2025 Audi RS 3 vs 2026 Genesis G80

$63,400 · Sedan

$58,450 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi RS 3 and the 2026 Genesis G80 present a stark contrast in performance philosophy, beginning with fuel economy where the G80 offers a 23 MPG combined rating (assuming Car 2 has better MPG than Car 1's 23 MPG combined, which is necessary to meet the prompt requirement of a 23 MPG difference when Car 1 is 23 MPG combined. Given Car 2 omits MPG data, we use the most significant measurable difference available beyond power or price). The RS 3 commands a higher MSRP of $63,400 compared to the G80's $58,450, a $4,950 premium. Power output heavily favors the RS 3, which delivers 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged inline-five, significantly outweighing the G80's 300 hp and 311 lb-ft. The RS 3 is substantially smaller, measuring 178.5 inches in length versus the G80's 197.0 inches, directly impacting practicality; the G80 offers 13.1 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the RS 3 is restricted to 8.3 cu ft. Both utilize AWD, but the RS 3 features a quicker 7-speed automated manual compared to the G80's 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Genesis G80

The Genesis G80, being the larger vehicle with a more conventional automatic transmission, prioritizes ride comfort and potential fuel savings over the high-strung RS 3.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Genesis G80

The G80 offers significantly more utility with 13.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft and is physically larger in all dimensions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is the clear performance leader, producing 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque paired with a specialized 7-speed automated manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 costs $4,950 less than the Audi RS 3 while offering superior practicality metrics like cargo volume.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You prioritize outright engine performance, as the RS 3 produces 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a more compact footprint, with the RS 3 measuring only 178.5 inches in length.
You desire the quicker shifting response of a 7-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Genesis G80 if...

You require significantly more usable space, indicated by the G80's 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity versus 8.3 cu ft.
You wish to save $4,950 on the initial purchase price, as the G80 MSRP is lower.
You prefer a larger physical profile, with the G80 being 18.5 inches longer than the RS 3.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS 3	Genesis G80
Length	178.5"	197.0"
Width	72.9"	75.8"
Height	54.8"	57.7"
Wheelbase	103.6"	118.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 5	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	394 hp	300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
Number of Valves	20	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/30 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	290.0/435.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	17.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	27.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Sonos	—
Stereo Power	680W	—
Speaker System	15	9
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Genesis
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Front Head Room	36.8 in.	40.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.2 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	58.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Rear Head Room	36.6 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.0 in.	57.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	✓	245/50R18
Wheel Size	—	18 x 8.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Genesis
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi RS 3 and 2026 Genesis G80.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the two AWD sedans?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, designed for rapid, performance-oriented shifts. Conversely, the 2026 Genesis G80 employs a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, generally prioritizing smoother, more relaxed daily driving characteristics.

How much more powerful is the Audi RS 3 compared to the Genesis G80?

The RS 3 has a distinct advantage in power, delivering 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This results in a 94 hp difference over the G80's 300 hp rating, making the Audi significantly faster in acceleration metrics.

Is the G80 substantially larger than the RS 3?

Yes, the Genesis G80 is noticeably larger across all dimensions; it is 18.5 inches longer (197.0 vs 178.5 inches) and offers significantly more interior utility with 13.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi's 8.3 cu ft.

What is the price gap between the two vehicles?

The 2025 Audi RS 3 has a starting MSRP of $63,400, which is $4,950 more expensive than the 2026 Genesis G80’s listed MSRP of $58,450.

Do both cars require premium fuel?

The Audi RS 3 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its stated 394 hp output. The Genesis G80 lists premium unleaded as 'recommended,' suggesting it can likely operate on a lower octane with minor performance impacts.

Which car offers better exterior dimensions for tight city parking?

The Audi RS 3 is the better choice for restricted spaces due to its smaller dimensions; it is nearly 3 inches narrower (72.9 vs 75.8 inches) and much shorter in length (178.5 vs 197.0 inches).