Used 2022 Audi S3 for SaleNationwide

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 it aims to balance performance, comfort, luxury, and technology. That makes it a strong fit if you want a lively compact sport sedan that still feels usable every day. The trade-offs are that power delivery can feel slightly delayed, cargo space is limited, and higher trims can get expensive. Even so, the market shows 43.6% of listings as good or great deals, which helps support the value case.

Is the 2022 Audi S3 reliable?

The 2022 Audi S3 is presented as a well-rounded compact sport sedan with a strong emphasis on everyday usability, and its expert evaluation highlights smooth, linear power delivery once underway, excellent ride quality, and plenty of sound insulation. The performance write-up also notes that the transmission ratios keep power on tap well, and the car remains easy to drive even when it’s being pushed.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that the S3 is competitively priced against similarly equipped rivals, and the recommended mid-level trim is the one that best balances features and price. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the higher-trim and option-heavy versions can push you into a price range where upkeep and depreciation matter more.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been optioned heavily or driven hard. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, brake condition, and whether the car’s equipment matches the trim level you expect.

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, while the Premium Plus adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a wireless charging pad. The Prestige adds a head-up display and upgraded Matrix LED headlights.
• Powertrain: The S3 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. The performance notes also mention a slight delay in power delivery off the line.
• Safety package: The base S3 comes with frontal collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The 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.
• 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, and it already gives you the core S3 experience with summer tires, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and heated front seats. It makes sense if you want the least expensive way into the model, but it leaves out several convenience and driver-assistance upgrades.
• 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 and price.
• Prestige: This is the most feature-rich version, adding a head-up display and upgraded Matrix LED headlights. It suits you if you want the most equipment and are comfortable paying more for it.

The base trim gets the core safety features, while the Premium Plus adds the broader driver-assistance suite.

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

The market looks favorable if you’re shopping now, with a meaningful share of listings priced competitively and a strong amount of clean inventory.

• Deal availability: 43.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 101 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 93.1% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2022 Audi S3 safe?

The 2022 Audi S3 does not have published crash test results from IIHS or NHTSA in the provided data.

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. The Premium Plus trim adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. If you want the most complete safety package, you should look beyond the base trim.

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:

• 43.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• 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 blend of speed, ride quality, and everyday usability, the 2022 is an appealing choice. If you’re shopping with a tighter budget, the best path is to focus on the Premium Plus trim and compare it carefully against similarly equipped alternatives before stepping up to a pricier configuration.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.