2018 Audi Q3 Review

Name: 2018 Audi Q3
Brand: Audi

Price Range: $9,900 - $23,998

Below Average

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Average price: $17,670

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Appraise My 2018 Audi Q3

Audi Q3 model years

Audi Q3 for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers

Pros

Lots of features at a price lower than rivals
Interior is lined with high-quality materials
Rides comfortably on rough roads
Cabin is hushed at highway speeds

Cons

Handling and acceleration lag behind class rivals
Backseat is a tight fit for adults
Ranks at the back of the pack for fuel economy
Infotainment controller is awkwardly placed, and no USB interface

What’s new

Several features have been added to the Q3's base Premium trim, including heated front seats and a restyled front bumper. The Prestige trim has been dropped for 2018, but Audi has folded its features into the other Q3s as part of packages or stand-alone options. The Convenience package now includes a power liftgate and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the Sport Plus package can now be ordered on the Premium Plus trim.

Vehicle overview

Buying or leasing a subcompact premium crossover is a great way for you to own a top-tier luxury-branded vehicle without paying much money. But while these vehicles feature attractive starting prices, the price adds up quickly once you start tacking on expected luxury-oriented features such as leather seating or a sunroof. Luckily, somebody must have forgotten to tell Audi because the 2018 Q3 is feature-rich and much less expensive than its rivals.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

24 listings

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2018 Audi Q3
Premium Plus quattro 4dr SUV
$13,595
- 102,584 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Virginia Auto Trader Co (23 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
2018 AUDI Q3 ALL WHEEL DRIVE with powerful 2.0 TFSI 4 CYLINDER 200 HP engine and driven only 102584 miles! Fully loaded and much more! CARFAX CERTIFIE...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1JCCFS8JR022681
Stock: 2813
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Audi Q3
Premium quattro 4dr SUV
$9,900
great price
$2,658 below market
- 101,596 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Eagle Automotives (24 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1ECCFSXJR009397
Stock: 6943
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-15-2025

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In its base form, the Q3 comes with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and heated front seats. These are all optional extras on the Q3's chief competitors, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and the BMW X1. Combine the superb value with Audi's traditionally excellent interior materials and a comfortable ride quality and you've got a small luxury crossover SUV that's tough to ignore. But the Q3 has some faults. It's not much fun to drive around turns quickly, and steering feel is completely numb and disconnected. The engine also disappoints; it's thirsty and doesn't have enough power to accelerate the Q3 with any real authority. There's also a notable lack of the latest in-car infotainment features. But if speed and tech aren't priorities, the Q3's price tag is sure to entice.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

6.9 / 10

The stylish and refined 2018 Audi Q3 might win you over with its high-quality interior materials, comfortable ride quality and price that's considerably less than what you'll pay for competing luxury crossovers. But you'll have to overlook its deficiencies in performance and technology.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Test of the 2015 Audi Q3 Premium Plus Quattro SUV (turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Q3 has received some revisions, including revised styling and the introduction of the base Premium trim level. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Audi Q3.

Scorecard

Overall	6.9 / 10
Driving	6.5
Comfort	8.5
Interior	6.5
Utility	6.0

Driving

6.5

While 200 horsepower sounds healthy on paper, this isn't the newest or best version of Audi's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, or the six-speed auto for that matter. Acceleration is barely adequate in this price range. Braking, steering and handling are similarly uninspired.

Acceleration

6.0

Forget just luxury brands, even by compact SUV standards, the Q3's acceleration to 60 mph in 8 seconds is below average. It feels like it labors to merge into traffic, and the gas pedal has a nonlinear responsiveness to it.

Braking

7.0

In everyday driving, the medium-soft brake pedal feels vague and travels farther than we like. In simulated-panic stops from 60 mph, the Q3 required 122 feet to stop, a few feet longer than average. It also exhibits a minor amount of directional instability under heavy braking.

Steering

6.0

Other Audi vehicles have demonstrated that electric-assisted power steering doesn't have to feel as numb and disconnected as the Q3's does. Precision and highway stability are adequate. We expect better than just "adequate" from Audi.

Handling

6.0

The Q3 feels heavier and larger than it is thanks to soft suspension, lackluster responses and below-average grip limits. In sum, it doesn't feel sporty. The optional Sport package would likely help here.

Drivability

7.0

Lightweight steering and a small size make the Q3 easy to drive in the city, especially with the standard parking sensors and backup camera. It gobbles up highway miles with ease, but mountain roads not so much. The transmission has lazy reactions.

Off-road

7.0

With all-season tires, all-wheel drive and hill-descent control, the Q3 Quattro Premium Plus is more of a soft-roader or ski-weekend companion than an off-roader.

Comfort

8.5

It's pretty clear Audi was aiming for luxury rather than performance or driver engagement with the Q3. The standard leather seats are highly adjustable and above average in terms of comfort, while the ride is soft and the cabin is kept nice and quiet.

Seat comfort

8.5

The standard eight-way adjustable front seats (plus four-way lumbar) are fantastic for all-day driving duty. The rear seats don't have the ability to recline, but they offer decent room for two adults or three in a pinch.

Ride comfort

8.0

Our tester had optional 19-inch wheels (18s are standard) that sometimes upset the ride over certain types of bumps or uneven surfaces. The softly tuned suspension delivers a smooth and fuss-free ride on the highway.

Noise & vibration

8.5

Even during hard acceleration, there's minimal engine noise. Wind noise is also well-controlled. The hushed cabin is one of the Q3's best qualities.

Climate control

Dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats are standard. Although they don't have separate controls, rear-seat passengers will appreciate the rear air vents for circulation.

Interior

6.5

While attractive, the Q3's interior doesn't rise to the high standard set by Audi itself. There are a couple of ergonomic idiosyncrasies and some visibility challenges. Small doors make for tight rear-seat access.

Ease of use

7.5

Straightforward dual-zone climate control is a cinch to learn, and other controls are clearly labeled and easy to operate. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a car this small, controls are easily within the driver's reach. The dash-mounted infotainment controller is awkward to use, however.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

Keyless entry and ignition (standard on our Premium Plus model) works well, and large front doors make for easy access. The rear doors, though, are small, and bigger adults will have trouble getting in and out. The roof-mounted grab handles help.

Roominess

6.5

Compared to other subcompact crossovers that have a taller, less domelike roofline, the Q3 feels a bit confined. The interior measurements also come up short of the competition.

Visibility

6.5

Thick pillars and small side mirrors present some challenges for outward visibility. Driver aids such as a rearview camera and parking sensors are appreciated, and options like automated parking and blind-spot assist are recommended.

Quality

8.0

Even at this price point, the Q3 is typical Audi, with high build quality, tight panel gaps, solid door closings, and excellent interior materials and execution. We noticed some less than smooth painted surfaces normally hidden by closed doors or hatch.

Utility

6.0

You can't expect a whole lot of utility from a class that distinguishes itself by its super compact dimensions. Still, the cargo area will easily accommodate four duffel bags, and the LATCH anchors and tethers are easy to reach. The bin under the center armrest is small.

Technology

The Q3 isn't quite up to date in the field of high-tech toys. Unlike most of the other Audis in the lineup, it doesn't offer Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, though. Frontal collision warning with emergency automatic braking is also not available.

Which Q3 does Edmunds recommend?

There's no doubt about it: the Q3 in its base Premium trim is a heck of a deal. It's far less expensive than rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz and its list of standard features is more robust. Having said that, we'd opt at least for the Q3's Convenience package, which adds features you should expect from a luxury car, including keyless entry and a power liftgate. If you can pay a bit more, though, our recommended trim is the Premium Plus level, which adds that package plus blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights, and upgraded exterior and interior trim. The additions are worth the small price bump.

Compare 2018 Audi Q3 trim levels

2018 Audi Q3 models

Despite being the smallest and most affordable crossover in the lineup, the 2018 Audi Q3 is loaded with features even in the base Premium trim. But there's also the Premium Plus, which comes with even more. All Q3s are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and an all-wheel-drive system (Quattro) is available.

The Premium is very well equipped with standard features that include 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights and wipers, LED daytime running lights and taillights, silver roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, heated mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a monochrome driver information display, heated and eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), a 60/40-split folding rear seat, leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, Bluetooth, a charge-only USB port, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, an SD card slot, satellite radio and Audi's proprietary digital music interface with a Lightning (iPhone) adapter cable.

Upgrading to the Premium Plus adds the contents of the Premium's Convenience package (keyless entry and ignition, a power liftgate, an auto-dimming mirror and aluminum interior trim). It also includes LED headlights, aluminum exterior trim, power-folding exterior mirrors (with auto-dimming on the driver side) and blind-spot monitoring, which we think is invaluable given the Q3's large blind spots.

Two features packages are available for either trim (though the Premium must be ordered with the Convenience package). The Sport package adds 19-inch wheels, front sport seats, selectable driving modes and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The Audi MMI Navigation Plus package adds a navigation system with online services and a color driver information display.

Adding the Sport package to the Premium Plus opens the door to the Sport Plus package, which includes sportier exterior styling elements and a different wheel design.

The only option available for both trims are the unique wheels from the Sport Plus package. The Premium Plus can also be ordered with wood inlays (replacing the aluminum trim) and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$252/mo

$217/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

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Reliability

The 2018 Audi Q3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #13 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#13 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$625/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

1.66x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

9.5%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 19V385000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 97DK
Number of vehicles affected:: 23241
Defect Description:: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Audi Q3 vehicles equipped with LED headlights. An inoperable front turn signal may not illuminate an indicator, failing to alert the driver to the issue. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Defect Consequence:: Without an indicator informing the driver of an inoperable turn signal, the driver may turn or change lanes without a signal, increasing the risk of crash.
Corrective Action:: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the body control module (BCM), free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97DK.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / 10,000 miles

Audi Q3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

31 reviews

5(55%)

4(19%)

3(16%)

2(3%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 Q3 Features & Specs

Trim:

Premium

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$32,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$252/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Q3 models:

Audi Parking System Plus: Helps the Q3 park by sounding an alert when it approaches an object in front or behind the vehicle. Also includes a rearview camera.
Audi Side Assist: Illuminates a light on the side view mirror if a vehicle is in the Q3's blind spot. Sounds an alarm when the turn signal is activated.
Hill Descent Assist: Helps control the Q3 as it descends slippery slopes at low speeds. Stabilizes the vehicle by applying the brakes when traction is limited.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 Audi Q3 Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Technology

Which Q3 does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Audi Q3 models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Audi Q3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 Q3 Features & Specs

Safety

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