2022 Audi RS3 review
Audi RS3 highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Absurd power and performance for the size
- Excellent grip and stability through turns and corners
- Comfortable front seats and ride relative to performance
Cons
- Small back seat
- Tiny trunk
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2022 Audi RS 3 delivers mind-bending performance in an exclusive class
We’ve got to hand it to Audi for staying in the small sedan game given the ubiquity of small luxury SUVs. The 2022 Audi RS 3 is the first year of a new generation based on the redesigned A3 sedan. It’s a little longer and wider than before, wears a striking honeycomb grille up front, and gets a little more low-end punch from its engine.
Audi focused more on the RS 3’s handling this time around, introducing components to help the all-wheel-drive hellraiser feel a bit more like a rear-wheel-drive car. There’s also a nifty feature to change the exhaust tone. The RS 3 is part of an exclusive class of small high-performance sedans—so exclusive that its only direct rival is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45, which isn’t nearly as optimized for track detail. Beyond that, you'd need to consider a coupe like the BMW M2 Series.
All Audi RS3 years
2022 Audi RS3 trims
Base:
- 401-hp, 368-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Lane Departure Warning
- Cruise Control
- Rear Defroster
- Power Seats
- Traction Control
- Rear View Camera
- Memory Seats
- Adjustable Suspension
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5 reasons to buy the 2022 Audi RS3
What We Like
Performance: The RS 3’s five-cylinder engine delivers stunning performance and, with an extra cylinder compared to the A3 and S3, a unique sound. With 401 hp, the RS 3 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, and its five-cylinder engine makes it a bit of an automotive unicorn today. The all-wheel-drive system means the RS 3 is never short on traction.
Interior: We’re fans of the A3 and S3 interiors, and fundamentally the RS 3 interior is no different. Some of the materials are a little nicer — a suede-wrapped panel there, a carbon-fiber door inlay there — but the core design is classy and ergonomic, with crisp lines and edges. A stubby lever replaces the traditional gear shifter and takes some getting used to, but the RS 3 retains its excellent outward visibility. The RS-specific sport seats are comfortable and supportive and surprisingly easy to get in and out of.
Technology: The RS 3’s infotainment system works well and is easy to navigate. A 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen, housed in the center of the dash and angled slightly toward the driver, is a nice upgrade from the previous pop-up display. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ can connect wirelessly, and a wireless charging pad comes standard. The previous RS 3 kept some common driver aids restricted to expensive packages, but the 2022 model has most of them standard, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and lane keeping assistance.
What Needs Improvement
Roominess: The 2022 RS 3 faces the same spatial challenges as the generation before it, namely a cramped back seat and, surprisingly, an even tinier trunk. Despite the RS 3 being about 1.5 inches longer overall than the previous generation, the trunk holds a meager 8.3 cubic feet, almost 2 cubic feet less. There’s no appreciable increase in legroom in either the front or back seats. Fold-down rear seats at least offer some versatility for long items, assuming you don’t have passengers back there.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
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Audi RS3 features and specs
Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
401
Torque (ft-lbs)
368
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
103.6"
Overall length
178.8"
Width
72.9"
Height
55.6"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 35.1"
Head room
F 36.5"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P265/30YR19
Rear tires
P265/30YR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2022 Audi RS3 FAQ
The 2022 Audi RS3 Base offers 20 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway. It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.
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