Verified vehicle record
2026 Audi A3
The 2026 Audi A3 centers its changes on added equipment, with a new Premium Plus S Line trim that has a sport-tuned suspension 0.6 inch lower, front sport seats and black exterior trim. It starts at $41,395. EPA rates it 28 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. NHTSA lists no recalls and no complaints for the year.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain2.0L turbo four-cylinder
Output201 hp
DrivetrainStandard AWD
Seating5
Decision answers21Trim, ownership and verification
What changed on the 2026 Audi A3
CarGurus (opens in a new tab) says changes for the 2026 A3 center on added equipment, with a new Premium Plus S Line trim that includes a sport-tuned suspension with a 0.6-inch lower ride height, front sport seats and black exterior trim. Motor1 (opens in a new tab) covers a separate European refresh with a curved-display cockpit, new driver aids and no changes to body styles or powertrains.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page, and its price page lists a starting sticker price of $41,395 and a Fair Purchase Price of $39,300 for the 40 TFSI Premium. EPA rates the 2026 A3 at 28 mpg combined and $2,750 a year in fuel, all with all-wheel drive.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns and no owner complaints for the 2026 A3. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) and CleanVins (opens in a new tab) summarize the record, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps an overview page.
CarTriple (opens in a new tab) covers common A3 problems by generation.
2026 A3 against the 2 Series, CLA and UX
The BMW 2 Series lists 26 to 31 mpg combined at $2,500 to $3,000, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 23 to 126 including its electric version, and the Lexus UX 42 to 43 at $1,450 to $1,500. The A3 sits mid-pack among the gas cars and trails the hybrid UX.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
Every A3 shares the same 201-horsepower turbo four and standard quattro AWD; the two trims separate by luxury and technology equipment, not powertrain.
Model-year note
The performance-oriented S3 is a separate model from the standard A3 and is not part of this two-trim range.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | Entry trim | 2.0L turbo engine standard, 201 hp, standard quattro AWD, Full LED headlights and panoramic sunroof standard, Audi pre sense front and lane departure warning standard |
| Premium Plus | Top trim | Gray wood inlays and ambient LED interior lighting standard, Additional driver-assistance features over Premium, Larger digital instrument display and premium audio available |
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Audi A3: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 TFSI Premium | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | AWD | 201 | 236 | 6 s | 130 mph | 24 / 34 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 40 TFSI Premium Plus | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch & S tronic | AWD | 201 | 236 | 6 s | 130 mph | 24 / 34 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 TFSI Premium | 3,461 lb | 177.3 in | 56.2 in | 103.7 in | 36.5 ft | 14.5 gal | 36.8 in | 41.2 in | P225/45HR17 |
| 40 TFSI Premium Plus | 3,461 lb | 177.3 in | 56.2 in | 103.7 in | 36.5 ft | 14.5 gal | 36.8 in | 41.2 in | P225/45HR17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Audi A3 trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 40 TFSI Premium | 40 TFSI Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | – |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | Opt | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Opt | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | – |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
1 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49789A3 quattro | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Premium | 24 | 34 | 28 | N/A |
Direct answers
21 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 A3 come in?
The 2026 Audi A3 (compact luxury sedan) comes in 2 trims: Premium, Premium Plus.
Source: Audi
Q02What are the 2026 A3 trims?
The 2026 Audi A3 trims are Premium, Premium Plus, listed from the entry Premium up to the top Premium Plus.
Source: Audi
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 A3 use?
The 2026 Audi A3 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 201 horsepower across its compact luxury sedan body style.
Source: Audi specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 A3?
The 2026 Audi A3 is offered with Standard AWD.
Source: Audi specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 A3?
The performance-oriented S3 is a separate model from the standard A3 and is not part of this two-trim range.
Source: Audi model-year information
Q06Which driver-assistance features are standard on a 2026 Audi A3?
The 2026 Audi A3 is documented with Audi pre sense front and lane departure warning standard, Additional driver-assistance features over Premium.
Source: Manufacturer equipment table and owner’s manual
Q07How much cargo space does the 2026 Audi A3 have?
Cargo volume is 8.3 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Audi A3 in KBB Audi A3 specs page, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q08Does the 2026 Audi A3 come with roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is included for 4 years. Documented for the 2026 Audi A3 in Audi 24-Hour Roadside Assistance, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09What does the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Audi A3 deliver?
Horsepower: 201 hp. Torque: 236 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder configuration of the 2026 Audi A3, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10What are the 2026 Audi A3 trim levels?
Two trims: Premium and Premium Plus.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q11How much does the 2026 Audi A3 cost?
The A3 starts at $41,395, including a $1,295 destination charge.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q12Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Audi A3?
Yes, all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q13What kind of brakes does the 2026 Audi A3 have?
MotorTrend lists the 2026 Audi A3 with four-wheel disc brakes.
Q14What suspension does the 2026 Audi A3 use?
MotorTrend describes the 2026 Audi A3's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Q15How did the 2026 Audi A3 do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Audi A3: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Marginal in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2022-26 models, based on a test of the 2022 Audi A3 Premium 4-door. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q16How quickly does the 2026 Audi A3 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The 2026 Audi A3's 0-60 mph time is 6 seconds on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q17What is the 2026 Audi A3's top speed?
The 2026 Audi A3's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q18What size wheels does the 2026 Audi A3 have?
The 2026 Audi A3's wheel diameter is 17 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q19What is the GVWR of the 2026 Audi A3 AWD quattro Premium 40 TFSI 4dr Sedan?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,387 pounds for the 2026 Audi A3 AWD quattro Premium 40 TFSI 4dr Sedan.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q20What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Audi A3 AWD quattro Premium 40 TFSI 4dr Sedan?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 860 pounds for the 2026 Audi A3 AWD quattro Premium 40 TFSI 4dr Sedan.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q21How do the 2026 Audi A3 trims differ from one another?
All 2 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 201 hp. The 40 TFSI Premium Plus has an integrated garage-door opener, a premium audio system, proximity keyless entry and satellite radio as standard equipment over the 40 TFSI Premium.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Audi A3.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Audi A3 across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Audi A3 official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.