Which 2026 Audi A3 trim should you buy?
$40,100 to $66,100. What each step up the ladder costs and what becomes standard for the money, cheapest first, from Audi's own press kit — so you can see where the price goes before a dealer walks you up it.
Thinnest step: S3 AWD → RS 3 AWD, +$14,100 for no added standard equipment in the press kit — the difference is in the specs below.
S3 $52,000
+$11,900 over the A3 quattro AWD.
Standard here, not on the A3 quattro AWD: Driven Wheels: quattro® all-wheel drive with torque splitter
HP 201 hp → 328 hp · Torque 236 lb-ft → 295 lb-ft · MPG comb 28 mpg → 26 mpg · Wheels 17 in → 18 in
RS 3 $66,100
+$14,100 over the S3 AWD. No added standard equipment listed in the press kit.
HP 328 hp → 394 hp · Torque 295 lb-ft → 369 lb-ft · MPG comb 26 mpg → 23 mpg · Wheels 18 in → 19 in
Each trim is measured against the nearest cheaper trim with the same drivetrain and powertrain, so a step shows equipment rather than the price of all-wheel drive. "Standard here" means the press kit lists it as standard on this trim and not as standard on the one below — it may have been an option there. MSRP excludes destination. Confirm a specific car against its window sticker.
Common questions about the 2026 Audi A3 trims
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich 2026 Audi A3 trim is the best value?
The press kit does not itemise enough standard equipment by trim to rank the steps; the specification differences are listed on this page.
How much do the 2026 Audi A3 trims cost?
3 trims, from $40,100 for the A3 quattro AWD to $66,100 for the RS 3 AWD. Manufacturer MSRP, excluding destination, options, taxes and dealer fees.