“The RS3 brings a smile to my face each and every time I press the start button. It is both nimble and responsive to my inputs which is a big improvement over my S3 which had a very annoying turbo lag. The best part about the RS3 is it truly fills the role of a vehicle that is understated and unassuming until you are blinking at its tail lights pulling away ahead of you.”
Audi RS 3: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi RS 3 is a compact performance sedan known for its distinctive turbocharged five-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive grip, and sharp handling. It puts serious performance into a small four-door car that still works for everyday driving.
Since its 2017 U.S. debut, the RS 3 has stuck to an unusual formula: five-cylinder power, a quick-shifting automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive in a compact sedan. The 2022 redesign made it more playful in corners with a system that can send power between the rear wheels. A 2025 refresh sharpened its responses, but the basic character stayed the same: small, fast, distinctive, and usable day to day.
Strengths
- The turbocharged five-cylinder engine gives the RS 3 a sound and personality that stand apart from many four-cylinder rivals.
- Standard all-wheel drive provides strong traction in poor weather and helps the car put its power down confidently.
- Its compact size and four-door layout make it easier to use every day than a larger performance sedan or a two-door sports car.
- The current generation feels especially playful in corners because its all-wheel-drive system can shift power between the rear wheels.
- Performance has remained substantial across its U.S. history, from 400 horsepower at launch to 394 horsepower in 2026.
- The cabin combines a premium feel with clear digital displays and a central touchscreen in the current generation.
Who it's for
The RS 3 fits someone who wants a small luxury sedan for commuting and regular errands but does not want the muted personality of a typical daily driver. It especially suits drivers who value distinctive engine character and confident all-weather traction, yet still need four doors and five seats.
Audi RS 3 lineup
The RS 3 has generally followed a simple one-trim strategy rather than a wide trim ladder. The Base model is the main event, with the five-cylinder engine, quick-shifting automatic, all-wheel drive, and performance-focused chassis forming the complete package. The limited Nardo Edition offered in 2020 was a more exclusive variation with a fixed sport suspension, sport exhaust, and extra equipment. Otherwise, differences among used RS 3 sedans are driven more by model year and equipment than by trim name.
Audi RS 3 generations
From 2017 to 2026, the RS 3 spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — 8Y arrived for 2022, following the 2nd Generation — 8V (2017–2020).
3rd Generation — 8Y (2022–Present)
The redesigned 8Y RS 3 brought a stronger turbocharged five-cylinder engine, torque-splitting all-wheel drive, sharper bodywork, and a more digital cabin. A 2025 refresh revised the styling and retuned the suspension and power delivery for quicker responses.
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2026
A head-up display becomes standard, along with built-in navigation and traffic sign recognition.
2025Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, new lighting, a redesigned steering wheel, and retuned suspension and power delivery.
2024
Matte carbon-look interior trim becomes standard.
2023
Essentially unchanged after the 2022 redesign.
2022New generation
The redesigned RS 3 returns to the U.S. with a stronger turbo five-cylinder engine, torque-splitting AWD, a more aggressive body, and a more digital cabin.
2nd Generation — 8V (2017–2020)
The 8V marked the RS 3 sedan’s U.S. debut. It paired a 400-hp turbocharged five-cylinder engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard AWD in a compact sedan.
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2020Trim changes
The limited-run Nardo Edition joins the lineup with a fixed sport suspension, sport exhaust, higher top-speed setting, and extra standard technology.
2019
Wireless phone charging and several cabin convenience features become standard.
2018
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard.
2017New generation
The RS 3 sedan makes its U.S. debut in a limited launch batch with a 400-hp turbo five-cylinder engine and standard AWD.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi RS 3.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Audi RS 3 come as a hatchback?
No in the U.S. The RS 3 is a compact four-door sedan, including both the earlier 8V generation and the current 8Y generation.
Is the Audi RS 3 a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market RS 3 uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine. There is no hybrid version in the model history covered here.
Does the Audi RS 3 have a manual transmission?
No. U.S. RS 3 models pair their five-cylinder engine with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
What makes the Audi RS 3 different from other small sport sedans?
Its defining feature is the unusual turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It combines a distinctive sound with strong all-wheel-drive traction, sharp handling, four doors, and a premium tech-focused cabin.
Is the Audi RS 3 practical enough for daily driving?
Yes, if a compact cabin and firm performance focus suit you. It has four doors, five seats, all-wheel-drive traction, an automatic transmission, and modern cabin tech, but space and comfort are not its main priorities.
How many generations of the Audi RS 3 have been sold in the U.S.?
There are two main U.S. sedan eras. The 8V arrived for 2017 and ran through 2020. After a one-model-year gap, the redesigned 8Y arrived for 2022 and continues in refreshed form.
How roomy is the Audi RS 3?
It seats five, but it remains a compact performance sedan. The latest model has 35.1 inches of rear legroom and 8.3 cubic feet of trunk space, favoring a small footprint over maximum passenger and cargo room.
Audi RS 3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi RS 3.
4.6
Audi RS 3
(134 reviews)
“Very competent in all weathers - arrived with 400bhp - I will be putting it up to 520bhp at the wheels. Standard wheels are ugly - custom wheels will be fitted next month.”
“The Audi RS3 is a great car to own. Quality of craftsmanship, stellar performance at a great price. Supercar performance at a budget.”
“There are technology limitations in the current model year and they should wait until the next updates.”
“It's the best car I have ever driven, and I had in my past about 18 vehicles. Excellent performance.”
“Its as close to a P0R 911S as your are going to get with QAWD, 4 doors and a comfortable quiet road ride. Need low end turbo added, heavier steering and stiffer suspension to get closer. Less flash styling would also help. But it is less than 1/2 the price.”