2022 Audi RS 3
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 5-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 20 / 29 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,350 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 383 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $58,844–$68,346 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2022 Audi RS 3 is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.0/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.7/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.0/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $58,844–$68,346, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Audi RS 3 sits in the premium tier of the sports category. Its value score of 8.5/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Audi RS 3 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
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 2022 Audi RS 3 ranks #176 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 45% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $58,844 starting price is about 28% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the RS 3 model years we've scored, the 2022 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $64,478 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $64,478 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $62,600 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $60,722 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $58,844 |
The following recall campaign has 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 / Frontal 29/08/2022 · 22V652000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Audi S3, A3, and RS3 vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been folded incorrectly. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2022 Audi RS 3's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #176 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 45% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2022 Audi RS 3 starts at $58,844 and ranges up to $68,346 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.