2026 Audi A3

The A3 is the most affordable new Audi and comes with many attributes that distinguish its larger stablemates. For example, all-wheel drive is standard. There’s the excellent Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster in both trims. And the overall design has that restrained elegance so typical of Audi. The current A3 generation launched for the 2022 model year, so even if the tech is hardly cutting-edge, it’s still relevant and useful.

There’s a lot to be said for subcompact luxury cars in general and the Audi A3 in particular. They’re a joy to drive every day of the week, nimble, and easy to park. And when they come with that special Audi prestige, then so much the better.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury cars, including the Audi A3.

Having received a minor spruce-up last year, the Audi A3 doesn’t come with any major changes this time around.

The 2026 Audi A3 has a starting sticker price of $41,395, with the range-topping Premium Plus kicking off at $44,295.

We recommend the Premium Plus trim for its extra equipment.

Looking at what else is out there, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is priced similarly to the A3, with the new-for-2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA beginning higher. The Acura Integra undercuts all three, but is front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. If a roomier cabin would be preferable, take a look at something like the Genesis G70, which starts a few thousand above the A3.

Before buying a new A3 subcompact luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are not as strong as the 2 Series, CLA, or Integra. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

We think the A3’s 201-hp drivetrain is absolutely fine for workaday stuff. And accelerating from standstill to 60 mph in six seconds is kind of fun. The 228-hp BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe is in that same ballpark, while the base Acura Integra (with 200 horses) is about a second slower.

All-wheel drive is standard in the A3, providing reassurance in the wet and optimum traction in the dry. The ride quality is comfortable, and there’s also that special poise so many European cars have. As a general note, we’ve preferred the A3’s outward vision over its German rivals. We’ve done a multi-state drive in the A3 and relished every mile.

Fuel Economy

The A3 is rated at 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This compares well with the BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe, while the base Acura Integra runs to 33 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is recommended.

The A3’s pleasant cabin includes multi-colored ambient lighting, along with typical Audi characteristics of elegant and innovative design, high-quality materials, and cool technology. Scale up the dimensions to fit into something bigger, and we think it would still work. Even the most affordable new A3 comes with a 10.25-inch driver information display, leather seating surfaces, 3-zone automatic climate control, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen.

At 35.2 inches, we’ve found rear legroom acceptable for a subcompact sedan. However, trunk space isn’t so useful — 10.9 cubic feet is small for the class.

In our opinion, the A3 luxury subcompact sedan speaks the usual highly stylish Audi design language, only in shorter sentences. We think the shapes and proportions all work exceptionally well. Metallic or pearl-effect paint costs an extra $595.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Standard in every new A3, this allows users to integrate their phones without having to plug in a cable. Wireless phone charging is also available.

3-zone automatic climate control
Three zones are better than two. This is standard across the 2026 A3 lineup and something we’d usually expect to see in bigger and pricier luxury cars.

Convenience package
We recommend this options bundle offered with Premium trim, as it includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, self-dimming mirrors, and various other desirable features. Many of these items are standard in Premium Plus trim.

Sonos audio
Not an especially well-known name in automotive audio, but the 15-speaker system that comes standard in Premium Plus trim sounds pretty good to us.

Virtual Cockpit Plus
This 12.3-inch digital driver information display can be configured to show different types of information, including the navigation system’s maps. It’s easy to use, in our experience, and a great piece of equipment. It’s part of the MMI Experience Plus package available with Premium Plus trim.

MMI Experience Plus package
Yes, let’s take a closer look at what else this bundle contains. There’s Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus, which includes satellite map images and the ability to obey voice commands. The package also includes Wi-Fi and road sign recognition.

The A3’s drivetrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It connects to a 7-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

A mild hybrid system augments this engine, helping it achieve peak output faster, smoothing out the fuel-saving stop/restart function, and allowing the car to “coast” on long downhill sections.

The higher-performance S3 and even more muscular RS 3 are each reviewed separately.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. This is typical among European luxury car manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

Earlier model years of the A3 have been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the agency’s second-highest accolade. But it hasn’t done quite so well in updated tests. Previous versions of the A3 also took the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), although not since 2020. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.