A subcompact luxurious sedan is a superb introduction to the posh automotive expertise. The 2026 Acura Integra and Audi A3 are two of one of the best introductions a driver might ask for.
Every is the least costly sedan their respective model produces, and each give the celebrated air, sporty model, and crisp dealing with of a luxurious sports activities sedan for a comparatively reasonably priced worth.
The Integra relies on the wonderful Honda Civic platform, with a modern hatchback roofline and Acura’s signature angular look. Acura resurrected the Integra for the 2023 mannequin 12 months after a protracted hiatus, nevertheless it nonetheless appears to be like recent, and its title evokes a sure nostalgia for these of us who got here of age within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen Nineties.
The Audi A3’s present design is one 12 months older, however has saved up with the occasions. A 2025 mannequin 12 months makeover gave it an up to date look. Its greatest trait is Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Both one might make an excellent first luxurious automotive, however their virtues are distinct sufficient to warrant a deeper examination.
2026 Acura Integra

The time period “luxurious automotive” can evoke photographs of serious depreciation and excessive upkeep prices. The 2026 Acura Integra saves you from these points, including a brand new stage of luxurious to reliable Honda Civic bones. It’s one of the vital enjoyable front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles on the street, and the out there high-performance Kind S variant turns the enjoyable dial as much as 11.
Acura Integra Highlights
Enjoyable and fuel-efficient engines: Most 2026 Acura Integra trims use a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, sending 200 hp to the entrance wheels. It’s loads highly effective for a enjoyable journey on a winding street, and returns an EPA mixed 32 mpg. It comes with a constantly variable automated transmission (CVT) in most trim ranges. A 6-speed guide with rev-matching is non-compulsory on the A-Spec with Expertise trun, and is the one gearbox within the Kind S. The Kind S will get a 320 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine worthy of the monitor.
Worth: Beginning at $34,595, the 2026 Integra is a luxurious automotive not way more costly than a mainstream automotive. Even larger trims don’t break the financial institution. The A-Spec with Expertise provides a lot of the identical tools because the Kind S, with out its fire-breathing engine, and barely breaks the $40,000 barrier.
Cargo house: Regardless of its petite proportions, the Integra is surprisingly roomy and sensible. Its wide-opening hatch swings upward to disclose a useful 24.3 cubic toes of trunk house, which will get much more accommodating when the 60/40-split folding rear seats are folded ahead.
Learn our Acura Integra Evaluation or see 2026 Acura Integra on the market close to you
2026 Audi A3

The Audi A3 begins at $41,395, making it one of the vital reasonably priced methods to get right into a European luxurious automotive. With Audi’s legendary quattro AWD system, it grips like a powerlifter, regardless of if the street is moist or dry. Even the least costly variations include a 7-speed automated transmission – a boon for many who don’t like the texture of a CVT.
Audi A3 Highlights
Cabin high quality: Even the bottom mannequin A3 options actual leather-based seating surfaces, tri-zone local weather management, and an influence panoramic sunroof. It’s all laid out with a luxurious automotive’s match and end. Stepping as much as the S3 or RS 3 provides sportier inside styling with out compromising that nice construct high quality.
Digital Cockpit: Obtainable on the Premium Plus trim stage and on up, this extremely configurable digital instrument show helps A3 drivers maintain their concentrate on the street forward. We additionally just like the crystal-clear navigation instructions.
Excessive Efficiency S3 and RS 3 fashions: The bottom A3 is enjoyable to drive, with its normal 201-hp turbo 4-cylinder engine. However the S3, with its 328-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, is a real efficiency automotive. The RS 3, which incorporates a 401-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, is among the strongest sedans out there in a subcompact measurement.
Learn our Audi A3 Knowledgeable Evaluation or see 2026 Audi A3 on the market close to you
Similarities
The 2026 Acura Integra and Audi A3 every provide sports activities sedan efficiency and luxurious lodging at decrease costs than practically the rest on their respective heaps. Their base engines are virtually similar, and every is available in a high-performance trim if you happen to’re keen to spend a bit extra.
New 2026 Acura Integra Costs
|
Retail Worth
|
Truthful Buy Worth (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$34,595
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$33,404
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|||
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$37,145
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$35,867
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$40,395
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$39,005
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|||
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$54,595
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$52,716
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New 2026 Audi A3 Costs
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Retail Worth
|
Truthful Buy Worth (92620)
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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$41,395
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TBD
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|||
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$44,295
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TBD
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The Kelley Blue E-book Truthful Buy Worth for any particular person used car can differ enormously in line with mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here mirror what consumers are presently paying for New 2026 Acura Integra automobiles and New 2026 Audi A3 automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s recommended retail worth (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
| 2026 Acura Integra | 2026 Audi Q3 | |
| In style Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | N/A |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm | N/A |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | N/A |
| Transmission | Computerized, CVT | N/A |
| Gas Economic system | 29 metropolis/37 freeway/32 mixed mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Primary Guarantee | 4 years/50,000 miles | 0 years/0 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 6 years/70,000 miles | N/A |
| NHTSA Total Security | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capability | 5 | N/A |
| Wheelbase | 107.7 inches | N/A |
| Total Size | 185.8 inches | N/A |
| Width | 72.0 inches | N/A |
| Top | 55.5 inches | N/A |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 toes | N/A |
| Headroom, Entrance | 37.6 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 36.4 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Entrance | 42.3 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 37.4 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Entrance | 57.0 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo capability | 24.3 cubic toes | N/A |
Specification desk displays the everyday configuration of automobiles proven.
Conclusion
Few consumers could be sad with both of those vehicles. Each are extra enjoyable to drive than a mainstream automotive, however don’t value way more.
Of the 2, the Integra is the higher worth and tends to take pleasure in stronger resale values. Its barely bigger wheelbase and hatchback form give it extra cargo house, too.
Its out there glorious, forgiving short-throw stick is one in all our favourite guide transmissions in a world the place 3-pedal driving is rising tougher to search out.
Its Kind S mannequin is among the most reasonably priced high-performance trims and is a real riot to drive.
The pricier A3 feels a contact extra luxurious, with real leather-based at each trim stage. It additionally gives normal AWD which may make its larger worth worthwhile within the snowbelt.
It’s out there S3 is the equal of the Kind S, and the RS 3 might run away from the Acura at monitor day – however its $60,000-plus price ticket places it in one other class.
Both one might be an excellent purchase. We’re swayed by the worth argument of the Integra generally, however might see selecting the A3 in some areas of the nation, and the RS 3 if finances is not any concern.
