2021 Audi RS — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Audi RS is a hatchback offered with 2 engines (2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4L 8-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 20–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (4L 8-cyl turbo), returning around 20 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Audi RS workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2021 listings: Audi RS Q8.
Compared with the 2020 Audi RS: Fuel economy slips from 28 to 24 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2021: 2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4L 8-cyl turbo. No longer listed: 2.5L 5-cyl turbo. EPA passenger volume changes from 86 to 84 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo · 4L 8-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 84 cu ft (2,379 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 22 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 18 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 268 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Audi RS across 2 engines (2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4L 8-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 17 to 20 mpg (US), or 20 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/25) | 268 | $4,100 |
| 4L 8-cyl turbo (Hybrid) | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 17 (15/22) | 315 | $4,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Audi RS
Running Costs: 2021 Audi RS
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Audi RS at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Audi RS Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Audi RS (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (2), Electrical system (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 25V900000, reported 19 December 2025. Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Electrical system — campaign 25V201000, reported 31 March 2025. Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
- Back over prevention — campaign 22V742000, reported 5 October 2022. Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Tires — campaign 22V034000, reported 26 January 2022. Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 7 campaigns.
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi RS. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (7), Unspecified (3), Steering (2).
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Audi RS
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 7 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Tyres (1 recall campaign) — Check tyre age and wear and ask about any tyre recalls.
- Seat belts (1 recall campaign) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Steering (2 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Audi models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Audi RS's 24 mpg is 3 mpg below that make average. Its 268 g/km CO₂ figure is 17 g/km higher than the 251 g/km Audi average.
Of the 8 Audi RS model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined, against a high of 28 mpg). See every Audi RS year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Audi RS
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Audi RS have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Audi RS: 2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4L 8-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.9L 6-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi RS?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 20 to 24 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 20 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Audi RS cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Audi RS have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Audi RS (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (2), Electrical system (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Audi RS?
Among the 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (7 complaints), Unspecified (3 complaints), Steering (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Audi RS have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.