2020 Audi RS 3 Review

Name: 2020 Audi RS 3
Brand: Audi
Price: 30746 USD

Price Estimate: $30,746 - $37,093

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Once forbidden fruit, the 2020 RS 3 has been lurking in the U.S. market for the last few years. Wrapped with relatively plain styling, the RS 3 is shockingly fast as well as practical and fairly comfortable. With one of the best-sounding engines on sale today, we only wish the RS 3 was slightly less expensive and more fun at lower speeds.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

Select year

Average price: $48,649

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2020 Audi RS 3

Pros

Potent acceleration and heaps of traction
Well-trimmed cabin
Enough practicality to serve everyday use
Attractive, easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

Snug back seat and small cargo area
Ride quality might be too firm for casual drivers
Front seats sit too high for tall occupants
Some driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise, are optional

What's new

Nardo edition adds special paint and a higher top speed
Part of the first RS 3 generation introduced for 2017

Overview

Written by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr

5/7/2020

The Audi RS 3 is a true pocket rocket. It combines the small body of the regular A3 sedan with a 394-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine. It also comes with a performance suspension, upgraded brakes and, as is typical for a high-performance Audi, standard all-wheel drive. While the styling may be low-key, the distinctive howl from that five-cylinder engine is anything but, and the RS 3 will make its presence known with just a mash of the gas pedal.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

3 listings

Sort by:

New Listing
Photos not available
2020 Audi RS 3
Base Sedan
$47,999
- 18,829 miles
- 19 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- 595 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Gurnee, IL
Engineered for exhilaration, the 2020 Audi RS 3 2.5T quattro delivers uncompromising performance and head-turning style. Outfitted with a potent 2.5L ...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WUABWHFF4LA906106
Stock:
GV1315S
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-04-2026
2020 Audi RS 3
Base Sedan
$45,999
- 25,674 miles
- 19 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- 1,096 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Barnesville, MN
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WUABWGFF6LA904058
Stock:
904058
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

See all for sale

Most manufacturers save this kind of performance for much larger cars, but strong competition can be found in the BMW M2 Competition, which offers a similar size and similar thrills. Mercedes-Benz has also just introduced its performance version of its A-Class sedan, the AMG A 35. If you're looking for a bit more practicality than a sports car can offer but still value a compact size with plenty of power, the RS 3 is absolutely a future classic.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2020 Audi RS 3 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the RS 3 drive? If there's one thing that isn't in question with the RS 3, it's performance. Launch-control acceleration is stellar, braking is confidence-inspiring, and handling is incredibly accessible. But like a good sled dog, this little guy is happiest running at full speed, not trotting through the neighborhood.

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is smooth and quick to answer shift commands from the steering wheel paddles. But sometimes the RS 3 needs a moment to respond to a full throttle request. It often leaves you a step behind where you want to be.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is the RS 3? Most sport-oriented vehicles require concessions in terms of comfort. Our test car had the optional Dynamic Plus package, which adds a fixed suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes. With it, the ride is stiffer than the average small sedan's. It's busy but not likely to offend you if you're shopping performance-focused vehicles.

Wind noise is well isolated at most speeds, but road noise ranges from mild to moderate depending on speed and road surface. Dynamic mode opens the exhaust flaps, amplifying the unique voice of the inline-five engine. Our test car's ceramic brakes squealed on occasion under light pressure when slowing to a stop.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? Audi's infotainment interface is advanced yet user-friendly. The fully digital gauge cluster takes a little time to learn but is highly functional once you get the hang of it.

Entry through either the front or rear doors is shockingly easy thanks to the swept-back door openings. Forward visibility is good thanks to the low door-mounted mirrors, though the top of the windshield might impede visibility for taller drivers. The rear headrests take up about 25% of the rear view and cannot be collapsed out of the way.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The RS 3's excellent audio and navigation systems are both pleasing and easy to use, and integrating your smartphone couldn't be more seamless. We did, however, expect more advanced driver aids at this price.

Our test RS 3 came with parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control is optional, which is a bit surprising at this price point. Some of our drivers thought the stability control system steps in too aggressively during enthusiastic driving.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The RS 3 is an example of how small sedans can still be very useful. At 10 cubic feet, its trunk is about 3 cubic feet smaller than the class average. But because the cabin has been well thought out, there is less compromise than you might expect. A rubberized area ahead of cupholders is a perfect space for a smartphone or pair of sunglasses. The door pockets are a decent size and will fit a large water bottle.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the RS 3 will get 22 mpg (19 city/28 highway), which is about average for a small performance sedan. We averaged 19.4 mpg over the course of two weeks of driving. On our 115-mile evaluation route, we observed 24.3 mpg. We expect you'll be able to match the EPA numbers if you aren't constantly hard on the throttle.

Value

7.5/10

Is the RS 3 a good value? The RS 3 might not be the bargain of the segment, but its price premium isn't unwarranted. Though a few small areas cheapen the feel of the RS 3, it still has one of the nicest-designed and highest build-quality interiors in the class.

The main things that make the RS 3 feel a little cheap are the manual seat adjusters and plastic paddle shifters (we'd expect solid-feeling metal shifters for a performance car like this). Otherwise, the rest of the cabin is solidly constructed.

Wildcard

8.5/10

Audi always nails the design and temperament of its cars, and for that we applaud it. We love the way the RS 3 drives and handles when you're really going for it. But if you're just driving around town, the fun factor is only mediocre.

If Audi does one thing well, time and time again, it's understated style. The RS 3 is definitely a sleeper sport sedan.

2020 Audi RS 3 trim level differences

The 2020 Audi RS 3 is offered in only one trim with several option packages available as the way to add equipment. The RS 3 comes standard with a 394-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Highlighted features and desirable option packages include: Compare the 2020 Audi RS 3 trim levels in-depth.

Which RS 3 trim does Edmunds recommend?

With no trim levels to choose from, we'd option the RS 3 up with the Dynamic package for the wider tires and the sport exhaust system. We'd also spring for the Navigation package, which includes the slick, fully digital instrument panel. We'd urge you to skip the stiff RS sport suspension, even if it is a no-cost option, unless maximum performance is a top priority.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$263/mo

$217/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Reliability

The 2020 Audi RS 3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 21V198000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 69BY
Number of vehicles affected:: 153152
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Defect Consequence:: A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: The remedy program is still in development. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed May 21, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles

Audi RS 3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.9

12 reviews

5(92%)

4(8%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

See all 12 reviews of the Audi RS 3

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2020 RS 3 Features & Specs

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$56,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$263/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the RS 3 models:

Audi Pre Sense Basic: Senses when a front collision is imminent. Can tighten the seat belts, power up the windows, and close the sunroof automatically.
Audi Side Assist: Alerts you if a car is approaching or lurking in a blind spot and beeps if you signal for a lane change in that direction.
Rear Cross-Traffic Assist: Warns you if a car is approaching from the sides when you're backing out of a parking spot.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.9%

People who viewed this also viewed

Audi RS 7
Starting at $132,700

See Audi RS 7 Inventory

Audi S3
4.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews.
Starting at $52,000

See Audi S3 Inventory

BMW 3 Series
3.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews.
Starting at $48,000

See BMW 3 Series Inventory