2021 Audi TT RS Review

Name: 2021 Audi TT RS Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 44223 USD

Price Estimate: $44,223 - $48,896

+107

Audi applies its high-performance RS formula to the TT, and the result is impressive. This sport coupe hits all the right numbers. True, the back seat is tiny and there's no central infotainment screen. But if you want the ultimate TT, give the TT RS a look.

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2021 Audi TT RS Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Snarling, powerful turbocharged five-cylinder engine
Inspiring handling from the adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive
Lots of easy-to-use high-tech features
Thoroughly modern and refined interior

Cons

Rear seats better suited to cargo than passengers
Lackluster interior storage

What's new

Premium Bang & Olufsen stereo is now standard
More interior leather including Nappa leather seats
Blind-spot monitoring is now standard
Part of the third TT generation introduced for 2016

Overview

For more than 20 years, the Audi TT has been one of the most stylish sport coupes on the market, with a sharp but clean design that doesn't look like anything else on the road, save for a few other Audis. The 2021 TT RS coupe is the pinnacle of the third-generation TT's lineup. It uses a powerful turbocharged inline-five cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, a layout shared with the iconic Audi Quattro race car from the 1980s (though it lacks the Quattro's racing pedigree). Like the regular TT coupe, the TT RS has a comfortable and well-appointed interior as well as small but occasionally useful back seat.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi TT RS 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 $3.73 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$198/mo

$151/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

There are a handful of other small performance coupes that the TT RS competes with. The BMW M2, Porsche Cayman and Toyota GR Supra are all similar in size and performance, though all three cost significantly less than the TT RS. There's also the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray as well as the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger if you're willing to sacrifice luxury appointments for raw performance. Audi's own RS 3 offers similar performance to the TT RS, with the added utility of a real back seat and trunk. There's a lot to like about the TT RS, but the price makes it a car aimed at Audi enthusiasts. Read our Expert Rating below for the full breakdown on all the TT RS's hits and misses.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.5

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the TT RS drive? The TT RS has thrilling performance, but best of all it's very predictable at speed. Acceleration is quick with strong and linear power delivery. Gear changes are fast and smooth. It handles sharp turns with precision and is easy to control. For a car that hits 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds, the TT RS inspires a lot of confidence in the driver.

The car is also very composed under braking. Our as-tested 60-0 mph stop of 105 feet is perhaps a little longer than the results from some similar sports cars, but it's respectable. Around town, the TT RS is maneuverable and easy to drive.

Comfort

6.5/10

How comfortable is the TT RS? The TT RS has impressive seats that provide a good balance of support and long-distance comfort. They offer extendable thigh supports for the comfort of taller passengers.

Otherwise, though, comfort is not a strong suit. The TT RS has a stiff ride. The car jostles quite a bit over cracks and bumps in the road. We tested the Dynamic Plus version that does not have an adaptive suspension, and the adaptive suspension could improve the car's ride quality. Worst of all, the TT RS is loud inside the cabin — even more than we expect from a sport coupe.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? Don't plan on fitting four people inside with any regularity — the rear two seats are tiny. Up front, though, the TT RS cabin is plenty roomy even for taller passengers. It's easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to good steering wheel adjustability, and outward visibility is a strong suit due to the positioning of the pillars and great rearward views.

Getting inside is surprisingly easy. The TT RS has a low roofline, but the sill you need to step over is fairly narrow. Once you're inside, the controls and steering wheel buttons are well placed. There is a learning curve to the virtual instrument panel since there is no central infotainment screen.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? We're fans of the Audi MMI infotainment system, and it works well on the TT RS. Its clear graphics are especially nice and there are several ways to operate it, including accurate voice activation. If you prefer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration systems, they come with a Technology package that also includes standard navigation.

As far as safety technology, there isn't much to speak of in the TT RS. It comes with blind-spot monitoring and front and rear parking sensors but no advanced driver aids.

Storage

6/10

How’s the storage? Keep your carry-ons to a minimum. There are few places to store items in the cabin, including one cupholder that isn't large enough for a smartphone. The center bin is small and holds one USB port inside. The cargo area isn't very big, but at least the rear seats fold flat with the load floor.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates fuel economy at 24 mpg combined, which is above average for a sport coupe of this caliber. We achieved 25.8 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation loop.

Value

7/10

Is the TT RS a good value? Build quality and material selection are strengths of Audi, and they pay dividends in the TT RS. The excellent construction creates a sense of occasion inside that should make passengers feel special. The price tag reflects that. Our test vehicle came to $80,000. Leaving some boxes unchecked will bring a well-equipped TT RS at about $70,000, but it's still steep. Audi's warranty coverage is typical for a luxury automaker.

Wildcard

9/10

It's easy to have a blast in the TT RS. Even around town, the coupe sounds fantastic. And when you do step on it, the TT RS delivers in full measure. From a driving standpoint, it's a well-rounded package that does a reasonable impression of a baby R8.

The TT RS provides a full sports-car experience, even down to the uncomfortable ride. So if that sounds unpleasant to you, perhaps the softer TT or TTS is a better option. For others, the trade-offs are part of the charm. And the TT RS has more than enough charisma in the right conditions to make the juice worth the squeeze.

Which TT RS does Edmunds recommend?

This is fairly straightforward since the 2021 Audi TT RS only comes in a single trim level. Options are generally limited to appearance packages, though we do recommend ponying up for the sport exhaust if only to hear this wonderful engine even more.

2021 Audi TT RS models

The 2021 Audi TT RS is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine (394 horsepower, 354 lb-ft of torque). It's paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. While the standard Audi TT is available as a convertible, the TT RS only comes as a coupe.

TT RS Coupe
As there's only one trim level, the TT RS comes well equipped from the get-go. Standard features include:

LED headlights and taillights
Keyless entry with push-button start
Automatic climate control
Digital instrument cluster
Wireless charging pad with phone signal booster
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Navigation
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

RS-specific features include:

20-inch wheels with summer performance tires
Adjustable magnetic suspension
Red brake calipers
Fixed rear spoiler
Revised front and rear bumpers
Rear diffuser
Leather- and faux suede-wrapped steering wheel
Power-adjustable, heated front sport seats with Nappa leather

Only a few options are available on the TT RS, including:

Sport exhaust system
RS fixed sport suspension
Retractable rear spoiler
OLED taillights

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Audi TT RS.

5 (50%)

4 (33%)

3 (17%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.3

6 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Unique gem of a car.

Joesph, 01/10/2020

2019 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)

Super hard to find and rare. You can get them in almost any color from Audi via exclusive colors. 5 cylinder all wheel drive is great for daily driving in all weather and small foot print makes urban parking a breeze. I’m 6ft and have plenty of legroom. Previous post is incorrect, they are still being made and you can get one for the next couple of years. This is, however, the last …

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!

the last one

ken vitale, 11/02/2019

2019 Audi TT RS quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)

great car, they don't make them anymore and mine is one of the last

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Audi TT RS, so we've included reviews for other years of the TT RS since its last redesign.

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2021 TT RS Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$72,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$198/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
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 spot and audibly warns you if you attempt to change lanes.
Audi Park System Plus: Lets you know how close you are to objects in front of and behind the vehicle when you're parking.
Rearview Camera: Gives you a live visual on what's behind the vehicle when backing into a space.

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2021 Audi TT RS Review

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2021 Audi TT RSBase Coupe

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2021 Audi TT RSBase Coupe

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2021 Audi TT RSBase Coupe

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2021 Audi TT RSBase Coupe

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2021 Audi TT RSBase Coupe

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2021 Audi TT RS Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi TT RS 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 $3.73 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which TT RS does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Audi TT RS models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Unique gem of a car.

A light that failed

2018 TTRS at 35,000 miles

the last one

2021 TT RS Highlights

Safety

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2021 Audi TT RS
Base Coupe

2021 Audi TT RS
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2021 Audi TT RS
Base Coupe

2021 Audi TT RS
Base Coupe

2021 Audi TT RS
Base Coupe

2021 Audi TT RS
Base Coupe

2021 Audi TT RS
Base Coupe

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi TT RS 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 $3.73 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}