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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 23 / 31 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,150 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 344 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $50,418–$64,382 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.8/10, the 2025 Audi S3 earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Reliability 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. We rate reliability at 6.8/10 — 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 8.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.6/10 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 8.7/10 — 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 $50,418–$64,382, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Audi S3 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Audi S3 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 S3 ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $50,418 starting price is about 82% 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 2022 Audi S3 scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 7.8 — 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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $50,418 | Read review → |
| 2025 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $50,418 | |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $48,950 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $47,481 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $46,013 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $44,544 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $43,076 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $41,607 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $40,139 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $38,670 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $37,202 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $35,733 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.