2026 Audi A3 Review, Pricing, and Specs
The A3 is Audi's smallest, most affordable offering in the U.S. and a great option for anyone looking for a smooth-riding, fuel-efficient, and tech-forward luxury subcompact sedan. The car's rev-happy turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers a modest 201 ponies, but it works in harmony with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to propel the A3 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.0 seconds.
Steering feel is a little lacking, but the A3 handles well and delivers an overall enjoyable driving experience. Also lacking is back seat space, as the A3's petite size makes it a snug place for four adults.
Expert Tip: If the A3 is too mild for your tastes, you can order the medium-spicy S3 or red-hot RS3, but prepare for a lot of added cost.
What's New for 2026?
We expect little, if anything, to change for the A3 for 2026.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Audi A3 is expected to start around $39,500 and go up to $42,500 depending on the trim and options.
Premium
$39,500 (est)
Premium Plus
$42,500 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k
We recommend the Premium model with the optional Convenience package, as it gets you the best features of the Premium Plus trim—adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, memory seat and mirror settings for the driver, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and proximity keyless entry—but costs less.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engine: 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
7-speed dual-clutch automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
A3 buyers won't lose any sleep debating which powertrain to choose, as the 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 48-volt hybrid system and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the sole offering. All-wheel drive is standard.
The car is playful and reactive enough to make commuting entertaining, and it delivers a pleasant ride over most surfaces, though you won't mistake it for a genuine sports sedan. If you're looking for heightened performance and faster reflexes, we encourage you to consider the 328-hp S3, which hits 60 mph 1.8 seconds sooner than the A3.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Test: 6.0 seconds (2022 A3)
In Comparison: The last A3 we tested (a 2022 model) made 221 pound-feet of torque and hit the 60-mph mark in 6.0 seconds, which is slightly behind the pace of the Cadillac CT4 (5.8 seconds) and Mercedes CLA250 (5.6). The current A3 is very similar to that model, only it makes 236 pound-feet, which might shave a tenth off its time.
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Audi
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test : 40 mpg
40 mpg EPA City Rating : 24 mpg
24 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 34 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Audi A3 yet, but we don't expect the numbers to change. The 2025 A3 earns ratings of 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
In our hands, however, the all-wheel-drive A3 beat its official EPA number, returning a solid 40 mpg on C/D's 200-mile, 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route. For more information about the A3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: The A3's cabin's premium look and feel is marred by some hard-plastic trim in places, but up front, the seating position is excellent, and the leather-wrapped seats are plush. The design is also driver-focused, with a dash that juts out to angle the touchscreen and climate controls toward the person at the helm.
Second Row: The back can accommodate kids in reasonable comfort, but adults—especially tall ones—may voice some complaints.
Cargo Capacity: The A3 has a rather small trunk, offering just 10.9 cubic feet of space, but it should be enough for an average grocery store haul or a weekend's worth of luggage.
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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 compatibility
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 6-speaker stereo (standard); 15-speaker Sonos stereo (optional)
The base A3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel. Opting for the Tech package—available only on the Premium Plus trim—brings a 12.3-inch cluster that can display navigation info in the center of the screen. It's an easy-to-use and attractive setup. Plus, the infotainment system allows users to download third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The A3 comes with some driver-assistance tech, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and park assist are all available.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights
automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring
For information about the A3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Audi A3's coverage is nothing special: Its limited and powertrain warranties match those offered by its BMW and Mercedes-Benz rivals. The Cadillac CT4 has longer powertrain coverage, and BMW 2-series buyers receive three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
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
2022 Audi A3 Quattro
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $37,895/$45,390
Options: Premium Plus package (adaptive cruise control, vehicle alarm with motion sensor, active lane assist, side- and cross-traffic assist, full LED headlights, driver's seat memory, park assist, wireless phone charger), $3300; Technology package (Audi Connect Plus, Audi MMI Navigation Plus, virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch display, Bang & Olufsen stereo, side-traffic alert), $2250; 18-inch wheel package with all-season tires, $800; Manhattan Gray metallic paint, $595; interior style package (Agate Gray grain birch wood inlays, LED interior lighting), $550
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3
Power: 201 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/10.7-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season
Tire Size: 225/40R-18 92H M+S AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.5 in
Length: 176.9 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 56.2 in
Passenger Volume: 88 ft3
Trunk Volume: 8–11 ft3
Curb Weight: 3509 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.6 sec @ 95 mph
100 mph: 16.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 127 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.89 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 26 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 40 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 560 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 31/28/36 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
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