Is the 2022 Audi S3 a good car?

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

It lands in a useful middle ground 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. The S3 is described as fun to drive, with great ride quality and easy-to-use technology, so it works well 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 in higher trims. Even so, 33.3% of listings are priced 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 luxury sport sedan, with the overview emphasizing a balance of performance, comfort, luxury, and technology. In expert testing, it feels easy to drive, and the power delivery is described as smooth and linear once you’re moving.

Its performance tuning also supports everyday usability: the transmission keeps power on tap well, the ride stays composed over rough pavement, and the cabin is insulated enough to keep road and wind noise down. The cost-effectiveness notes also point to a competitive fuel-economy estimate of 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined, which helps with day-to-day ownership.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the S3’s higher-spec hardware and premium positioning can make upkeep feel less forgiving if you buy a poorly maintained example.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace documentation. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, brakes, tires, and any signs of hard use, especially if the car has been optioned heavily or driven enthusiastically. Pay close attention to overall condition, since the S3’s appeal depends on both its performance hardware and its premium cabin presentation.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Premium trim includes summer tires, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and heated front seats. Premium Plus adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a wireless charging pad, while Prestige adds a head-up display and upgraded Matrix LED headlights.
• 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 S Sport package adds a sport suspension with adaptive dampers and red-painted brake calipers.
• Safety package: The base S3 comes with frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses a smaller touchscreen with physical controls, a digital instrument cluster, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus through the Technology package. A head-up display is also available in Prestige.
• 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:

• Premium: This is the entry point, but it still gives you a strong equipment list with summer tires, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and heated front seats. It makes sense if you want the S3 experience at the lowest starting price.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim. It adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a wireless charging pad, and it’s the trim the cost-effectiveness notes recommend when paired with the S Sport package for the best balance of features to price.
• Prestige: This is the most feature-rich choice, adding a head-up display and upgraded Matrix LED headlights. It suits you if you want the most upscale version and are willing to pay for it.

The base S3 comes standard with frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors, while Premium Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile examples.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 93 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 88.2% 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.

As of this writing, neither NHTSA nor IIHS crash test results have been published for the 2022 Audi S3 or the A3 on which it is based.

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• The 2022 Audi S3 is described as a smart purchase for spirited drivers, with a balance of performance, comfort, luxury, and technology.

The bottom line: If you want the S3’s sweet spot of performance and everyday usability, the 2022 is the right kind of used buy to target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, focus on well-kept examples in the Premium Plus range and avoid overpaying for options that push the car too close to RS 3 territory.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.