The Audi Q3 is starting to show its age, which seems like a funny thing to say about a vehicle that is just now entering its third year in the United States. Keep in mind that before the Q3 came to U.S. showrooms in 2015, it was already a three-year veteran in other markets, and it bears the hallmarks of a 6-year-old design.
Not that we dislike the Q3 — on the contrary, like other Audis, it has much to recommend it. We like the Q3's ride quality and its quiet demeanor at highway speeds. Cargo room is good by class standards, and the design and materials quality of the cabin are impeccable, which is exactly what we expect from Audi. The Q3 offers comfortable accommodations for its front-seat occupants, and the engine's refinement is impressive.
But in other areas, the Q3 lets us down. While the front seat is roomy, back-benchers will be squeezed by a lack of legroom. Some of the ergonomic choices, like the placement of the climate controls and Multi Media Interface (MMI) dials, are questionable. And while some versions of the Q3 get a standard USB port to hook up smartphones — as does virtually every other vehicle on sale in the United States — other Q3s still employ Audi's proprietary MMI plug. An iPhone Lightning cable is included, but owners of Androids or older iPhones must purchase a pricey cable from the dealership in order to plug in their devices. (A USB charging port and Bluetooth connectivity do come standard.)
As with many Audi models, the Q3 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but this is an older version that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It comes coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. Edmunds tested the all-wheel-drive version and clocked it to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, which is slow compared to its luxury-branded competitors. The EPA estimates the fuel economy of both front- and all-wheel-drive versions at 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway), a figure that is below par for the segment.
Audis are usually pretty good handlers, but the Q3 didn't impress us much: The suspension allows a fair amount of body roll in corners, and the overly light steering doesn't give much feedback. Audi does offer a Sport option bundle for the Q3, but it's an appearance package only — there are no changes to the steering or suspension, and therefore nothing any sportier in the driving experience.
For 2017, Audi has introduced a new entry-level Premium model; as with most Audis it offers plenty of equipment that is optional on the Q3's rivals, including genuine leather upholstery and a 10-speaker stereo. The Premium Plus adds more options we consider must-haves for a luxury vehicle, while the top-of-the-line Q3 Prestige adds navigation and other premium features. Which Q3 model is best? Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2017 Audi Q3 for you.
2017 Audi Q3 Overview
The 2017 Audi Q3 is offered in the following submodels: SUV. Available styles include Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A). Q3 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2017 Q3 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The 2017 Q3 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2017 Audi Q3 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Audi Q3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Q3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2017 Audi Q3? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Audi Q3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Q3 a 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Q3.
Vehicle Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Review Yes, this car could have used 50 more horsepower in the 2.0T model, however the highway mileage is a sensational 33mpg at 65mph (with 89 octane fuel) It has a nice tight suspension with a super quiet ride. I was looking for a car for 2 years prior to buying this Q3 and am very pleased. It has taken me from Key West to the mountains of Northern Maine in a confident, safe and secure way. The down sides: Be aware that the display is in desperate need of upgrading, the Pirelli brand of tire needs to be changed to Michelin.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Audi Q3
2017 Audi Q3 inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Audi Q3 for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 73 new and 61 used and CPO 2017 Q3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 23971 and mileage as low as 6530. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Audi Q3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 300 on a new, used, or CPO 2017 Q3 available from one of 2633 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2017 audi q3 Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (recommended) 23 combined MPG 20 city MPG/28 highway MPG
2017 audi q3 Premium quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (recommended) 23 combined MPG 20 city MPG/28 highway MPG
2017 audi q3 Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 6-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (recommended) 23 combined MPG 20 city MPG/28 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2017 Audi Q3?
Available Audi Q3 2017 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Audi Q3 2017 Trims: Premium Plus quattro, Premium quattro, Prestige quattro, Premium, Premium Plus
Exterior Colors: Cortina White, Utopia Blue Metallic, Brilliant Black, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Monsoon Gray Metallic, Florett Silver Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Misano Red Pearl Effect, Glacier White Metallic, Manhattan Gray Metallic, Cuvee Silver Metallic
Interior Colors: Black leather, Rock Gray leather, Chestnut Brown leather, Titanium Gray leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Upgraded Headlights, Heated seats, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, AWD/4WD, Keyless Entry/Start, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Blind Spot Monitoring, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Navigation, Mobile Internet, Aux Audio Inputs, Upgraded Stereo, Towing Hitch
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.