DecodedCarsAudi A4 vs Audi S4
2025 Audi A4 vs 2025 Audi S4 — two compact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi A4 is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $550 a year less in fuel for the Audi A4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Audi S4 has had fewer recall campaigns (13 vs 25).
The two cars
The 2025 Audi A4 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 187 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,633 lb (4dr Sedan Quattro).
The 2025 Audi S4 is a compact car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive. It measures about 188 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,854 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 A4 and the 2024 S4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2020 A4 and the 2021 S4.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi A4 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (29 vs 24 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Audi S4 if…
- You put reliability history first (13 vs 25 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2025 Audi A4
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 261 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2025 models.
2025 Audi S4
- No recalls so far
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 24 MPG combined, 16% below the 2025 compact car average of 28.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2025 Audi A4 specs →Full 2025 Audi S4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →