2026 Audi RS3 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Audi's smallest performance sedan is the RS3, but this little four-door is packed with performance and posh features. A turbocharged inline-five is the only engine option, making a heady 394 horsepower and a distinctive exhaust burble. Combine that with all-wheel-drive traction, and you have a recipe for brutally quick acceleration.
The cabin has a premium and tech-forward vibe similar to the rest of the Audi lineup. It's not particularly spacious, however, and adults won't find the rear seat very comfortable. Cargo space is also limited, further limiting the RS3's practicality.
Expert Tip: Small sports sedans are a dying breed, and the Acura Integra Type S, the BMW M235 Gran Coupe, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA-class are the RS3's only rivals. All these cars offer big thrills despite their tiny statures.
What's New for 2026?
Audi refreshed the RS3 just last year, so we expect to see no significant changes to the twee sports sedan for 2026.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Audi RS3 is expected to start around $65,000.
RS3
$65,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k $100k
The RS3 starts at around $65,000, and few options are offered. For those who plan on setting hot laps, we recommend choosing the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R track tires, as their transformative properties are worth their weight in, uh, rubber.
However, those who don't plan on taking their RS3 to the racetrack should stick with the standard rubber, which will likely have a longer shelf life. We'd skip the other packages, as they're mainly cosmetic.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engine: 394-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder
394-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
7-speed dual-clutch automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive
One of the most distinct elements of the RS3 is its unusual turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine rated for 394 horsepower. Its odd number of cylinders produces a unique thrumming soundtrack that is particularly pleasing to our ears. The engine pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that deliberately downshifts with slight throttle inputs.
The RS3's standard all-wheel-drive system includes a torque-vectoring rear differential with a drift mode that benefits from software meant to enhance stability and control at speed. Getting the RS3's tail to kick out is still as simple as selecting the RS Torque Rear driving mode.
Compared with the lesser A3 and S3, the RS3 has upgraded brakes, a stiffer suspension setup, and a unique set of wheels on stickier performance tires. The 2025 RS3 we drove produced the aforementioned exhilarating sounds, and the car's feisty nature was evident at the racetrack. Plus, it was composed and comfortable when driven sedately on regular roads.
0–60-MPH Times
In Comparison: The RS3's 60-mph result is identical to that of the larger—and more powerful—RS5 Sportback.
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Audi
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 33 mpg
33 mpg EPA City Rating: 20 mpg
20 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 30 mpg
The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 RS3 yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
On our 75-mph fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the previous RS3 sedan outperformed its EPA estimate with a 33 mpg result. We haven't yet tested the 2025 model, but we expect it to perform similarly. For more information about the RS3's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: Inside, the RS3's passenger space is identical to that of the A3 and S3, but it has a set of more aggressively bolstered front seats. Audi endows all versions with a dashboard that looks anything but bland. A pair of high-mounted air vents face the driver and flank the instrument panel binnacle that houses a set of digital gauges. The RS3 is also available with a head-up display. Below the center touchscreen are climate controls with physical buttons, and there's a bin below them that's integrated into the center console.
Second Row: Rear passenger space isn't generous, and adult riders will definitely feel the pinch. The same quilted leather upholstery that wraps the RS3's front seats covers the rear bench, which folds down in a 40/20/40 configuration for extra storage space.
Cargo Capacity: That folding rear seat will come in handy if you need to haul more cargo than will fit in the RS3's smallish 11.3-inch trunk.
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Audi
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 10.1-inch touchscreen
10.1-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 15-speaker Sonos stereo
The RS3 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen mounted in the middle of the dash, which can be controlled through touch inputs, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the infotainment system allows users to download third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube.
Built-in navigation, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charging are on the roster too. All models also come with a 15-speaker stereo system tuned by Sonos.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The RS3 offers a bunch of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control
For information about the RS3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi's limited and powertrain warranties are competitive with those of other German automakers, but the BMW 2-series Gran Coupe offers a three-year maintenance plan while the RS3 does not.
Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: None
C/D Test Results and Specs
We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Audi RS3
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE (C/D EST)
Base: $65,000
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 20-valve inline-5, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 151 in3, 2480 cm3
Power: 401 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.6 in
Length: 178.5 in
Width: 72.9 in
Height: 55.8 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 48/40 ft3
Trunk Volume: 8 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3650 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 3.3 sec
100 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.8 sec
Top Speed: 160 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 23/20/29 mpg
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