2025 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 | $3,550 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 385 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $64,478–$77,989 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2025 Audi RS 3 is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.4/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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: 8.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.1/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $64,478–$77,989, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Audi RS 3 sits in the premium tier of the sports category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2025 Audi RS 3 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and performance 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 2025 Audi RS 3 ranks #121 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $64,478 starting price is about 40% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Audi RS 3 scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.8 — and starts roughly $5,500 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 | 7.8/10 | $64,478 | Read review → |
| 2025 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $64,478 | |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $62,600 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $60,722 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $58,844 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.