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- Highs Stylish good looks, responsive handling, good fuel economy.
- Lows Not as powerful as rivals, tiny rear seat, lacks driver-assistance features.
- Verdict The Audi TT and TTS coupe and convertible continue to prioritize style over outright performance but remain satisfying to drive and a treat to behold.
Overview
The Audi TT was an instant style icon when it first debuted decades ago, and it remains a design-focused, somewhat sporty two-door today. The standard TT is available as either a coupe or a convertible, while the more powerful TTS is coupe-only (we cover the highest-performance TT RS separately). While it’s not as performance-oriented as some sports-car rivals such as the Toyota Supra or Porsche 718, the TT handles well and is reasonably fun to drive. It comes standard with a 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, and the TTS bumps that engine’s output up to 288 hp. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—no manual is available.
What's New for 2021?
Audi has added more standard equipment, including smartphone-mirroring functions, Nappa leather upholstery, a premium audio system, navigation, and blind-spot monitoring. Nineteen-inch wheels with summer performance tires are now offered as a standalone option on the TT; the TTS comes standard with 20-inch wheels and summer tires. Convertible models now have a standard neck-heating feature. Two new colors join the palette, Chronos Grey and Navarra Blue.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Because the TT lineup is more about style than performance, we would choose the base TT coupe rather than the more expensive TTS. (If you really want a powerful TT, the five-cylinder TT RS with nearly 400 hp is thrilling to drive.) And due to the added standard equipment for 2021, the only option we’d consider are the 19-inch wheels and summer tires.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine lives under the hood of the TT, and it generates 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The TTS gets a beefed-up version of this engine that's tuned to deliver 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both cars use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive. Whether you choose the TT or the TTS, you'll enjoy responsive handling.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA has not yet rated the 2021 TT. Last year, both body styles of the 2020 Audi TT achieved fuel economy of 23/31 mpg city/highway. That makes the TT a more fuel-efficient choice than rival sports cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLC-class (20/29 mpg). With the 2020 TTS, the EPA estimated gas mileage of 23/29 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Both the TT and TTS provide cabins that are temples of chic minimalism. The design is graceful and contemporary, and premium materials are used throughout. The front seats offer more comfort than you'd expect from a small sports car. Technically, this coupe model seats four, but the cramped rear seat is best left for luggage and grocery bags. There's also dearth of storage nooks within the cabin. The convertible variant of this Audi provides 8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the coupe offers 12 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Many of the TT’s previously optional connectivity features are newly standard for 2021, including navigation, a premium audio system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Interestingly, the TT does without a central display screen or touchscreen, instead displaying infotainment functions in the digital gauge cluster in front of the driver. Most of these functions are controlled by buttons on the steering wheel.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The TT and TTS have not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Audi's TT and TTS are not available with forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, or drowsy-driver monitoring. These features are standard on the Mercedes-Benz SLC-class, the TT's closest competitor. Key safety features include:
- Standard front and rear parking sensors
- Standard blind-spot monitoring
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi's warranty coverage is equal to the protection offered by rival luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
