DecodedCars2026 Audi RS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 6 Avant
- Engines
- 2.5L 5-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,740 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Audi RS is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 5-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,740 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway), 4% worse than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2026
- Engine dropped: 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 RS →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Avant | 196.9 in | 76.8 in | 57.5 in | 115.4 in | 65.7 / 65 in | 4,740 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS 3 | 2.5L 5-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -4% | $3,550 | 387 |
| RS 7 Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -49% | $5,150 | 545 |
| RS 6 Avant Hybrid | 4.0L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -38% | $5,150 | 545 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Audi RS.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Audi RS (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 BMW 5 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model S | 410 mi | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Porsche Panamera | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Dec 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V900000 · 356,894 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Not every 2026 Audi RS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Audi RS in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other RS years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →