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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 26 / 35 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,350 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 303 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $30,940–$41,010 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Audi A3 at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.1/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $30,940–$41,010, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Audi A3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Audi A3 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Audi A3 ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $30,940 starting price is about 12% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Audi A3 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.4 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $37,492 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $37,492 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $36,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $35,308 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $34,216 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $33,124 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $32,032 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $30,940 | |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $29,848 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $28,756 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $27,664 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $26,572 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 22/03/2021 · 21V198000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off… |
|---|---|
| Tires / Pressure monitoring and regulating systems 31/10/2022 · 22V815000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas… |
| Fuel system, gasoline 14/02/2024 · 24V110000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen,… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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