2026 Audi RS 3: Price, Safety & Specifications
— NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Audi RS 3 falls below average for fuel cost among premium Sedans. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $66,100
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $3,000 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $4,750 more over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,080 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.56
- Brand Origin
- Germany
The 2026 Audi RS 3 is a Sedan priced at $66,100 with 1 trim. For a daily driver, fuel cost and reliability matter most. Both are covered below.
- Fuel cost $1,181 per year above premium Sedans average
- Avg repair cost $233 per year above Sedan average
- Base price $2,700 more than 2025 model
2026 Audi RS 3 at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- AAA estimates $9,956 per year in non-fuel ownership costs for the Small Sedan class, including insurance ($1,572), maintenance ($1,786), and depreciation ($3,462).
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Above-average fuel cost 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
NHTSA focuses on how the vehicle protects occupants in government-standard crashes. IIHS also evaluates crash avoidance technology and headlight performance, which matter for preventing collisions in the first place.
Once you are comfortable with the crash test picture, the next thing to check is whether any safety-related defects have been found. All recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers.
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 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Audi RS 3 Owners Report to NHTSA?
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 2026-04-16.
For a vehicle driven daily, fuel cost compounds fast. The difference between 30 and 40 MPG is roughly $400 per year at average gas prices and 15,000 miles.
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 $3,000. That is $1,181 more per year than the $1,819 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 | $3,000 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $15,000 based on EPA data.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 15% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
For a daily driver, fuel is the cost you see. Insurance, depreciation, and maintenance are the costs you feel at tax time. AAA estimates all of them for the Small Sedan 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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.56 per mile |
For a daily commute, the most fuel-efficient trim often delivers the best long-term value. The comparison below shows fuel economy, price, and estimated cost for all 1 options.
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 | $3,000 per year |
| 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 |
Buying the right trim is the short-term decision. The reliability section below addresses the long-term one: how often will this vehicle need repairs, and how much will they cost?
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.
How confident is Audi in the 2026 RS 3? The warranty terms below show exactly what they are willing to cover and for how long.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Audi RS 3 Come With?
Audi provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 RS 3. Coverage periods start from the original purchase date and vary by component. Source: manufacturer-published warranty terms.
| Basic Warranty | 4yr/50k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Audi RS 3 Specs?
Core specifications for the 2026 Audi RS 3 as reported by the manufacturer. Figures may vary by trim, option packages, and production date. Source: manufacturer data.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 2.5L I5 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 217.3 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $168 |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 334 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
That is the complete data picture for the 2026 Audi RS 3. For a daily commuter, fuel cost and reliability are usually the deciding factors, and both are covered above. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
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.
Verify this data
2026 Audi RS 3 FAQ
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Audi RS 3?
The 2026 Audi RS 3 competes with 2026 Genesis G80, 2026 BMW 3 Series, and 2026 Toyota Crown based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. 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 $250 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,080 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Audi based?
Audi's headquarters are in Germany. Assembly location varies by model and sometimes by trim. The "Brand Origin" label on this site refers to corporate headquarters, not the factory where your specific vehicle was built. See our Germany-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Audi models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Audi model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Audi models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2026 Audi RS 3 cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Audi RS 3 costs approximately 55.9 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
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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.