2026 Audi S3
Now in its 2026 model year, the Audi S3 is a Sedan priced at $52,000 across 1 trim. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among premium Sedans, the 2026 Audi S3 grades at C for fuel cost. 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 S3. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are lower estimated five-year cost and lower estimated ownership costs for its vehicle class.
- estimated 5-year cost
- ownership cost
Strongest published signals
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $13,779 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
- 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.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.0/5.
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $52,000
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,250/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $3,500 more over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- Germany
NHTSA and IIHS test vehicles independently using different crash scenarios. Together, they provide the most complete picture of a vehicle's crashworthiness.
Beyond crash test performance, the recall record shows whether the manufacturer has identified and addressed any safety-related defects after the vehicle went on sale.
Does the 2026 Audi S3 Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Audi S3. For context, the average Sedan has 1.2 recall campaigns. Recalls can be issued at any time as new issues are identified. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Audi S3. 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.
With the safety picture established, the next question is cost. Fuel is typically the largest variable expense for most drivers.
What Is the 2026 Audi S3 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Audi S3 achieves up to 26 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250. That is $595 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 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2,250/yr |
Fuel is only one part of the ownership cost equation. AAA estimates the full picture: insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing.
What Does the 2026 Audi S3 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Audi S3 ranges from $97,350 to $97,350 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 |
Total cost varies significantly by trim. The table below breaks down each trim so you can see exactly where your money goes.
How Do the 2026 Audi S3 Trims Compare?
The 2026 Audi S3 is available in 1 trim, with base prices ranging at $52,000. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
Base
| Base MSRP | $52,000 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,250/yr |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 328 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $97,350 |
The Audi S3 lineup has contracted from 3 trims in 2024 to 1 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $4,600 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- Base (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- Premium (last available 2025)
- Premium Plus (last available 2025)
- Prestige (last available 2025)
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $47,400 26 MPG | $48,700 26 MPG | — |
| Premium Plus | $50,300 26 MPG | $51,100 26 MPG | — |
| Prestige | $54,300 26 MPG | $54,900 26 MPG | — |
| Base | — | — | $52,000 26 MPG |
Choosing a trim is also about long-term dependability. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating available for this model.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Audi S3?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Audi S3 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.
The manufacturer's warranty provides a baseline of coverage. Here is what Audi includes.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Audi S3 Come With?
Audi provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 S3. 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 S3 Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Audi S3 as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 gal |
| Length | 177.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 71.5 in |
| Height | 55.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,549 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Audi S3?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
Data Coverage
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Audi S3: 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.
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Audi S3. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
Verify this data
2026 Audi S3 FAQ
How does the 2026 Audi S3 compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Audi S3 has a fuel cost grade of C, 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 S3 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 S3. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Audi S3 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 S3 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 $52,000, that represents about 33% 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 S3?
The most efficient 2026 Audi S3 trim costs an estimated $2,250 per year in fuel, or about $188 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $595 more than the average for similar sedans. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Audi S3?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Audi S3 include 2026 BMW 3 Series, 2026 Genesis G80, 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 S3 from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 1 new trim was added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $4,600 for the Audi S3 lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Audi S3 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Audi S3 include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $188 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,018 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 S3 been recalled?
No. As of this writing, NHTSA has zero recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Audi S3. 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.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
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.