2026 Audi RS 7 — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2026 Audi RS 7

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $128,647–$150,656
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2026 Audi RS 7

Engine4.0L 8-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG14 / 21 MPG
Combined MPG16 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$5,100
CO₂ Emissions545 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$128,647–$150,656

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2026 Audi RS 7

Our scoring places the 2026 Audi RS 7 at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.7/10, while Value at 5.7/10 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.7/10. The Audi RS 7 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 9.4/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.

Priced from $128,647–$150,656, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Audi RS 7 sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.

Our take: The 2026 Audi RS 7 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability and value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2026 Audi RS 7 ranks #428 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $128,647 starting price is about 365% above the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which RS 7 Year Should You Buy?

Across the RS 7 model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 (this review) 7.7/10$128,647
2025 7.7/10$128,647 Read review →
2024 7.6/10$124,900 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$121,153 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$117,406 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$113,659 Read review →
2020 7.5/10$109,912 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2026 Audi RS 7

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2026 Audi RS 7 (1 on record)

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.

Back over prevention / sensing system / camera
19/12/2025 · 25V900000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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