Is the 2022 Audi S3 a good car?

The 2022 Audi S3 earns a 7.67/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Look and feel, Performance, Form and function, and Technology.

It sits between the more restrained A3 and the more extreme RS 3, and that positioning gives you a compact sport sedan that blends performance, comfort, luxury, and technology in a way that feels more special than its entry-level role suggests. It is also described as fun to drive, with great ride quality and easy-to-use technology, which makes it a smart fit if you want something lively without giving up everyday refinement.

The trade-offs are clear: there can be a slight delay in power delivery, cargo space is limited, and the price can climb quickly in higher trims. Even so, the market shows 35.1% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2022 Audi S3 reliable?

The 2022 Audi S3 is presented as a well-rounded compact sport sedan with no major usability complaints in the expert review, and its performance and technology are described as polished and easy to live with. The driving experience is smooth and linear once underway, and the cabin tech is straightforward rather than distracting.

The expert review also notes that the systems work as advertised, with no false alarms or other annoyances. For used buyers, that points to a car that should be manageable in day-to-day ownership, but you should still expect long-term ownership risk to rise if you buy a higher-trim example with more equipment and a more complex option set.

What should I look for when buying a used 2022 Audi S3?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, electronics, and any signs of uneven wear, and pay close attention to how the car presents overall since higher-trim examples can carry more equipment and more cost if something needs attention.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S3 comes with frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors, while the Premium Plus trim adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. The review notes a slight delay in power delivery off the line.
• Safety package: The standard suite includes frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The mid-grade Premium Plus trim adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses a smaller touchscreen with an intuitive layout, a digital instrument cluster, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus upgrade as part of the Technology package.
• Fuel efficiency: The S3 is estimated at 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

Which 2022 Audi S3 trim should I buy?

The 2022 Audi S3 is offered in 3 trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Premium gives you the core S3 experience, but it lacks the added driver-assistance features found higher up the range, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Premium Plus is the best value because it adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a wireless charging pad, making it the most balanced choice for most shoppers.
• Premium/top trim: The Prestige adds a head-up display and upgraded Matrix LED headlights, but the price climbs enough that the value case is weaker unless you specifically want the extra equipment.

The safety package note is simple: the base trim starts with frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors, while Premium Plus is the trim that brings the fuller driver-assistance set.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2022 Audi S3?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile examples if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 94 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 87.2% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2022 Audi S3 safe?

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The base S3 comes standard with frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Stepping up to the mid-grade Premium Plus trim adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. All of these systems work as advertised, with no false alarms or other annoyances.

Should I buy a 2022 Audi S3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2022 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2022 if:

• 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 87.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• The all-new 2022 Audi S3 sedan finds a balance between the comparably restrained A3 and over-the-top RS 3, delivering an optimal blend of performance, comfort, luxury, and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the S3’s sweet spot of performance and everyday livability, the 2022 is the one to target. If you are especially price-sensitive, keep shopping the market carefully and focus on well-kept examples with the right trim and options rather than stretching for a higher-spec car that pushes the budget too far.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.