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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 | 346 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.
Our scoring places the 2026 Audi S3 at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.3/10 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 8.6/10. The Audi S3 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.7/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $50,418–$64,382, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Audi S3 sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The 7.2/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Audi S3 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability — 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 →
The 2026 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 →
Across the S3 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.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $50,418 | |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $50,418 | Read review → |
| 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 → |
We rate the 2026 Audi S3's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #347 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 74% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2026 Audi S3 starts at $50,418 and ranges up to $64,382 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.