Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the A3 beats their 26.3 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $89 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2006, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (2022–2024), does 32 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.2L 6-cyl (2006–2009), 21: $629 a year apart.
Every Audi A3 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | 28.7 / 37.7 | 2022–2024 | $1,200 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 25.9 / 34.2 | 2006–2026 | $1,324 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 24 / 35 | 2016–2016 | $1,371 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 18 / 25 | 2006–2009 | $1,829 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 42.5 mpg, the Nissan Sentra 33.5 mpg and the Honda Prelude 44 mpg, next to 28 mpg for the 2026 A3. The A3 costs the most of them to run: $498 a year more than the Honda Prelude.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$89 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,663 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Audi A3 gives up 10 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 24 in the city, $471 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (42%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the A3 changed over the years
The A3 peaked in 2015 at 35 mpg (31 city, 41 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 22.5 — 12.5 mpg apart, or $610 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 28. The biggest single-year change came in 2010: 22.5 to 32 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2025 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2024 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2023 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2022 | 29 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2020 | 27 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2019 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2018 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2017 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2016 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2015 | 31 / 41 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 2013 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2011 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2010 | 29 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2009 | 20 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2008 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2007 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 2006 | 20 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 23 EPA ratings of the Audi A3 — 4 engines across 2006–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,663. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Audi A3 get?
28 mpg combined, 24 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2006 the A3 has averaged 28 mpg.
Is the 2026 A3 more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 28 against 28 mpg combined.
Which A3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 35 mpg combined (31 city, 41 highway).
Does the A3 get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 28 mpg for the 2026 A3 against 42.5 for the 2026 Honda Civic, about $467 a year more to run.
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