4 cyl / 2.5L TFSI 5 cyl | — | std |
| EPA Estimated MPG (City) | — | std |
| EPA Estimated MPG (Combined) | — | std |
| EPA Estimated MPG (Highway) | — | std |
| Fuel Capacity (gal.): 14.5 | — | std |
| Gear Ratios :1 | — | std |
| Peak Power (HP) | — | std |
| Peak Torque (lb.-ft) | — | std |
| Powertrain Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 mi whichever occurs first | — | std |
| Recommended Fuel: Premium | — | std |
| Stroke (mm): 92.8 | — | std |
| Top Track Speed (km/h) | — | std |
| Top Track Speed (mph) | — | std |
| Total Displacement (cc) | — | std |
| Transmission: 7-speed S-tronic® transmission | — | std |
| Valvetrain: 16-valve DOHC with Audi valvelift and variable timing | — | std |
Chassis9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Body Construction: Unitary steel | — | std |
| Front Brakes | — | std |
| Front Suspension: Mcpherson strut front axle | — | std |
| Parking Brake: Electro-mechanical | — | std |
| Rear Brakes | — | std |
| Rear Suspension: Four-link rear suspension | — | std |
| Steering Ratio :1 | — | std |
| Steering Type: Electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance | — | std |
| Turning Circle (ft. Curb-to-Curb) | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume, with seatbacks fixed (cu. ft.): 8.3 | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Corolla
Safety Signal 97 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 1
Owner complaints 18 · 6 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (8), Service Brakes (3), Air Bags (2)
Top recalls
- minor Exterior Lighting 26V110000 · 86 vehicles
Audi A3
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 2 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (1), Service Brakes (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota CorollaLE FWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22,925 (base trim) | $40,100 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $22,925 – $29,140 8 trims | $40,100 – $66,100 3 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV, GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Corolla Hybrid | A3 quattro |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 50 | 28 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,350 | $2,950 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | 2 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Toyota Corolla or the 2026 Audi A3?
The Toyota Corolla wins clearly, 93 to 67.2, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Audi A3 is ahead on performance and warranty. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Toyota Corolla scores 93 and the 2026 Audi A3 67.2. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Toyota Corolla or the 2026 Audi A3?
The 2026 Toyota Corolla starts lower — $22,925 against $40,100, a gap of $17,175 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Toyota Corolla or the 2026 Audi A3?
2026 Toyota Corolla: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 1 recall. 2026 Audi A3: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Audi A3?
Where the 2026 Toyota Corolla wins: it lists 30 standard driver-assist features against 2, lists more comfort and tech equipment (30 points against 11 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and starts $17,175 lower ($22,925 against $40,100 base MSRP). Where the 2026 Audi A3 answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (2 against 18 filed with NHTSA) and turns out 236 lb-ft of torque against 151. What they share: 5 seats.