Audi S3
26 MPG The 2026 Audi S3 is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2015–2026 run it averages 25.6 MPG, essentially flat across 11 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2950 | 346 | 1 |
| 2025 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2950 | 344 | 1 |
| 2024 | 26 MPG | 23 | 32 | $2950 | 335 | 1 |
| 2023 | 26 MPG | 23 | 32 | $2950 | 334 | 1 |
| 2022 | 27 MPG | 23 | 32 | $2850 | 331 | 1 |
| 2020 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $3100 | 358 | 1 |
| 2019 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $3100 | 358 | 1 |
| 2018 | 25 MPG | 22 | 28 | $3100 | 359 | 1 |
| 2017 | 24 MPG | 21 | 28 | $3200 | 373 | 1 |
| 2016 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2950 | 340 | 1 |
| 2015 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2950 | 340 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Audi S3 ranks 62 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Suzuki Esteem (26.3), Geo Prizm (26.5), Mitsubishi Precis (26.5), Suzuki Swift (26.5), Eagle Summit (26.8).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 346 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Audi S3 get?
The 2026 Audi S3 is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 31 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 25.6 MPG, ranging from 24 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Audi S3 cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2950.
Has the Audi S3 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 26 MPG today against 26 in 2015 — essentially flat across 11 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Audi S3 efficient for its class?
It ranks 62 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 1.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.