2025 Genesis G80 vs 2026 Audi S3
Comparison Overview
Deciding between premium comfort and spirited performance often boils down to budget versus sheer presence. If you're stuck choosing between the established luxury of the 2025 Genesis G80 and the tighter, sportier dynamics of the 2026 Audi S3, the numbers offer clear guidance. The G80 asks for an initial investment of $57,100, compared to the S3's $52,000 price tag, a $5,100 difference right off the bat. While the Audi packs a slightly stronger punch with 328 hp versus the Genesis's 300 hp, the G80 compensates with superior practicality, boasting 13.1 cu ft of cargo space against the S3’s smaller 8.3 cu ft. Furthermore, the G80 is significantly larger at 196.7 inches long, offering a more substantial road presence than the compact S3. For daily efficiency, the S3 manages 26 MPG combined versus the G80’s 24 MPG combined, showcasing a trade-off between size and fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi S3
The 2026 Audi S3 wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG and smaller footprint for city maneuverability.
2025 Genesis G80
The 2025 Genesis G80 is the better choice for families, offering significantly more luggage space at 13.1 cubic feet compared to the Audi's 8.3 cubic feet.
2026 Audi S3
The 2026 Audi S3 edges out the G80 by offering more peak horsepower at 328 hp, indicating sharper acceleration potential.
2026 Audi S3
The 2026 Audi S3 presents better value by offering higher horsepower (328 hp) for a $5,100 lower starting MSRP of $52,000.
Choose the Genesis G80 if...
- You prioritize passenger comfort and rear seat space, as evidenced by the G80's larger exterior dimensions (196.7 inches long).
- You need practical trunk space for errands or luggage, benefiting from the G80's 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer a luxury feel where the manufacturer recommends fuel rather than requires it (premium unleaded recommended vs. required).
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- Your main concern is maximizing performance per dollar, as the S3 provides 328 hp for only $52,000.
- You drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic and appreciate slightly better efficiency, achieving 23 MPG city.
- You prefer a more compact and nimble vehicle that is nearly 19 inches shorter than the G80.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Genesis G80 | Audi S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.7" | 177.4" |
| Width | 75.8" | 71.5" |
| Height | 57.7" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 118.5" | 103.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5800 rpm | 328 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 295 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 344.0/498.8 mi. | 333.5/449.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 27.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 12 | 15 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Sonos |
| Stereo Power | — | 680W |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
Power Feature
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.3 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.2 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/50R18 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Genesis | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Genesis G80 and 2026 Audi S3.
Which sedan is more expensive to buy upfront?
The 2025 Genesis G80 has a higher starting MSRP of $57,100, meaning it costs $5,100 more than the 2026 Audi S3, which starts at $52,000.
Does the extra horsepower in the Audi S3 translate to better efficiency?
Yes, the 2026 Audi S3 delivers 328 hp and achieves a combined 26 MPG, slightly outperforming the G80's 300 hp and 24 MPG combined rating.
How much space difference is there in the trunks?
The Genesis G80 offers 13.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, giving it a significant edge over the Audi S3, which is rated at only 8.3 cubic feet.
Are both cars all-wheel drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Genesis G80 and the 2026 Audi S3 come standard with all-wheel drive capabilities, suitable for varied road conditions.
Do I have to use premium fuel in both models?
While both recommend premium fuel, the 2026 Audi S3 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2025 Genesis G80 only recommends it.
Which car is physically larger?
The Genesis G80 is substantially larger, measuring 196.7 inches in length and 75.8 inches in width, dwarfing the more compact Audi S3.
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