The Q3's compact dimensions and fastback roofline drastically reduce the available space inside compared to other crossover SUVs. But pleasing performance, exceptional fit and finish, and standard all-wheel drive make it a lot easier to overlook the lack of space.Read full review
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
Packed with modern technology features
Interior is lined with high-quality materials
Quiet cabin and comfortable ride quality
Cons
Lackluster fuel economy
Limited rear passenger and cargo space
Not much fun to drive
What's new
Adaptive cruise control and lane centering features are standard on all Q3 versions
Part of the second Q3 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The 2024 Q3 is Audi's smallest and most affordable SUV positioned below the popular Q5. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and many top-notch tech features such as adaptive cruise control and a digital instrument panel. Its small rear seats aren't ideal for family hauling, but the little SUV provides a decent amount of cargo space considering its size. The Q3 also boasts excellent build quality and a lower starting price than most rivals equipped with all-wheel drive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi Q3 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Edmunds spotlight: Lots of tech in a small package
With the addition of adaptive cruise control and lane centering as standard equipment, the Q3 now provides a large package of driver aids on every model. Many rivals charge extra for those features. Front and rear parking sensors, emergency automatic braking and blind-spot warning are also included. Inside, you'll enjoy the crisp digital instrument panel and sizable center touchscreen. If you opt for the Premium Plus trim, a wireless charging pad and a convenient 360-degree camera system are added. For all the tech features, add the aptly named Technology package, which includes a larger digital instrument panel, wireless Apple CayPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a Sonos audio system and a navigation system.
Competitors to consider
The Q3 was last redesigned in 2019, but the Audi is still a solid choice for a little SUV. However, there are other highly rated rivals to consider like the recently redesigned BMW X1 and the stylish Volvo XC40. Mercedes offers two alternatives, the boxy GLB and the sporty GLA. The BMW X2, which was just redesigned for the 2024 model year, should definitely be considered as well. To help you decide if the Q3 is right for you, check out our test team's thorough review in the Edmunds Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Q3's compact dimensions and fastback roofline drastically reduce the available space inside compared to other crossover SUVs. But pleasing performance, exceptional fit and finish, and standard all-wheel drive make it a lot easier to overlook the lack of space.
How does the Q3 drive? The Q3 is more interested in delivering comfort than thrills. Our test Q3 with the 45 TFSI powertrain reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is slightly slower than average for a luxury subcompact SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission can also be a little slow to react when you're leaving from a stop.
The Q3 is more energetic from a handling standpoint. It has responsive steering and stays composed when driving through high-speed curves. Altogether, everyday driving is crisp and comfortable, but if driving pleasure is important, you're better off with a BMW X1.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Q3? The Q3's ride quality is firm but not overly stiff. Bumps can be felt through the cabin, but the Q3 quickly dispatches with them and doesn't make any excessive body motions. It's also pretty quiet since there's little outside noise, either from the tires or wind.
The front seats have enough adjustment so you can find the perfect position for long trips. The controls are clearly labeled and well within reach. The seat heaters take a few minutes to warm up and never get as hot as others in the class.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Q3 has an accessible seating position that will meet the needs of most buyers. There's plenty of headroom up front and enough room for two adults to be comfortable in back. It's also pretty easy to see out of the Q3 thanks to big windows and a short hood.
The optional 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive to the touch and offers a helpful clicking noise to let you know the command is registered. The buttons on the steering wheel and center console are clearly labeled.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $6,227 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $6,227 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Premium Plus trim.
How’s the tech? With the optional MMI navigation feature, the Q3 can operate Apple CarPlay wirelessly. It sometimes takes a minute to activate upon starting the car, but it's ultimately convenient. Navigation is simple to input and control, but the real star is the map itself, which offers a beautiful three-dimensional view.
All of the Q3's active driver safety features work well, but it can be tricky to get used to all the buttons and knobs required. Adaptive cruise control is mostly helpful, but if traffic abruptly slows, it sometimes brakes too late and prompts the driver to take over.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The Q3 does the most with its limited cargo dimensions. There's a flat load floor and small compartments on either side to secure small bags, plus a security shade that can be removed to provide more space if needed.
A wireless charging pad and small grip between the cupholders are clever ways to store smartphones, but that's about it in the way of small-item storage. The rear door openings are wide enough that you can easily lean in and set up rear-facing car seats. The car seat anchors are simple to access, and there are three back anchors for overhead security.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Q3 we tested had an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, putting it near the bottom of its class since most entries rank in the mid-to-high 20s. The Q3 outperformed its rating on our 115-mile evaluation route, achieving 26.8 mpg. But in city driving or heavy traffic, it routinely failed to reach 20 mpg. Overall, we suspect you'll be able to match the EPA's estimate, even if it's not particularly great for the class.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Q3 a good value? No gaps, creaks or cheap plastics here. The surfaces inside the Q3 are tastefully put together and great to the touch, if a little bland. The S line spices things up with natural wood and matte inlays. The Q3 is priced similarly to others in the class such as the BMW X2 and Cadillac XT4. Audi's warranties are about average for a luxury automaker.
Wildcard
6.5/10
You choose Audi because you know what to expect. The Q3 has a driving feel and styling language that are consistent with the brand yet wholly distinctive from other luxury automakers. The Q3 holds few surprises. But solid build quality, great infotainment and small personalized touches such as available ambient lighting give the crossover a hint of panache.
Which Q3 does Edmunds recommend?
Opting for the more powerful 45 TFSI engine is the way to go because it provides power that's comparable to the Q3's rivals and quicker acceleration during those crucial times like when you're merging on the highway. As for the trim, we recommend the Premium Plus for its added features and access to the optional Technology package that loads the Q3 with all remaining tech features.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Audi Q3 models
The 2024 Audi Q3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's available in two different power levels: the 40 TFSI (184 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque) and the 45 TFSI (228 hp, 251 lb-ft). Both come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and include Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. After you've decided on a powertrain, you can choose between Premium and Premium Plus trim levels. Keep reading for our breakdown of the significant features you get from each trim as well as the Q3's available options.
Premium The Q3 Premium trim includes many standard features, such as:
18-inch wheels
S line styling package (TFSI 45 only)
LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist
Heated exterior mirrors
Panoramic sunroof
Power liftgate
Triple-zone automatic climate control
10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable and heated front seats
10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
10-speaker audio system
Every 2024 Q3 also comes with these driver aids:
Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Q3 and the car in front)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
The Conveniencepackage adds several useful features to the Q3 Premium. They include:
Hands-free liftgate
Auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Keyless entry
Driver's seat memory settings
Satellite radio
Wireless charging pad
Interior ambient lighting
PremiumPlus Choose the Q3 Premium Plus trim for additional features, such as:
Convenience package
Upgraded interior ambient lighting
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Q3 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Only the Premium Plus offers the Technology package, which adds:
12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This is my second Audi Q3, the first being a 2015. I've had many different luxury vehicles, but this car I'm keeping forever. Love the look, comfort, but most importantly the smooth ride, visibility and safe feeling I get whenever I'm driving it. The trunk holds a lot for a small SUV, the car fits in any parking space imaginable and the highway pick up while entering an 'on' ramp with … trucks coming is second to none.
Value Value Value
5 out of 5 stars
GG, 01/20/2021
2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Overall I love this car. My favorite features in my 2021 Premium Plus include, 360 degree camera, Upgraded sport seats, kick to open trunk, wireless phone charger, wireless Apple Car Play, integrated infotainment screen, and keyless entry and locking. I test drove the Q3, Q5, X1, X3, C300, Macan, and the Evoque. The Audi Q3 was my favorite and having the lower base price, I was able to … add many upgrades that I would not have been able to afford on the other brands. Some of my upgrades included the Black Optic package which allows you to get the Sport seats! They are beautiful and look amazing! I also included the Navigation/Technology package, Audi beam rings, 20" rims, and several others. I love being able to drive a fully loaded car instead of a base model Evoque or Macan. If you have the extra room in your budget to deck out those cars then go ahead they are beautiful! But i was very unimpressed with the base trims on both of those cars. My only complaint so far has been the poor charging quality of the wireless charger. It makes my iphone very warm, almost hot to the touch, and charges very slowly.. On a 20 minute drive I can get about 4% of charge on my iPhone 12 mini. I brought the car in to Audi to be inspected and they gave me a BS answer and told me it was working the way it should. Despite this, I would 100% recommend this car and I believe it really is the best bang for your buck.
Definite bang for the buck – with some caveats
5 out of 5 stars
JMK in TX, 04/07/2021
2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
We were specifically looking for a small SUV that looks good, is a reasonably recent design, and has ample features at a reasonable price. The "looking good" part disqualified both of the Benzes Edmunds has ranked higher among subcompact SUVs, and "recent design" disqualified the increasingly ancient Lexus NX. After comparing it to the X1 & RDX, we decided the Q3 was easily the best … all-around package. My biggest complaint is how scarce they are! (or at least the S-line Premium Plus 45) We live in Austin and I checked inventory levels at literally every Audi dealer in Texas; only one of them had more than 7 in stock!
I'll mention right off the bat that Edmunds' review omits a rather pertinent detail: many of the Q3s sitting on dealer lots are Q3 40s, not Q3 45s, and for good reason. I didn't even notice it myself until after we test-drove one, but the 40s (in both Premium & Premium Plus guise) have a significantly less powerful engine: a mere 184 hp and a frankly slow-as-molasses 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds. The 45s cost $2K more either way, and I *strongly* recommend them! (Btw here's the easy way to instantly tell which is which: all of the S-line models have the larger engine.)
I still have my 2016 S3, and the differences in technology between the two are amazing. The Q3 has a touchscreen interface for the latest version of its MMI system, and for the most part it's quite intuitive to use – along with having almost iPhone-level screen quality. (My S3, meanwhile, has a pop-up non-touchscreen with graphics in all of 16 colors.) I was extremely impressed with its adaptive cruise system along with its lane-keeping assistance; while it's not quite at autonomous-vehicle level, using both is extremely handy on long, monotonous drives.
Still, as some others have pointed out, its lack of certain features is curious, to say the least. Apple CarPlay only works wirelessly if you opt for the Technology Package. It has no memory settings for the seats (even the 2010 RDX we traded in had that!); no steering-wheel warmer; and heated, but not cooled, seats – and in Texas we need the latter far more than the former. While its Active Cockpit feature gives you a 3-D view of the road ahead via built-in Google Maps, you can use your phone's native navigation on the center screen, so we definitely wanted to skip that part.
Just IMO both of the smaller wheel packages look dinky, so we opted for the 20-inch rims, as well as the parking assistance package. We *really* wanted the Black Optic package as well – I have it on my S3 – but there were none, period, *anywhere* in the state except in the brashest exterior colors (orange & blue), and we already knew we wanted a gray one.
On whole, however, it's a thoroughly modern car that's surprisingly fun to drive – much more so than the first-gen Q3 we looked at a few years back. I only wish they'd introduce an SQ3 model in the US! (We get the SQ5 & SQ7, but for some reason Audi only sells the SQ3 outside the US.)
Fuel economy
4 out of 5 stars
Bob C, 05/11/2021
2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Most reviewers say the Audi Q3 has worse gas mileage than the other luxury subcompact, but they don't tell you that the Audi Q3 uses REGULAR gas, while all the others require premium. This should be factored into the gas mileage ratings.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Audi Q3, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q3 since its last redesign.
Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Audi Q3, but since the 2024 Audi Q3 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier… parking and better gas mileage. What's not to like? In this video, Mark Takahashi runs down our choices for the best subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022. From the Subaru Crosstrek, the new Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona to the more luxurious BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40, Mark gives a breakdown of each pint-sized SUV. What do we like and dislike about each? What should you know about them? How do they rank in each category? Mark explains all. So whether you're a first-time driver, you have a small family or you're just looking for something fun to drive, we've got you covered in this video of the 2021 Top Subcompact SUVs.
Audi's smallest offering doesn't skimp on the style or many of the features you can get in larger, more expensive models. All-wheel drive is standard and the Q3 offers a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines, one with 184 horsepower and the other with 228 hp. Audi bolsters the Q3's appeal with a modern and well-built interior that mimics the interiors you'll find in the brand's other offerings.
The current-generation Q3 was introduced for 2019 and is just about due for a redesign for 2024, something that Automotive News has reported is coming. A fresh Q3 would coincide with a rumored to be all-new 2024 A4 as well as some new fully electric e-tron models and help push Audi's new design language forward. As far as we can tell, a redesigned Q3 would remain under the influence of an internal combustion engine but could gain the option of a hybrid powertrain.
Small luxury crossovers have become fairly popular over the past few years with models on offer from BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and others. The BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLA offer a bit more space and power than the Q3, while the Mini Countryman and Cadillac XT4 bring a splash of style to the segment.
Edmunds says
It looks like the Audi Q3 could be in line for a full redesign for the 2024 model year. It will likely stay one of the smaller SUVs in the class but could gain a hybrid powertrain as well as Audi's newest in-car tech and updated styling. Stayed tuned to Edmunds for updates as we find out more about the 2024 Q3.
FAQ
Is the Audi Q3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Q3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Q3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Q3 has 23.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi Q3. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Audi Q3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Audi Q3:
Adaptive cruise control and lane centering features are standard on all Q3 versions
Part of the second Q3 generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the Audi Q3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Q3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Q3's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Audi Q3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Audi Q3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Q3 and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Q3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Q3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Audi Q3?
The least-expensive 2024 Audi Q3 is the 2024 Audi Q3 Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,400.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $37,400
Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $39,800
Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $40,200
Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $42,600
If you're interested in the Audi Q3, the next question is, which Q3 model is right for you? Q3 variants include Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), Premium S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and Premium Plus S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of Q3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more