DecodedCars2026 Audi A3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 201 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 177.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,866 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 201 hp, versus about 311 hp for similar 2026 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Audi A3 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,866 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 34 highway), 17% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 A3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 A3 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ingolstadt, Bavaria
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2026 A3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Quattro | 177.2 in | 71.7 in | 56.3 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 2,866 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +17% | $2,950 | 323 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Audi A3.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi A3 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 3 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Acura Integra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 2 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Genesis G70 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Audi A3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Audi A3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other A3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A3 | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 A3 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2024 A3 | 32 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 A3 | 32 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2022 A3 | 32 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 9 |
| 2020 A3 | 30 | 175.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 17 |
| 2019 A3 | 29 | 175.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2018 A3 | 36 | 174.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 45 |
| 2017 A3 | 34 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 71 |
| 2016 A3 | 39 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 121 |
| 2015 A3 | 35 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 7 | 176 |
| 2013 A3 | 32 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 16 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →