2026 Audi S3 vs 2026 Genesis G80
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Audi S3 arrives as the agile firebrand, injecting 328 hp into a compact footprint, making it the pick for spirited drivers who crave immediate response from its 7-speed automated manual transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Genesis G80 exudes mature elegance, offering a substantially larger presence at 197.0 inches long and boasting superior torque delivery with 311 lb-ft, although its premium appeal comes at a $6,450 higher MSRP of $58,450. While the S3 prioritizes athleticism with its 26 combined MPG, the larger G80 provides significantly more utility, offering 13.1 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Audi’s meager 8.3 cu ft. The S3’s higher output of 328 hp versus the G80’s 300 hp suggests a more urgent performance focus, setting up a fantastic clash between compact punch and midsize luxury cruising.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi S3
The smaller dimensions and better 26 combined MPG of the Audi S3 make it more manageable and efficient for daily city driving.
2026 Genesis G80
The Genesis G80 wins handily due to its significantly larger 13.1 cu ft cargo capacity and greater overall passenger room.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3’s superior 328 hp output and performance-oriented 7-speed automated manual transmission promise a more visceral driving event.
2026 Audi S3
The Audi S3 offers higher horsepower for $6,450 less than the Genesis G80, yielding a better performance-to-price ratio.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You prioritize raw performance, benefiting from the 328 hp delivered by the responsive 7-speed automated manual.
- Fuel economy is important, as the S3 achieves 31 MPG on the highway versus the G80's unstated figure (but likely lower given its size).
- You value a compact size for navigating tight urban environments, with a length of only 177.4 inches.
Choose the Genesis G80 if...
- You require substantial practicality, indicated by the class-leading 13.1 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer strong low-end pulling power, as the G80 delivers 311 lb-ft of torque.
- You desire a more serene, large-sedan experience, reflected in its substantial 197.0-inch length and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Genesis G80 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 197.0" |
| Width | 71.5" | 75.8" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 118.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 300 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
| 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 | Audi | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Genesis |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
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 Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 245/50R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi S3 and 2026 Genesis G80.
How much does the premium fuel requirement impact the running costs of the Audi S3 compared to the G80?
The Audi S3 requires premium unleaded, which directly increases immediate fuel expenditure. While the Genesis G80 only recommends premium, its larger size likely still results in higher overall fuel consumption, potentially offsetting some of the S3's direct fuel cost difference.
Is the Audi S3 too small for regular family duties given its cargo space?
Yes, at only 8.3 cu ft, the Audi S3's cargo capacity is extremely tight for families needing to carry strollers or large luggage. The Genesis G80 offers significantly more usable utility with 13.1 cu ft.
Which sedan offers a better driving engagement experience?
The 2026 Audi S3 is engineered for engagement, boasting 28 more horsepower (328 hp) and utilizing a sportier 7-speed automated manual transmission. The G80, while potent with 311 lb-ft of torque, leans toward luxury cruising with its 8-speed automatic.
What is the primary trade-off when choosing the more expensive Genesis G80?
The primary trade-off is paying a $6,450 premium for greater size and luxury appointments, sacrificing the S3's higher horsepower advantage and better reported combined fuel economy of 26 MPG.
How much larger is the Genesis G80 in physical dimensions?
The Genesis G80 is noticeably larger, measuring 19.6 inches longer (197.0 inches vs. 177.4 inches) and significantly wider at 75.8 inches, making the Audi S3 the clear choice for maneuverability.
Is the power difference (328 hp vs 300 hp) noticeable between these two AWD sedans?
Yes, that 28 hp difference, combined with the Audi's lighter weight implied by its smaller size, suggests the S3 will accelerate with more immediate urgency than the heavier G80.
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