Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan
2019 Audi S3
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$41,607–$50,170
Fuel Economy22 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySedan
Est. Annual Fuel$2,386/yr
The 2019 Audi S3 scores 7.4/10 at Carivo, ranking #687 of 1310 sedans and an estimated $2,386/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2019 Audi S3
Engine
2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic (AM-S7)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Premium
City / Hwy MPG
22 / 29 MPG
Combined MPG
25 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$3,050
CO₂ Emissions
358 g/mi
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
Sedan
Base Price
$41,607–$50,170
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Audi S3
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2019 Audi S3 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.4/10 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. We rate reliability at 6.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.9/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.1/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sedan you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $41,607–$50,170, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Audi S3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. 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.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2019 Audi S3, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2019 Audi S3 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 $41,607 starting price is about 50% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which S3 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Audi S3 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.4 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
Common Questions — 2019 Audi S3
Is the 2019 Audi S3 reliable?
We rate the 2019 Audi S3's reliability 6.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2019 Audi S3 worth buying?
It scores 7.4/10 overall, ranking #687 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 48% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2019 Audi S3 cost?
The 2019 Audi S3 starts at $41,607 and ranges up to $50,170 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which S3 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest S3 years we've rated are 2015 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Audi S3
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More Audi Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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