2025 Audi A3 Review

2025 Audi A3 – Overview

The 2025 Audi A3 may be the smallest sedan in the brand’s North American lineup, but it delivers a spirited driving experience that echoes Audi’s larger, sportier offerings. Powered by a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the A3 offers smooth power delivery, eager throttle response, and standard all-wheel drive. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures quick, seamless gear changes that enhance the car’s agility.

While performance-minded drivers might gravitate toward the more powerful Audi S3—boasting an extra 127 horsepower and sharper handling—the standard A3 is no slouch. Its compact footprint makes it nimble in city traffic, while its well-tuned chassis provides a playful edge on winding roads.

Inside, the A3 offers generous space for two adults up front, though rear-seat accommodations are tight, and the trunk trails some competitors like the Acura Integra and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe in usable volume. Still, Audi makes up for it with a high-tech cabin. A 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are prominently positioned on the dash, giving the A3 a thoroughly modern feel.

Driver-assistance features are plentiful, but for those who prefer a more engaged driving experience, many of them can be turned off. The A3 rewards drivers who enjoy being behind the wheel while still offering all the tech and safety features expected from a premium brand.

When Is the 2025 Audi A3 Coming Out?

The 2025 Audi A3 is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in late summer 2024. Audi began deliveries in European markets earlier in the year, with the U.S. version following shortly after. Orders are already open in select regions.

What’s New for 2025 Audi A3?

For 2025, the Audi A3 receives a subtle yet effective mid-cycle refresh that enhances its visual appeal and cabin ambiance. Exterior updates include a revised front grille, reshaped headlamps with updated LED signatures, new front and rear bumpers, redesigned wheels, and a more pronounced rear diffuser—all of which give the sedan a slightly sportier, more modern appearance.

Inside, Audi has introduced new silver accents around the air vents, ambient interior lighting enhancements, and fabric-wrapped decorative trim pieces that elevate the cabin’s premium feel. These changes add a touch of sophistication without straying far from the A3’s minimalist design language.

Under the hood, the powertrain remains largely unchanged, though Audi has squeezed out a bit more torque from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. While overall performance figures are similar to last year’s model, the extra torque may offer slightly improved responsiveness in daily driving.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Audi A3 starts at $39,495 and tops out around $42,095, depending on the trim level and selected options. The pricing reflects its premium positioning while still undercutting many rivals in the luxury compact sedan class.

Recommended Trim: Premium Plus

We recommend opting for the Premium Plus trim, which strikes the ideal balance between price and features. For the modest price increase, you gain a suite of valuable upgrades, including:

• Adaptive cruise control

• Lane-keeping assist

• Driver’s seat and mirror memory settings

• Wireless smartphone charging pad

• Passive keyless entry with push-button start

These enhancements significantly improve the driving experience and overall convenience, making the Premium Plus trim the best value in the A3 lineup.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

For 2025, the Audi A3 keeps things simple under the hood with a single, well-rounded powertrain option: a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, ensuring confident traction in all conditions.

This setup delivers smooth, responsive acceleration and strikes a fine balance between everyday drivability and spirited dynamics. While the A3 doesn’t pretend to be a full-fledged sports sedan, its chassis tuning is sharp enough to make daily driving fun. The suspension offers a composed, refined ride, absorbing most road imperfections while maintaining solid control through corners.

For those craving more performance, Audi offers the S3 (reviewed separately), which boosts output to 328 horsepower and cuts nearly two seconds off the A3’s estimated 0–60 mph time of 6.0 seconds. But for the average buyer, the A3’s blend of refinement, efficiency, and agility hits a sweet spot.

0–60 MPH Times

In previous testing, the Audi A3 sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds—a respectable time for a compact luxury sedan. For 2025, a slight increase in torque could improve that figure marginally, though official test results for the updated model are still pending. While it won’t outpace true performance sedans, the A3 offers brisk acceleration that feels lively in everyday driving.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2025 Audi A3 is rated by the EPA at 24 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined, making it a fuel-efficient choice within the luxury compact segment. Thanks in part to its mild-hybrid system and dual-clutch transmission, the A3 balances performance and efficiency well.

In real-world testing, the all-wheel-drive A3 exceeded expectations, delivering an impressive 40 mpg during Car and Driver’s 200-mile highway fuel economy test at a steady 75 mph—well above its official highway rating.

For the latest official figures and comparisons, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 Audi A3’s interior aims to blend cutting-edge technology with classic European sedan styling, though the results are a mixed bag. The seating position is well-designed and comfortable, with available sport seats featuring quilted upholstery and faux-suede accents adding a premium touch. A tasteful stitched detail on the dashboard further elevates the cabin’s visual appeal.

However, some design choices detract from the overall experience—such as the oddly shaped shift lever and a somewhat complicated multi-function audio control knob. Additionally, hard plastic surfaces are noticeable in certain areas, slightly diminishing the otherwise upscale feel.

Comfort up front is generous for both driver and passenger, but storage solutions inside the cabin are limited and lack innovation. The trunk offers 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for everyday errands like groceries or weekend luggage, though it falls short compared to some competitors in the segment.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Audi A3 comes equipped with a sharp digital instrument cluster, featuring a 10.3-inch display as standard. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Technology package upgrades this to a larger 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, which also enables navigation and allows the map to be displayed directly in the gauge cluster for easier viewing.

The Technology package further enhances the cabin with traffic-sign recognition, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, and six months of Audi Connect Plus—offering 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity for passengers on the go.

Notably, the A3 sticks with a traditional single-screen infotainment setup, avoiding the dual-screen layout found in newer Audi models where climate controls and driving mode selections have moved to touchscreens. While this simpler design appeals to some, it means the A3 doesn’t support Audi’s new app store, which offers popular streaming apps like Spotify and Amazon Music—features available on the rest of Audi’s lineup.

Tech-savvy buyers who prioritize the latest digital connectivity options might want to explore higher-tier models like the Audi A4, which offer more advanced infotainment capabilities.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Audi A3 comes well-equipped with a robust suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard safety features across all trims include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Forward collision warning

• Lane departure warning

• Automatic high beams

Additional safety aids available on higher trims or packages include:

• Blind-spot monitoring

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Rear automatic emergency braking

• Front and rear parking sensors

• Park assist

• Adaptive cruise control

For more detailed information on crash-test ratings, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Overall, the A3’s safety features provide a strong foundation for driver confidence and accident avoidance.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi’s standard warranty for the 2025 A3 is competitive but unremarkable, aligning closely with those offered by rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, some competitors, such as the Cadillac CT4, provide longer powertrain warranties, and BMW offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles—a perk Audi does not match.

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Scheduled maintenance: Not included for free

While the coverage is adequate, buyers seeking more generous maintenance plans may want to explore alternative luxury compact sedans.

2025 Audi A3 Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi A3 expertly blends performance, efficiency, and technology in a compact, upscale package. Its refreshed design and feature upgrades make it an even more compelling choice. While rear seat space and trunk capacity remain tight, the A3 delivers on everything else — from fuel economy to tech and driving fun.

If you want the luxury badge without breaking the bank, the Audi A3 is an excellent place to start.

2025 Audi A3 Videos