Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA: which is better?
Struggling to pick between the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA? Let us spell our their key differences in this handy guide.
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When it comes to buying a small SUV, there seems to be an endless stream of crossovers to pick from. In fact, seven of 2024’s best-selling new cars (via SMMT) were SUVs or crossovers, and they’re already starting to filter through to used car sales.
The Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA stand out as two high-end choices, offering premium features, strong build quality, impressive performance and plenty of tech, but which one should you choose?
This guide will compare them in detail to help you decide in the ultimate Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA showdown.
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Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA
Our guide will answer:
Is the Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA better to drive?
Does the Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA have better tech?
Which SUV has the better styling?
Is the Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA more reliable?
What are the Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA dimensions?
Mercedes GLA vs. Audi Q3: styling
 "Side-by-side image of Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA")
The Audi Q3 looks much more like a baby SUV than the GLA thanks to its muscular shape, upright stance and, on many trims, plastic protection on the lower parts of its panels.
Distinctive LED daytime running lights and what Audi calls its Singleframe grille, which is both tall and wide, extending all the way down from the end of the bonnet, give the Q3 a sporty feel.
On the other hand, the Mercedes GLA has a softer and more rounded design, blending stronger hatchback-like proportions with a few SUV cues for good measure.
Newer GLAs do look more SUV-like than the first-generation model, but the Mercedes GLA still looks like an inflated version of the A-Class, which may appeal to fans of smaller cars.
Mercedes GLA vs. Audi Q3: what are they like to drive?
 "Side-by-side image of Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA")
The Audi Q3 offers a composed and confident driving experience – it feels solid and has precise handling without feeling too sporty.
The suspension is also still well-tuned for comfort on long journeys and around town, and most engines offer a good punch without you needing to spend too long at the petrol station.
If you’re after a slightly more engaging drive, consider the Mercedes GLA, which has accurate steering, punchy turbocharged engines and lets its hatchback side shine through.
It feels nimble, as if it’s built to tackle towns and cities with ease, but it can also settle into a comfortable cruise on the motorway where its insulated cabin feels refined.
Q3 vs. GLA: interior and technology
 "Side-by-side image of Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA")
Inside, the Audi Q3 feels very minimal, thanks to the twin display setup. Second-generation models, sold from 2018, have a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a secondary 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
The whole of the cabin feels high-quality, with plenty of soft-touch materials and durable metal trim, as well as some physical controls for the climate.
In comparison, the Mercedes GLA has an even more luxurious interior, complete with plush leather upholstery and chrome detailing.
It, too, has a twin-display setup, but the twin-10.25-inch displays sit next to each other to give the illusion of one ultra-wide screen. The MBUX infotainment system is also one of the best in its class and works well with voice control.
GLA vs. Q3: boot space and practicality
 "Side-by-side image of Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA")
Practicality is crucial when buying a crossover, and that’s probably why you’re considering an Audi Q3 over an A3, or a Mercedes GLA over an A-Class.
Thanks to its more SUV-like styling, the Audi Q3 actually has an impressive 530-litre boot, which is considerably more than you get in the A3 hatchback it’s based on.
The GLA also has a bigger boot than its hatchback counterpart, the A-Class, but at 435 litres, it’s not quite as much space as in the Audi.
If you’re considering one of the plug-in hybrid models (badged Q3 45 TFSI e or GLA 250e), then the GLA has five more litres of space – it’s 380 and 385 litres, respectively.
Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA: safety and reliability
Safety is a strong point for both models, with advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking all present.
Both models were awarded five-star safety ratings by Euro NCAP within a year of each other, so they went through equally stringent and thorough testing.
The GLA beat the Q3 in terms of adult, child and pedestrian protection, but only by a small margin. However, the Q3 outperformed in terms of safety assist systems, this time by a slightly bigger margin.
Mercedes GLA vs. Audi Q3: dimensions
The biggest difference is that the Q3 is 72mm longer than the GLA, which makes it look and feel like a slightly bigger car. Those seven centimetres are just about noticeable to the untrained eye as long as they’re parked next to each other.
They’re similar in terms of width and height, although the sportier versions of each will be ever so slightly shorter thanks to stiffer suspension.
Audi Q3
Length: 4,484mm
Width: 2,024mm
Height: 1,625mm
Boot space: 530 litres (380L PHEV), 1,525 litres with the rear seats folded (1,375 PHEV)
Mercedes GLA
Length: 4,412mm
Width: 2,020mm
Height: 1,616mm
Boot space: 435 litres (385L PHEV), 1,430 litres with the rear seats folded (1,385 PHEV)
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Verdict: Audi Q3 vs. Mercedes GLA: which should you buy?
Both the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes GLA are excellent compact SUVs, but they tend to appeal to slightly different audiences.
You should pick a used Audi Q3 if...
You want an affordable, high-end crossover
Minimalism is your design language
Boot space is important to you
You should pick a used Mercedes GLA if...
You want one of the best infotainment systems
Driving engagement is a higher priority
A luxurious interior is important