2018 Audi TT RS Review

Name: 2018 Audi TT RS Review
Brand: Audi

Price: $57,590

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Mark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

An abundance of power from a turbo five-cylinder
Inspiring handling from an adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive
Lots of high-tech features that are easy to use
An interior that is elegant, refined and modern

Cons

Tiny rear seats are better suited for cargo overflow than passengers
Interior storage is limited to a few small pockets and bins

What’s new

After about a five-year absence, the Audi TT RS is back. It represents the performance pinnacle for the already impressive Audi TT.

Vehicle overview

After a five-year absence, the performance-focused Audi TT RS is back and poised to challenge some strong coupe rivals. We're already big fans of the "regular" TT, so with a 400-horsepower five-cylinder engine and sharper handling dynamics, we expect the RS to raise the bar in a class that inspires and excites. On top of athleticism, we also anticipate a decent amount of comfort, refinement and easy-to-use technology. The 2018 Audi TT RS may very well be the car to beat.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near American Fork, UT

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2018 Audi TT RS
quattro Coupe
$56,999
good price
$3,312 below market
- 8,412 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5cyl automated manual
- Space Auto Group (578 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vehicle information is subject to the dealer website and the Carfax history record! This Internet Price is Vehicle Cash Price, Call us for Financ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WUACSAFV2J1901143
Stock: 901143
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Audi TT RS
quattro Coupe
$49,519
- 58,118 miles
- Issue reported, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5cyl automated manual
- Unique Motors (716 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Kent, WA
Nardo GrayBlack interior w/Crescendo Red stitchingTechnology packageAudi MMI Navigation plusIncluded Included Audi connect� Audi smartphone interfaceA...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WUACSAFV1J1900033
Stock: 1876
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.5 / 10

The 2018 Audi TT RS marks the return of the highest-performing TT in almost five years. With an abundance of power and grip, we can't wait to drive it for ourselves.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Audi TT RS Quattro Coupe (turbo 2.5L inline-5 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.5 / 10
Driving	8.5
Comfort	6.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	6.0
Technology	7.5

Driving

8.5

The TT RS has explosive power and sticks to the pavement with considerable cornering grip and abundant traction. Despite the computer-controlled all-wheel drive and automatic gearbox, it's involving and capable, if not quite as sublime as a Porsche Cayman S.

Acceleration

9.0

There's a slight delay off the line in everyday driving. After that, acceleration is linear and strong, with quick and smooth gear changes. It hits 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds in our testing, which is quicker than the Porsche Cayman S and the BMW M2 we tested (with manual transmissions).

Braking

8.0

The pedal is moderately firm, and we observed no brake fade after heavy use. Under hard braking, the car remains poised and very controllable. Stopping from 60 mph required 105 feet, a very short distance that is typical among sports cars equipped with summer tires.

Steering

8.0

The steering is very precise, and the amount of effort is appropriate for a small sporty car like this. The steering ratio feels quick, and it responds crisply to subtle driver inputs. Yet on straight highway stretches, it doesn't require the driver to be ever vigilant.

Handling

8.5

This car slices through turns with precision and little drama, which inspires confidence. The car can rotate slightly midcorner, and it's very controllable. It's sharp and stable yet willing to change direction, if not quite as playful as the benchmark Cayman.

Drivability

8.0

In Comfort mode, the gear changes are so smooth that they're rarely felt. Despite its performance, it's quite civilized in everyday driving and very maneuverable in tight spaces.

Comfort

6.5

Sports cars generally sacrifice comfort for performance. The TT RS makes more sacrifice than usual due to an abundance of road noise and a stiff-legged ride quality with the optional fixed dampers. The front seats are both supportive and comfortable.

Seat comfort

7.5

The front seats have a good balance of lateral support when cornering and long-distance comfort. The extendable thigh supports are especially helpful for taller passengers. The leather upholstery can be sweaty, even in mild weather. Ventilated seats are not available.

Ride comfort

6.0

The ride is rather stiff, with harsh jolts on initial impact with bumps and considerable jostling over undulations. Our test vehicle came with the Dynamic Plus package that replaces the adaptive suspension with fixed-rate damping. It's possible the standard suspension would have a more compliant ride.

Noise & vibration

5.5

The TT RS exhibits a lot of road noise on nearly every surface. On coarse asphalt, it's intrusive enough to drown out the stereo. We expect some road noise from sporty cars but not this much. The engine's loud but characterful, and the dual-tone exhaust does sound great, especially in Dynamic mode.

Climate control

6.5

The climate controls look very cool and modern, but directing the flow isn't as intuitive as it is with traditional vents. On cold mornings, it takes a while for the system to warm up. On hot days, it blows very cold air almost immediately.

Interior

8.0

Audi's minimal yet functional interior design impresses. While an intimate space, the cabin is no chore to get into or out of, and the driving position is darn near perfect. The extended Virtual Cockpit instrument panel is clear and presents information logically.

Ease of use

8.0

The virtual instrument panel replaces all other readouts, including the typical center-mounted infotainment display. It takes a short while to get used to but is easy to operate after that. The primary controls and steering wheel buttons are well-placed.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

You have to stoop a bit to clear the low roofline, but as far as sports cars go, the TT RS is easy to get in and out of. The narrow sill and large opening between the dash and seat give you plenty of access. No contortions required.

Driving position

9.0

There aren't a lot of adjustments to the seat, but there's enough range to suit small and large drivers. With ample reach and tilt for the steering wheel, we found our preferred driving position almost immediately.

Roominess

6.5

The cockpit feels rather snug but by no means confining. Taller front passengers will have enough space to remain comfortable. The rear seats, however, are so small that you're better off thinking of the TT as a two-seater.

Visibility

9.0

This is one of the best sports cars when it comes to outward visibility. The roof pillars are situated farther away than they are in some competitors, making less of an obstruction when looking through sharp left curves. The rear glass gives a very good view, requiring little reliance on the rearview camera.

Quality

9.0

Everything inside the TT RS has a substantial build quality with excellent materials. It's quite a bit nicer than the BMW M2's interior and comparable to the Porsche Cayman's. Its design, layout and execution make passengers feel special.

Utility

6.0

It's a small sports car, which means you can't expect much in the way of convenience or utility. The trunk is shallow yet easy to access, and cabin storage is limited. It's not ideal for use with a car seat.

Small-item storage

6.0

There aren't a lot of places to stash your personal effects. You're limited to one tiny cupholder that can't hold a smartphone, a bin in the center stack with a USB port, and small pockets under the armrest and in the doors. A secondary flip-down cupholder is under the armrest.

Cargo space

6.5

With 12 cubic feet of cargo space, the shallow trunk at least has a low liftover height. The load floor lies flat when the rear seats are folded.

Child safety seat accommodation

5.0

Small cars like this generally aren't family-friendly — no surprise. You can probably get a booster seat in the rear seats or maybe a forward-facing infant seat. A rear-facing seat seems improbable. With the obstructed access, trying to get a kid back there would also be a challenge.

Technology

7.5

Audi's multimedia system handles many functions and can take a little time to get used to. But the systems are reasonably intuitive to operate. Native voice controls work well. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is offered but isn't ideal to use with the MMI knob. There are few driver aids.

Audio & navigation

8.0

Audi's MMI infotainment system is one of the best in the business. It has sharp graphics and quick responses, but it takes a little time to get acquainted with the many menus and functions. After that, it's intuitive and can be operated with the center dial or the controls on the wheel.

Smartphone integration

7.0

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered, and in some cases, easier to use than the already strong MMI system. But using the infotainment controllers to operate Apple CarPlay isn't as easy as a touchscreen and can be a bit more distracting as a result.

Driver aids

6.0

The TT RS does not have much in the way of advanced safety features. Blind-spot monitoring is pretty much all that's available. The cruise control gets points for maintaining speed on steep downhill grades.

Voice control

7.5

Voice recognition in Audi's MMI system is accurate and fairly easy to use thanks to on-screen prompts. It's not as easy as Apple CarPlay, which allows for much more natural speech, but it also requires an internet connection.

2018 Audi TT RS models

The 2018 Audi TT RS is a four-seat high-performance variant of the standard TT coupe. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder, good for 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It drives all four wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Standard features include 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, automatic LED headlights, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, heated and power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, a rear spoiler, adaptive suspension dampers, selectable drive modes, and keyless entry and ignition.

On the inside, you get automatic climate control, a virtual instrument panel, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front sport seats, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, Audi's MMI infotainment system and a nine-speaker sound system with satellite/HD radio and a USB input.

Major options include the Technology package (a Wi-Fi hotspot, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, blind-spot monitoring and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system) and the Dynamic Plus package (front carbon-ceramic brakes, traditional fixed-rate sport suspension dampers, a top-speed increase to 174 mph, a carbon-fiber engine cover, a real-time tire pressure monitor and upgraded taillights). You can also get the Black Optic package (adds 20-inch wheels and gloss black accents) and the Design Selection Interior package (adds red air vents and seat belts, more leather trim and floor mats). Other add-ons include a sport exhaust, a different rear spoiler, red brake calipers and carbon-fiber interior trim.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Utah.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Utah

$199/mo

$158/mo

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Audi TT RS Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.0

4 reviews

5(25%)

4(50%)

3(25%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A light that failed

smerdyakov, 04/15/2018

2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)

More than a year ago I began to see articles in the automotive press about a new version of the TT RS. I continued to follow reports about that car, and, when it began to appear in this country, I started to look for one. It took about five weeks to find one, but yesterday, 3-13-18, I took delivery of TT RS VIN WUACSAFVXJ1902122. I bought from Cary Audi in NC, and received excellent …

2018 TTRS at 35,000 miles

Madison, 03/25/2019

2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)

Had a 2005 TT roadster. Loved it, one of the best cars I have owned I put 156,000 miles on it. This car is better in every regard except it isn’t a roadster and a manual transmission isn’t available. The electric steering isn’t as good as the hydraulic assisted old style but we are stuck with that now and this one isn’t all that bad. The car handles really good for a front biased all … wheel drive car. My car has all the options except performance plus which I wouldn’t want. I paid for a lot of horse power I rarely use. The TTS would have been a good choice too. A previous reviewer wrote you should get a Porsche as the Audi costs as much. An equivalent Porsche with about the same options would cost 15K - 20K more. I have driven one and really liked it even with the four cylinder engine but I like the Audi too and I feel it is better for every day driving. At least with the Porsche one can order a convertible and a manual transmission. I like the all wheel drive and the almost unique five cylinder engine. They could both be quieter on the highway for touring. But the Porsche is a bit louder. I think the tire noise is at fault. I couldn’t find any 20 inch all season tires for winter so I bought a nineteen inch tire and wheel package because the summer tires which come with the car aren’t suppose to be used below 45 deg. F. I have about 18,000 miles on the car now and haven’t had any problems. At 35,000 miles it has worked as expected. No mechanical trouble. Just had the 40,000 mile oil change early due to time instead of mileage. I only drive about 900 miles/month. It is my everyday car. Very practical for me due to the folding rear seats and hatch back design. Of course it really only can carry two people. The back seats are useless except for small children. The exhaust sound is a little louder with the back seats folded. The tires are too noisy. The ride is firmer than a sedan. I use the comfort mode almost all the time. The transmission isn’t as smart as it thinks it is. I would have bought a manual if I could have. Audi isn’t the only one now to eliminate manuals. They didn’t bring the convertible into the US. I would have chosen that if they had. Apparently, I am in a small minority. Great car. It will probably be my last car. Too bad they won’t make any more TTs. But they do! You can still order one. At 46k I will need new front brakes. Very expensive. I wish it had memory seats. It has two cup holders but only one is actually useful. At 53,000 miles all is good. Tires are a problem. No one has the Michelin Pilot Sports in 20” size. Michelin missed the production due to Covid. I had to go with the similar run flats. Naturally, they ride harder and are noisier. Update at 56,000 miles. Nothing new to add. It is a great little car. It is going on five years old and I frequently get compliments on it. Three people asked or commented today. I didn’t buy it to attract attention but I don’t mind. This is the last year for the TT. Too bad. At 67,000 miles I have replaced the rotors and brake pads. Expensive! A friend did the work so I saved a lot on labor. The plastic ring on the dip stick broke and a new one cost about $62.00 with tax. If that is the worst thing to go wrong I’ll be pleased!

Outstanding Performance

Tom, 07/06/2023

2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)

First of all let me say that I purchased this car as a hobby car and expect to drive it on rare occasions for pleasure only. So not expecting to put a lot of miles on the car I decided to purchase a used car with higher mileage as to save a few thousand dollars. I purchased the car from an out of state dealer because I was able to save about $10,000 on the price given that the car had …

Fits like a glove

Avi, 01/17/2020

2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)

Awesome car. Super fun to drive fast yet well behaved for everyday use.

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2018 Audi TT RS video

2018 Audi TT RS Test Drive

Edmunds gets a First Drive of the new 2018 Audi TT RS. Take a spin in the all-new 2018 Audi TT RS with Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos Lago. With 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive, we expect this compact sport coupe to be quick. How quick? That's exactly what we find out in our acceleration test. After that, we head to the handling course to get a feel for how the TT RS…

2018 TT RS Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$64,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$199/month
Seating	4 seats
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the TT RS models:

Audi Side Assist: Informs you if there are vehicles in your blind spots and audibly warns you if you attempt to change lanes.
Audi Parking System Plus: Lets you know how close you are to objects in front and behind the vehicle when parking.
Rearview Camera: Gives you a live visual on what's behind the vehicle when backing into a space.

2018 Audi TT RS Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near American Fork, UT

2018 Audi TT RSquattro Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 Audi TT RSquattro Coupe

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which TT RS does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Audi TT RS models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Utah.

Audi TT RS Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A light that failed

2018 TTRS at 35,000 miles

Outstanding Performance

Fits like a glove

2018 Audi TT RS video

2018 Audi TT RS Test Drive

2018 TT RS Highlights

Safety

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2018 Audi TT RS
quattro Coupe

2018 Audi TT RS
quattro Coupe

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Utah.}