DecodedCars2022 Audi RS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 6 Avant
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,740 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Audi RS is a subcompact car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,740 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 4% worse than the 2022 subcompact car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2022
- Engine added: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 23
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 RS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Avant | 196.9 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 115.4 in | 65.7 / 65 in | 4,740 lb | 55/45 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS 3 | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 383 |
| RS 5 Coupe | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,900 | 430 |
| RS 5 Sportback | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -23% | $3,900 | 431 |
| RS 7 Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -37% | $4,850 | 507 |
| RS 6 Avant Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -17% | $4,850 | 514 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Audi RS.
Similar 2022 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2022 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2022 Lexus LS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Tesla Model S | 405 mi | Not rated | 20 |
Recalls (5)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Electrical System · Nov 21, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V861000 · 50,883 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Audi S7, S6 Sedan, A6 Allroad, 2021-2022 RS7, RS6 Avant, 2019-2022 A7, and A6 Sedan vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat may penetrate and cause the gateway control module to shut down.
- Risk
- A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a protective cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit · Oct 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V806000 · 6,076 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge › Fuel Level Float/Sensor/Sending Unit · Mar 14, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V155000 · 47,238 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 RS6 Avant and RS7, 2020-2022 A6 Allroad, S6 Sedan, and S7, and 2019-2022 A6 Sedan and A7 vehicles. The fuel level sender may stick, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading to be displayed on the instrument cluster.
- Risk
- An inaccurate fuel reading may cause an engine stall due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a new sensor in the tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DN.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 20, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V825000 · 2,857 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 9, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91CR.
Not every 2022 Audi RS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Audi RS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Audi RS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →