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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.0L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 18 / 28 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 413 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $40,736–$48,503 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Audi S4 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.4/10 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: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.1/10 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 S4 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $40,736–$48,503, 17 MPG, seating 5, the Audi S4 sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Audi S4 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and 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 2016 Audi S4 ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $40,736 starting price is about 47% 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 S4 model years we've scored, the 2016 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $55,208 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $53,600 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $51,992 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $50,384 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.7/10 | $48,776 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $47,168 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $45,560 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $43,952 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $42,344 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $40,736 | |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $39,128 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.