2026 Audi RS 3
The 2026 Audi RS 3 is a Sedan priced at $66,100 with 1 available trim. This page brings together safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, fuel economy data from the EPA, reliability scores from RepairPal, ownership cost estimates from AAA, and manufacturer specifications. Every number below is sourced from its original publisher and can be independently verified.
The 2026 Audi RS 3 earns a F for fuel cost among premium Sedans. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Audi RS 3, and the currently available data does not surface a clear advantage over similar sedans. The main caution is that fuel cost is a weak spot.
- ownership cost
Strongest published signals
- AAA estimates $9,956/yr in non-fuel ownership costs for the Small Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Limits and cautions
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Most expensive to fuel among gas Sedans. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $1,571 above the similar-vehicle average.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $66,100
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,500/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $4,750 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Germany
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Audi RS 3 Have Any Recalls?
As of the data shown, NHTSA has not issued any recall campaigns for the 2026 Audi RS 3. The average for Sedans is 1.2 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Audi RS 3. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Audi RS 3 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Audi RS 3 achieves up to 23 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. That is $845 more per year than the $1,655 average for premium Sedans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2,500/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Audi RS 3 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Audi RS 3 ranges from $112,700 to $112,700 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Small Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,462/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $613/yr |
| Financing | $854/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.56/mi |
With 1 trim available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Audi RS 3 Trims Compare?
With 1 trim priced at $66,100, the 2026 Audi RS 3 offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
Base
| Base MSRP | $66,100 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 394 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $112,700 |
The entry price has increased $3,800 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- Base $62,300 (2024) → $66,100 (2026) +$3,800
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $62,300 23 MPG | $63,400 23 MPG | $66,100 23 MPG |
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Audi RS 3?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Audi RS 3 at 3.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for premium Sedans. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Audi backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Audi RS 3 Come With?
Audi provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 RS 3. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Audi RS 3 Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Audi RS 3 as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L I5 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 gal |
| Length | 178.5 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 72.9 in |
| Height | 54.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,627 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Audi RS 3?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
Data Coverage
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Audi RS 3: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. IIHS has not yet tested this vehicle for crashworthiness. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Audi RS 3 based on published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references as of the dates shown above. If any of these agencies publishes updated data, this page will reflect those changes automatically. For questions about how this data is collected and verified, see our methodology page.
Verify this data
2026 Audi RS 3 FAQ
How does the 2026 Audi RS 3 compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Audi RS 3 has a fuel cost grade of F, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar sedans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
How much does 2026 Audi RS 3 insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Small Sedan class at $1,572 per year, or about $131 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Audi RS 3. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Audi RS 3 maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Small Sedan class at $1,786 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,572/yr) and depreciation ($3,462/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $9,956 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Audi RS 3 depreciate?
AAA estimates the Small Sedan class depreciates about $3,462 per year, or roughly $17,310 over five years. On a base MSRP of $66,100, that represents about 26% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Audi RS 3?
The most efficient 2026 Audi RS 3 trim costs an estimated $2,500 per year in fuel, or about $208 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $845 more than the average for similar sedans. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Audi RS 3?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Audi RS 3 include 2026 Genesis G80, 2026 BMW 3 Series, and 2026 Toyota Crown. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Audi RS 3 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $3,800 for the Audi RS 3 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Audi RS 3 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Audi RS 3 include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $208 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,038 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Has the 2026 Audi RS 3 been recalled?
No. As of this writing, NHTSA has zero recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Audi RS 3. Recalls can be issued at any time, so this status may change. You can check for updates on the NHTSA website. See our Zero-recall cars 2026 list.
Where is Audi based?
Audi is headquartered in Germany. Note that brand origin and assembly location are different: many Audi models sold in the U.S. are assembled domestically or in other countries. Check the window sticker or VIN for the actual assembly plant of a specific vehicle. See our Germany-brand cars 2026 list.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.