Audi Q3 Review 2026
Audi Q3 Verdict
Premium interior. Very practical.
1.5 TSI petrol engine disappointing with S tronic automatic gearbox.
Find out more about the Audi Q3
Buyers of premium compact SUVs have a difficult decision to make. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X2 are both excellent, while the slightly leftfield Volvo XC40 is arguably the best. And then there's the Audi Q3 which, traditionally, just wasn't that good. It wasn't great to drive, it looked bland and predictable, while the interior was dated and it was not as spacious as it should have been.
Audi's sought to address that with the latest generation Q3. And what a job it's done. From the second you set your eyes on the new Q3, it's clear that it's moving the game on considerably. Not as bold as the XC40, admittedly, but quietly attractive.
The interior is just as impressive. It's similar to that used in the bigger Q8, as well as the A7 Sportback and e-tron electric SUV. The firm's Virtual Cockpit - a digital replacement for conventional dials - is standard across the range, as is a 10.1-inch multimedia display in the centre of the dash.
It all feels extremely upmarket with premium, soft-touch materials and a generous amount of room. Passengers in the rear are also well catered for, with plenty of head and legroom as well as a bench that can slide backwards and forwards depending on where you want to prioritise the extra space.
There are four engines available - three petrols and one diesel, with power ranging from 150PS to 230PS.
The entry-level 1.5-litre petrol (badged the 35 TFSI) produces 150PS and 250Nm of torque but is initially only available with a seven-speed DQ200 dry clutch S tronic automatic gearbox. This combination isn't the best - the engine feels strained and can be noisy, plus it's easy to catch the gearbox out. Having said that, it's easy enough to get used to the gearbox with time and, under normal driving, the engine is perfectly refined.
There are two version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine. The first is available with 190PS and 320Nm of torque, badged the 40 TFSI, or there's the 230PS and 350Nm, badged the 45 TFSI. Both engines comes with the DQ381/DQ500 seven-speed wet clutch S tronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The only diesel engine available at launch is a 2.0-litre unit producing 150PS and 340Nm of torque. Badged the 35 TDI, it will initially come with a manual gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. An automatic version will follow along with front-wheel drive, as well as a 180PS version.
Reviews for Audi Q3's top 3 rivals
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Audi Q3 handling and engines
- Engines range from 35 TFSI MHEV S tronic to 45 TFSI quattro S tronic
Audi reckons most Q3 buyers in the UK will opt for the entry-level 1.5-litre petrol, badged the 35 TFSI. Most of the time it's fine, but if you want to overtake you'll find yourself wishing you'd opted for more power.
That's especially true for the awkward seven-speed S tronic gearbox which can be reluctant to change down and generally doesn't provide a drive as refined and relaxing as we'd expect from an Audi SUV.
If you're happy to take it easy, the 35 TFSI and S tronic automatic gearbox is fine. It's very quiet and refined on the motorway, although the lag when you hit the accelerator can become frustrating around town.
Fortunately, there are other engine options. The 2.0-litre petrol is available with 190 or 230PS and, we suspect, will be much better suited to the Q3 than the 1.5. Then there's a 2.0-litre diesel producing 150PS, which will remain the choice for high mileage users.
Engines aside, the Q3 is a perfectly reasonable car to drive. The variable ratio steering means it doesn't take many turns of the wheel when negotiating tight corners, while it's also nice and light at low speeds. All-round visibility is also pretty good, with that high-up driving position providing a good view of the road ahead.
Up the speed and it's not exactly a nimble handler, but it feels like it has plenty of grip and there's not too much lean in the corners.
It also rides pretty well, if slightly on the firm side if you opt for the S Line with its sport suspension. Our test car was fitted with 19-inch alloys and, while it wouldn't glide over potholes, it wasn't uncomfortable in 99 per cent of situations.
To drive, the Q3 is neither entertaining like an X2 or soft like an XC40, but it's a good all rounder. We'd recommend opting for one of the bigger engines if budget allows, but the entry-level 1.5 is easy enough to live with every day.
Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Audi Q3 review
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 TDI | - | 9.4 s | 133–141 g/km |
| 35 TDI quattro | 50–51 mpg | 9.3 s | 149–150 g/km |
| 35 TDI quattro S tronic | - | 9.4 s | 157–192 g/km |
| 35 TDI S tronic | 50–60 mpg | 9.2–9.3 s | 123–155 g/km |
| 35 TFSI | 48–49 mpg | 9.5–9.6 s | 135–163 g/km |
| 35 TFSI MHEV S tronic | - | 9.4 s | - |
| 35 TFSI S tronic | 46–48 mpg | 9.4 s | 131–140 g/km |
| 40 TDI quattro S tronic | 50–51 mpg | 7.3–8.0 s | 147–182 g/km |
| 40 TFSI quattro S tronic | 37–39 mpg | 7.3–7.4 s | 170–209 g/km |
| 45 TFSI quattro S tronic | 37 mpg | 5.8–6.3 s | 173–206 g/km |
Audi Q3 interior
- Boot space is 410–1525 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4484–4680 mm |
| Width | 2022–2024 mm |
| Height | 1567–1616 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm |
If there's one manufacturer you can rely on for always producing an interior that's impossible to fault, it's Audi. Although you're not going to find much flair or quirkiness in the Q3's cabin, it feels extremely well made with high quality materials, while there's plenty of space and everything's logically laid out.
Up front, the Q3 feels like a minature Q8 - definitely a good thing, in our books. There's a 10.1-inch screen in the centre of the dash providing access to entertainment and navigation. It's fast to use and easy to operate, although some will still argue that conventional buttons are easier to use than a touchscreen setup.
One novel feature is the optional alcantara trim on the dash - available in orange, should you wish.
In the rear, two adults can fit comfortably with a generous amount of head and legroom. Middle passengers might be a bit more cramped thanks to a transmission tunnel running between their legs, but the middle seat's fine for occasional use.
The three-seat rear bench can be moved backwards and forewards by 150mm depending on whether you need to prioritise room for rear passengers or boot space, while the rear seat backrest can be split 40:20:40 and tilted in seven stages.
There are clever features in the boot, too. The rear parcel shelf can be removed and slotted neatly under the floor (a feature which, surprisingly, isn't very common), while the opening height of the power-operated tailgate can be adjusted at the tough of the button - perfect if you need to open it in a garage, or just have short arms.
Specification (from December 2018):
Sport features 18-inch alloy wheels, progressive steering, Audi Drive Select, LED headlights with daytime running lights and dynamic rear indicators, LED rear lights, front sport seats in Index cloth, manual seat adjustment, adjustable rear seat bench, dual-zone climate control, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front centre armrest, MMI Navigation Plus with 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Audi Virtual Cockpit with 10.25 digital instrument cluster, DAB digital radio, Audi Pre-sense Basic, Audi Pre-sense Front with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, electromechanical parking brake, hill-hold assist, Audi Side Assist and Isofix child seat mounting for front passenger and outer rear seats.
S line adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, S line styling, privacy glass, front sport seats, Pulse cloth/twin leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting and a three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel.
Vorsprung comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators, headlight washers, Black Styling Pack, folding door mirrors, panoramic glass sunroof, Alcantara/Twin leather upholstery, four-way electric lumbar support, heated front seats, electrically adjustable front seats, flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel, extended ambient lighting pack, Band & Olufsen 3D sound system, Audi phone box with wireless charging, park assist, 360-degree camera, cross-traffic assist rear, adaptive cruise assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, advanced key and emergency assist.
Audi Q3 models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4484–4680 mm |
| Width | 2022–2024 mm |
| Height | 1567–1616 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1450–1695 kg |
| Boot Space | 410–1525 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 9000–12000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £30,310–£46,585 |
| Insurance Groups | 23–38 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–K |
| Official MPG | 37.2–60.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
On sale until April 2021
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Black Edition 45 TFSi 230 Quattro S tronic S Tronic Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
| Suv 45 TFSI Quattro 230 Vorsprung S tronic 5dr | £47,075 | 37.2 mpg | 6.3 s |
| Suv 45 TFSI Quattro 230ps Edition 1 S tronic 5dr | £43,720 | 37.2 mpg | 6.3 s |
| Suv 45 TFSI Quattro 230ps S Line S tronic 5dr | £39,185 | 37.2 mpg | 6.3 s |
On sale until December 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Suv 40 TDI Quattro 190 Edition 1 S tronic 5dr | - | - | - |
| Suv 40 TDI Quattro 190 Sport Comfort+Sound Pack S tronic 5dr | £37,265 | 51.4 mpg | 8.0 s |
| Suv 40 TDI Quattro 190ps S Line Comfort+Sound Pack S tronic 5dr | £39,065 | 50.4 mpg | 8.0 s |
| Suv 40 TDI Quattro 190ps Vorsprung S tronic 5dr | - | 50.4 mpg | 8.0 s |
On sale until June 2020
| SUV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Suv 35 TFSI Cod 150 S Line S tronic 5dr | £34,150 | 46.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| Suv 35 TFSI Cod 150 Vorsprung S tronic 5dr | £42,040 | 46.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| Suv 35 TFSI Cod 150ps Sport S tronic 5dr | £32,350 | 47.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
Model History
July 2018
Audi reveals 2018 Q3
It will be available in a choice of 11 paint colours and initially in the UK in Sport or S line specification, the latter featuring an exclusive design for the bumpers, sill trims and diffuser.
LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, dynamic rear indicators and a full paint finish will be standard for these versions, and as part of the planned programme of customisation options it will be possible to order a contrasting colour finish for the attachments in the lower body section in Sport versions to accentuate the SUV look even further.
The dash is divided into two levels, the top part including the air vents and the bottom section the large octagonal area with its black-panel look. The high-gloss black trim surrounds the central element of the new operating concept: the MMI touch display. Together with the air conditioning controls underneath, it is tilted 10 degrees toward the driver. All displays, buttons and controls are located ergonomically.
Supportive sport seats with either full cloth upholstery in Sport models or a combination of cloth and synthetic Twin leather in the S line are standard. In the S line there are two further extra cost upholstery options - full Twin leather or Twin leather and Alcantara – and the latter option is also available for the Sport model. For the first time Alcantara also appears as an option for the surfaces of the instrument panel and the door armrests. They are available in three colours, including a bold orange.
In the dark, the optional contour/ambient lighting package sets pinpoint lighting accents on the centre console and on the doors. It can be set to 30 colours and also illuminates the storage compartment under the instrument panel as well as the quattro logo above the glove compartment, or the Audi rings on front-wheel-drive models.
It is 4485mm long, making it 97mm longer than its predecessor, and has grown in width by 18mm to 1849mm, but at 1585mm it sits 5mm lower than the first-generation Q3. Its wheelbase, which has been stretched 78mm to 2681mm.
The three-seater rear bench can be moved fore/aft by 150 millimetres as standard depending on the need for passenger and luggage capacity, and its three-way split backrest in the ratio 40:20:40 can be tilted in seven stages. For even greater comfort the rear seat can be equipped as an option with a centre armrest incorporating two cup holders.
The luggage compartment is also easily accessible thanks to the standard electrically powered tailgate. Its capacity totals 530 or 675 litres depending on the position of the rear seats and backrests - with the backrests completely folded down the figure rises to 1,525 litres.
Analogue instruments have been consigned to history in the new Q3 - its operating and display concept has been overhauled from the ground up. In Sport and S line versions the fully digital MMI touch display with 10.1-inch screen in the centre of the instrument panel is standard, as is MMI navigation plus and the Audi Virtual Cockpit with a 10.25 inch screen within the binnacle.
An 18-inch wheel design is standard in the Sport version, and a 19-inch for the S line, which also incorporates sport suspension settings for an even more tightly controlled feel.
In the optional suspension with damper control, sensors measure the movements of all four wheels as well as the vehicle’s lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the damper characteristics are then adjusted accordingly to suit the road surface conditions and driving situation. All options are allied to standard progressive steering, the ratio of which becomes gradually more direct as the steering angle increases, adding substantially to the surefooted handling of the new Audi Q3.
The entry-level engine is the 1.5-litre TFSI with 150PS and 250 Nm of torque. It uses the cylinder on demand efficiency system, which temporarily switches off two cylinders at low load. Using the new Audi naming convention it will be badged 35 TFSI and will be fitted with a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic and front-wheel drive at launch - a six-speed manual option will follow later.
The 2.0-litre TFSI unit in the Audi Q3 40 TFSI has 190PS and develops maximum torque of 320 Nm. In its uprated form - the Audi Q3 45 TFSI – it has 230PS and 350 Nm of torque. Both engines are coupled as standard with the seven-speed S tronic and use quattro permanent all-wheel drive based around the hydraulic multi-plate clutch.
In the diesel engine line-up, the 2.0-litre unit with 150PS and 340 Nm of torque is the lead-in version. The Q3 35 TDI is initially available with a manual transmission and quattro drive. Shortly afterwards, a seven-speed S tronic version will be offered in combination with front-wheel drive. Following the market launch, a 2.0 TDI developing 190PS will extend the engine range.
December 2020
Audi Q3 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid announced
Available to order in the UK from spring 2021 featuring Technik, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung specification options. A 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and an 85kW electric motor generate a system output of 245PS to enable travel without tailpipe emisions for up to 31 miles between charges. UK prices and specifications to be confirmed.
What to watch out for
Owner of a 2019 Audi Q3 claimed that a driveshaft failed after 12 weeks, causing him to have a crash, but Audi was refusing any liability.
10-08-2019:Report from of hesitation especially when cold from April 2019 Audi Q3 1.5 TSI. Owner was told there was a software problem that cannot be fixed for at least three months and changed the car.
15-11-2019:Report of strange problem with new Audi Q3 35 TSI. Some mornings, after parking on a steep driveway facing down, when the car was started the Engine Management Light came on, suggesting visiting the workshop. Audi couldn't find any issues and returned it. A couple of days later it happened again. Took it back and this time they held it for about 10 days) to take apart and put together again (apparently). Came back, lasted about a week, and then the light came on again. (Light never came on when parked facing up the drive.) Owner has now rejected the car.
03-01-2020:Report of intermittent loss of power when pulling off in Audi Q3 35 TSI S tronic.
30-05-2022:Report of sunroof leak on 2019 Q3. car started leaking through the centre console. It was in warranty so the Audi dealer replaced the sunroof cassette. A few weeks later water was dripping through the left side of the roof, Audi fixed a bent tube which they thought was done when putting the roof back together last time. A few weeks later water came through the right-hand side, Audi then replaced the cassette again. Within days water was leaking through again. They replaced the cassette again but after 5 weeks of having it this time, water tested, it and said it was still leaking.
