Audi S3 vs Volkswagen Golf R

2022 Audi S3
2022 Audi S3
$45,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi S3
$45,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2015-2020

Years produced

2012-2013

MSRP

$45,800

MSRP

$47,100

Listings

469

Listings

776

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Great ride quality

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Slight delay in power delivery

  • Not much cargo space

  • Pricey in higher trims

Pros

  • Great handling

  • Powerful engine

  • Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Poor ergonomic design

Reviews Summary

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. Despite its entry-level positioning, it exceeds expectations and makes for a smart purchase for spirited drivers, so long as they keep an eye on options.

Reviews Summary

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the hotter of VW’s two hot hatchbacks, boasting more power than its Golf GTI platform mate, plus a standard all-wheel-drive system (AWD), known as 4Motion, and a commensurately higher base price that puts it in the same competitive set as the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla. The current-generation Golf R was launched as a 2022 model but gains a handful of small updates for 2025, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and two new styling packages.

Verdict: It’s hard to fault the Golf R’s performance capabilities and everyday usability, but the same can be said of its GTI sibling.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 306 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 328 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

306 hp @ 5400 rpm

Horsepower

328 hp @ 5850 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

31
2022 Audi S3
2022 Audi S3
$45,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi S3
$45,800MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Volkswagen Golf R
$47,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2015-2020
2012-2013
MSRP
$45,800
$47,100
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.9

4.7

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Great ride quality

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Slight delay in power delivery

  • Not much cargo space

  • Pricey in higher trims

Pros

  • Great handling

  • Powerful engine

  • Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Poor ergonomic design

Summary
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. Despite its entry-level positioning, it exceeds expectations and makes for a smart purchase for spirited drivers, so long as they keep an eye on options.

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the hotter of VW’s two hot hatchbacks, boasting more power than its Golf GTI platform mate, plus a standard all-wheel-drive system (AWD), known as 4Motion, and a commensurately higher base price that puts it in the same competitive set as the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla. The current-generation Golf R was launched as a 2022 model but gains a handful of small updates for 2025, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and two new styling packages.

Verdict: It’s hard to fault the Golf R’s performance capabilities and everyday usability, but the same can be said of its GTI sibling.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 306 hp I4
2.0L 328 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
306 hp @ 5400 rpm
328 hp @ 5850 rpm
MPG City
23
22
MPG Highway
32
31
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