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2026 Audi A3 vs. 2022 Volkswagen Golf Comparison

See how the 2026 Audi A3 and 2022 Volkswagen Golf performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

A3 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 Audi A3

$40,100 - $52,000

All Test Results
CR's Take
Golf 2022

$44,090 - $44,890

All Test Results
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About
About
The A3 packs a solid and upscale feel into a small package. The front seats are comfortable, and the cabin is nicely finished. The rear seat is cramped, as is the norm in this class. A 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a seven-speed dual-clutch a...
 
The 2022 redesigned Volkswagen Golf is available either as a sporty GTI or high-performance R. There is no more regular Golf on offer in the U.S. market. The new car brings sharpened handling, more power and the next level of connectivity and infotai...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Handling
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Front-seat comfort
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
 

NA

Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Tight rear seat
 

NA

Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
NA
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
NA
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
NA

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

4-door hatchback

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

Premium Plus, Premium, S3, RS 3

 

R

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$40,100 - $52,000

 

$44,090 - $44,890

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD

 

AWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 turbo (328 hp); 2.5-liter 5 turbo (394 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)

 

2-liter 4 turbo (315 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

7-speed Sequential

 

7-speed Sequential, 6-speed Manual

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.