The 2026 Audi RS 3 may be small, but it packs a big punch from its turbocharged engine and high-tech quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of a pint-sized pocket rocket with a unique and rambunctious five-cylinder engine, a visit to your local Audi dealership may be prudent.
2026 Audi RS 3 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Audi RS 3
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Audi RS 3
The current version of the RS 3 sedan debuted for the 2022 model year, and a significant refresh in 2025 brought a number of updates to the car’s exterior and chassis tuning. There are no significant changes for the 2026 model year, but Audi made the previously optional RS Technology Package standard for the new year. That means all 2026 RS 3 models feature a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and Audi’s MMI Navigation Plus technology.
Design
The 2026 Audi RS 3’s aggressive styling hints at its performance potential. The automaker’s large signature grille leads the way, pinched at the top and bottom and nestled between a pair of large air intakes at the car’s lower front corners. Thin and angular Matrix-design LED lighting clusters add a sharp high-tech look to its face, while bulging fenders cover the 19-inch alloy wheels with muscular flair. An optional Carbon Package adds dark gray matte wheels along with mirror housings, side sills, air inlets, and a rear spoiler made from carbon fiber.
Powertrain
Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is the star of the RS 3 show. It produces 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, routed to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2026 Audi RS 3 can scamper from 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and its muscular engine and thrilling exhaust note, which sound unique due to the uneven cylinder layout and firing order, make it feel even quicker than the numbers suggest. A highly advanced torque-vectoring rear differential rounds out the RS 3’s performance credentials and makes for excellent handling and road-holding abilities.
Interior
Unlike some modern cars with dashboards dominated by digital screens, the 2026 Audi RS 3’s screens are comparatively unobtrusive. A sporty three-spoke steering wheel, with squared-off top and bottom portions, features paddle shifters on either side, along with a pair of bright red buttons that can be used to alter the car’s driving dynamics. Nappa leather seats with a unique honeycomb stitching pattern come standard in black, and can be chosen with red contrasting thread to match the RS Design Package’s upper bolsters and seatbelt edging. Due to the RS 3’s compact size, there isn’t much space in the rear seat or in the trunk for cargo.
Technology
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits just behind the steering wheel and a second 10.1-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard runs Audi’s MMI infotainment technology package. MMI Navigation Plus is standard for 2026, as is a head-up display. A Sonos premium sound system is also included.
Safety
Audi’s Pre-Sense front driver-assistance feature is standard and warns the driver of a potential accident, automatically applying the brakes as needed. Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance is also included, along with blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic assist. The Audi RS 3 is based on the automaker’s A3 sedan. While the high-performance RS version has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), its A3 sibling received a Good rating from the IIHS.
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Audi RS 3 is currently available at dealerships across the United States. There’s only one trim level—quattro S Tronic—with a starting MSRP of $67,395 (including destination). The optional Carbon Package adds $2,850 to that starting cost, and the RS Design Package and its red interior accents add $700. The only other package is called Dynamic Plus, and the $5,600 kit includes desirable performance upgrades such as a 180 mph speed limiter, ceramic front brakes with red calipers, and ultra-high-performance summer tires.
