After skipping the 2021 model year, the Audi A3 sedan returns for 2022 with new looks, new tech, and an even more efficient engine and mild hybrid system. Audi has taken what's made the relatively recently redesign A6 and A8 and distilled it into a smaller package. And small it is, as the A3 is one of the most compact sedans on sale today, luxury or not. While that makes the rear seat a bit cramped, it's a boon for driving as the A3 is easy to park and offers nimble handling.
Since the A3's debut, rivals like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA sedans have made it feel a bit long in the tooth. Other worthwhile rivals include the Volvo S60 and Lexus IS. To see why we think the A3 is one of the best luxury sedans both in its class and on the road today, check out our Expert Rating below.
The 2022 Audi A3 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. All A3s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, though Audi offers a version of its Quattro all-wheel drive on all A3 models. Regardless of whether you select FWD or AWD, the 2022 A3's engine produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The sporty Audi S3 and high-performance RS 3 are reviewed separately.
2022 Audi A3
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
These two cars are pretty evenly matched. The stylish CLA has a premium interior with loads of standard tech, though the same is true of the Audi. They also have similar lineups and power outputs. Despite being longer, the CLA has less rear legroom than the already tight A3.
Don't confuse the BMW 2 Series with the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The latter is a sedan that goes head-to-head against the A3. The 2 Series Gran Coupe is slightly more expensive to start than the A3, but standard and available features and options are roughly the same for the pair. The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers more space for people and cargo, but we prefer the Audi's classier interior aesthetic.
The Genesis G70, even in its base 2.0T trim, is more expensive than the A3, but the payoff is more standard driver aids. Genesis' long warranty is another plus. But the A3 has similar interior room, even though it's the smaller car on the outside, and more appealing technology features.
Until recently, the Audi A3 was our go-to recommendation for shoppers looking for an entry-level luxury sedan. Though its diminutive size meant it wasn't really suitable for four tall adults, the A3 impressed us with its excellent materials quality, rapid acceleration and excellent comfort. Then Mercedes-Benz released the 2019 A-Class and raised the bar for small sedans. While the A3 continued to be an excellent choice, it certainly felt less special than before.
U.S.-bound A3s will exclusively be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It's similar to last year's engine, but it is now joined by a mild hybrid component that reduces fuel consumption. While the front-wheel-drive model gains a modest 2 mpg in the EPA's combined city/highway driving estimate (rising from 30 mpg to 32 mpg), the A3 with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system sees a more significant improvement (31 mpg combined versus 25 mpg).
Like its predecessor, the new A3 is a very comfortable small sedan. The front seats are nicely shaped and filter out road vibrations. We like that they feature four-way headrests, which go a long way in helping occupants find their perfect position. And we really appreciate the fact that Audi makes leather upholstery standard — you'll pay extra for the real stuff in the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
While the exterior styling is just slightly massaged, the cabin is a different story entirely. It shares some elements of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI — both vehicles are based on VW's MQB architecture — including the toggle shifter and digital instrument panel. Other than a generally driver-focused layout, the interior looks like nothing else in the Volkswagen portfolio.
The previous A3 was one of the only Audis still using a display screen interface controlled by a knob and buttons. That changes for the 2022 A3, which adopts a touchscreen like all of the newest Audis. The 10.1-inch screen features the MIB 3 interface alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, with wireless functionality for both. A 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is standard, and buyers can option the more fully featured Digital Cockpit display, which increases the size to 12.3 inches. The navigation system also has the ability to predict traffic to your destination based on previously collected data, so your ETA can be calculated with even greater accuracy.
Edmunds saysThe previous A3 was one of our favorite small sedans, but the advent of the excellent Mercedes A-Class threatened its dominance in recent years. The 2022 Audi A3 delivers the refinement, performance and style that could flip the decision back in the A3's favor.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Audi A3:
The least-expensive 2022 Audi A3 is the 2022 Audi A3 Premium 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $34,800.
Other versions include:
