Audi A3

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Audi A3 appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline and plug-in hybrid power. Combined economy ranges from 25 to 39 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,050 to $2,600 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average subcompact cars in this dataset (about 27 MPG), the A3 sits roughly 5 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a A3 for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $10,250 to $13,000, averaging about $11,625 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the A3 varies by about 14 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline and plug-in hybrid. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used A3 check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the A3's average combined economy slipped from about 32 to 28 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2016 A3 has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 30 MPG, while the 2020 is the lowest at about 27 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 A3 at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the A3 against a rival, or go back to all Audi models.