Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the S3 sits right on their 26.3 mpg average.
Every Audi S3 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 | 23 / 32 | 2024–2024 | $1,477 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 22.5 / 30.2 | 2015–2026 | $1,500 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 42.5 mpg, the Honda Prelude 44 mpg and the Lexus RC 22.3 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2026 S3.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$17 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,005 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Audi S3 gives up 8 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 23 in the city, $431 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the S3 changed over the years
The S3 peaked in 2022 at 27 mpg (23 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2017 at 24 — 3 mpg apart, or $178 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 26.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2025 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2024 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2023 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2022 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2020 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2019 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2018 | 22 / 28 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2017 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2016 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2015 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Audi S3 — 2 engines across 2015–2026. 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 $3,005. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Audi S3 get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2015 the S3 has averaged 25.6 mpg.
Is the 2026 S3 more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which S3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2022, at 27 mpg combined (23 city, 32 highway).
Does the S3 get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 26 mpg for the 2026 S3 against 42.5 for the 2026 Honda Civic, about $573 a year more to run.
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