Tesla Vs. Audi: Models, Specs, Reliability & Price Comparison

The recent Tesla vs. Audi rivalry came about because modern drivers need the whole package: a vehicle that is reliable, safe, stylish, and comfortable. If this sounds like your auto wish list, we understand why you're here, wondering which of these two automakers deserves the top spot in your mind (and your garage). The team of experts here at Tom Wood Automotive Group does more than sell high-quality cars – we support our customers in every step of their automotive journey. To help you make the most informed decision, we've created this in-depth Audi vs. Tesla comparison. Ready to explore all that these brands have to offer? Let's dive in!

Audi vs. Tesla: The Battle To Make Tech History

While the Audi vs. Tesla debate is a hot topic among drivers, it's a fairly new rivalry. The Audi name's roots go back to Germany in 1909, when founder August Horch started an automobile company that would soon be called Audi AG.

The company vision lives up to the values of sustainability, integrity, respect, and cooperation in developing some of the finest, most reliable vehicles on the modern market. Their family of luxury sedans and SUVs pushes the envelope with gas-only, hybrid, and electric powertrains; enhanced four-wheel-drive technology; advanced safety systems; premium amenities; and competitive pricing, making any Audi model a top choice among individuals and families.

Fast forward – far forward – to 2003, when Tesla Motors was born. Founded by Silicon Valley engineers and named after famed electrical engineer Nikola Tesla, this company proclaims values of respect, continuous learning, taking chances, and environmental responsibility. Unfortunately, recent events in Tesla news reveal some cracks in the automaker's foundation, including a recall of 2 million vehicles to install new safeguards in their Autopilot system.^1,2

2025 Tesla vs. Audi: An Exploration of the Top Models

Now let's get down to brass tacks and see how Audi vs. Tesla models compare in real-life scenarios. It's widely known that both automakers offer wildly popular models, but which ones are the true standouts? Let's investigate the top options and see how critical categories like Audi specs vs. Tesla specs, such as performance and MPG, compare.

Top Audi Models

The Audi brand offers an extensive selection of automobiles – we're talking 34 models that span different body styles, including SUVs, sedans, wagons, and Sportbacks – to suit almost any need and budget. While they recently ceased production of two-door coupes and cabriolets, the Audi lineup still caters to a broad set of driving preferences. Best-selling SUV options like the midsize Audi Q5, for example, have been innovating for decades, now giving you powerful quattro® AWD as standard equipment in every trim.

Get behind the wheel of an Audi e-tron SUV to experience innovative all-electric performance. For instance, take the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, which is a winner of the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award³ – it generates 456 horsepower, earns an EPA-estimated 321 miles of electric range,⁴ and has a DC fast-charging speed of 260 kWh.⁵ This SUV can take you far, to say the least. Discover more Audi e-tron vehicles and their fun, feisty specs when you shop online.

Specs for other Audi SUVs deliver in spades, with 2025 models generating anywhere from 268 to 631 horsepower using gas and electric turbocharged powertrains. Meanwhile, gas-powered sedan options like the 2025 Audi A3 offer spectacular gas mileage (want an EPA-estimated 24/34/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),⁶ anyone?), so you can commute without the headache of stopping to fill up so often.

Do you love the thrill of a sports car that can quickly jump off the line, but also prefer eco-conscious electrification? Turn your attention to the Audi e-tron GT series. First up, the 2025 Audi S e-tron GT has a wide stance and produces 670 horsepower to race to 60 mph in only 3.3 seconds. Plus, it charges from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes using a DC fast charger.⁵ This isn't even the fastest iteration, either. The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT performance amps things up with a jaw-dropping 912 horsepower, sprinting off the line to go from zero to 60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds.

With 34 vehicles in the Audi stable for the 2025 model year, there's plenty of performance specs to explore. Looking for practical yet refined SUVs to upgrade your daily drives? Check out our Audi Q3 vs. Q5 to see how these competitive sport-utes stack up to one another.

Top Tesla Models

Continuing this Audi vs. Tesla top model comparison is the 2025 Tesla sedan, SUV, and truck lineup. With only five vehicles in the entire Tesla family, choices and performance capabilities are limited.

If you're looking for an SUV, the Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y are your only options. The 2025 Model X has a 2.5-second 0-60 mph time alongside an EPA-estimated 352-mile⁷ electric range, while the 2025 Model Y has an EPA-estimated 357-mile range with RWD.⁷ Still, recent allegations that the automaker has falsified range data⁸ leave us wondering if these SUVs can actually go the distance.

2025 Tesla sedan models include the Model S and the Model 3. These electric sedans offer quick charging speeds, like a gain of 205 miles in just 15 minutes (Model S),⁵ but they can only charge at Tesla Supercharger stations without an add-on adapter. On top of that, you'll have to shell out quite a bit to get the Tesla Home Charger for at-home Level 2 charging.

Taking a closer look at sedan specs, the new Tesla Model S gives you 1,020 peak horsepower and 200 mph top speed with its Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive powertrain, and though the OEM touts a slightly quicker 0-60 time than the Audi RS e-tron GT performance, that's with a rollout time, so we're not sure how quick it actually is. The Tesla Model 3 can achieve an EPA-estimated 357-mile electric range,⁷ according to the automaker, but we again take that with a grain of salt.

Audi vs. Tesla: Reliability & Safety Abound

Audi Safety Features

One key aspect of automobile reliability is safety. There is no contest in a direct Tesla vs. Audi safety comparison: Audi automobiles deliver the features you need across every trim, no matter the model you choose.

Audi vehicles like the new Audi Q8 take driver assistance very seriously. This SUV and other Audi models put advanced safety tools like Adaptive cruise assist®, Audi pre sense basic®, and Audi pre sense rear® at your disposal for no extra charge. Plus, even more advanced driver aids, like Virtual 360 view and Remote park assist®, are available to take your on-road security to new heights. Most Audi models feature some form of the Audi pre sense® systems to help mitigate collisions and prepare your vehicle to protect you in the unfortunate event that an accident does occur.

Audi automobiles are also backed by premium warranty terms, including a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty⁹ and a one-year/20,000-mile Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty,⁹ giving you peace of mind whether you opt for a new or CPO vehicle. Plus, the automaker offers a one-year/12,000-mile Audi Accessories Limited Warranty¹⁰ for OEM components.

Tesla Safety Features

Tesla vehicles are equipped with standard safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Side Collision Warning, but you'll need to pay separately to gain access to more advanced technology. Tesla likes to spotlight the reliability of its Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability systems,² but these features are only available for a hefty additional fee.

The Basic Vehicle Warranty for a Tesla automobile covers four years or 50,000 miles,¹⁰ whichever comes first, and the Tesla Used Vehicle Limited Warranty provides coverage for one year or 10,000 miles.¹⁰

Audi vs. Tesla: IIHS Awards

As for IIHS awards, the Audi name carries a winning legacy. For instance, the Audi A3 sedan was awarded either the IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award every year between 2015 and 2023.³ The Audi A4 has a long history of IIHS recognition, with winning streaks from 2007 to 2013³ and again from 2017 to 2023.³ And those are just two examples – other Audi vehicles have long-standing histories for being dependable, winning accolades as new model years are introduced.

The Tesla Model 3 has captured the most titles for the Tesla brand, gaining an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award from 2019 to 2023.³ The Tesla Model Y has won from 2021 to 2025.³ However, the Tesla Model S has garnered zero IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards.³

Find Your Audi SUV or Sedan at Tom Wood Automotive Group

We hope this comprehensive Tesla vs. Audi comparison has illuminated the most important aspects of each automaker. Now that you've seen how the specs and safety stack up, it's time to take a spin through our new Audi vehicles and see which model deserves the pleasure of your test drive.

Find Your Audi SUV or Sedan at Tom Wood Auto Group

We hope this comprehensive Tesla vs. Audi comparison has illuminated the most important aspects of each automaker. Now that you've seen how the specs and safety stack up, it's time to take a spin through our new Audi vehicles and see which model deserves the pleasure of your test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Audi or Tesla?

"Better" is a subjective term, but if you're searching for a competitively priced car or SUV that delivers reliable, award-winning performance, you'll likely want to invest in an Audi model. Audi sedans and SUVs give you advanced safety and driver-assistance systems on entry-level trims and have a strong history of dependability. Choose your Audi vehicle when you visit our Tom Wood Automotive Group Audi dealership.

Which is more expensive: Tesla or Audi?

Comparing the Tesla price vs. Audi price depends on multiple factors, such as your selection of trims, additional features, accessories, and packages. Two often-compared SUVs, the Audi Q8 and the Tesla Model X, show us that the Audi SUV is the more affordable purchase. Comparing the Audi A3 sedan vs. Tesla Model 3 sedan price also names the Audi model the winner.

Which has safer vehicles: Audi or Tesla?

Due in part to recent allegations and lawsuits involving Tesla vehicle recalls and Autopilot system malfunctions,^1,2 we believe the Audi reliability ratings and safety features make this brand a better choice overall. Audi models also provide a deeper bench of standard safety features across their trim levels, whereas Tesla models often ask customers to pay additional fees to access their most advanced driver assistance tools.

Customer Review

Gregory White

08/26/2025

Very nice selection of vehicles new and used, not to mention great service and sales teams!

¹Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-probes-tesla-recall-2-million-vehicles-over-autopilot-citing-concerns-2024-04-26/

²This available feature requires active driver supervision and does not make the vehicle autonomous. The activation and use of these features are dependent on achieving reliability far in excess of human drivers as demonstrated by billions of miles of experience, as well as regulatory approval, which may take longer in some jurisdictions. As these self-driving features evolve, your car will be continuously upgraded through over-the-air software updates.

³Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit www.iihs.org

⁴2025 Audi Q6 e-tron EPA estimated all electric range is 321 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner's manual for details.

⁵Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.

⁶24 city/34 highway/28 combined city/hwy MPG (2025 Audi A6). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁷Estimates only. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

⁸Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/tesla-batteries-range/

⁹If there is remaining coverage from the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty at the time of Certified pre-owned purchase, the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty provides coverage on the Certified pre-owned vehicle until its expiration, either four years from the original in-service date or at 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. When the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, the Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty becomes effective and provides coverage for a period of one year or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If there is no remaining Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage remaining at time of purchase, the Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty is effective at time of purchase and provides coverage for a period of one year or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See owner's literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.

¹⁰Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/audi/q8-sportback-e-tron-4-door-suv/2024.

²EPA-estimated electric-only range for fully electric cars in miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Your total range will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition. See owner’s manual for details.

³Charging times may vary and are influenced by several factors, including but not limited to outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and the overall condition of the vehicle. For precise information on charging times for a specific vehicle model, please contact our dealership.

⁴32 combined MPG (2024 Audi A3). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁵EPA estimate. For more information, please visit the official U.S. government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁶If there is remaining coverage from the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty at the time of Certified pre-owned purchase, the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty provides coverage on the Certified pre-owned vehicle until its expiration, either four years from the original in-service date or at 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. When the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, the Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty becomes effective and provides coverage for a period of one year or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first. If there is no remaining Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage remaining at time of purchase, the Audi Certified pre-owned Limited Warranty is effective at time of purchase and provides coverage for a period of one year or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.

⁷Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

⁸Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Audi/a3-4-door-sedan/2023.

⁹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Audi/a4-4-door-sedan/2023.

¹⁰Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Tesla/model-3-4-door-sedan/2023.

¹¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/tesla/model-y-4-door-suv/2023.