DecodedCars2026 Audi S3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Sedan Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 177.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,483 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Audi S3 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 3,483 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 8% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 S3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 S3 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan Tfsi Quattro | 177.2 in | 71.7 in | 56.3 in | 103.5 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,483 lb | 58/42 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S3 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +8% | $3,150 | 346 |
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 S3.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi S3 (this car) | 26 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 Audi A3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 BMW 2 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Audi S3.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Audi S3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Audi S3 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other S3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S3 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 S3 | 26 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 S3 | 26 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 S3 | 26 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 S3 | 27 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 2 |
| 2020 S3 | 25 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 S3 | 25 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 2 |
| 2018 S3 | 25 | 176 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 5 |
| 2017 S3 | 24 | 176 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2016 S3 | 26 | 176 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
| 2015 S3 | 26 | 176 in | Not rated | 2 | 53 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →