2019 Audi Q3 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Packed with modern technology features
- Interior is lined with high-quality materials
- Quiet cabin and comfortable ride quality
- More passenger room than most subcompact SUVs
Cons
- Lackluster fuel economy
- Limited in-cabin storage
- Not much fun to drive
What's new
- New platform with longer wheelbase and more interior room
- New interior and exterior design features better ergonomics and technology
- Part of the second Q3 generation introduced for 2019
Audi was a pioneer of the subcompact SUV class when it introduced its Q3 back in 2015. Since then, many more automakers have come out with pint-size models. To keep up with the competition, Audi has fully redesigned its Q3 for 2019. And this time around, the Q3 gains a few inches in wheelbase and overall length, which in turn increases rear passenger legroom and cargo capacity.
One drawback to the previous-generation model was subpar acceleration and handling. This new Q3 shows promise since it gains a more powerful engine making 228 horsepower. In our initial testing, we've found the Q3 accelerates smoothly and quickly. The Q3's standard all-wheel-drive system is transparent to the driver and will send most of its power to the front wheels during most driving scenarios. As the rear wheels are always engaged, they can come into play to provide additional traction as needed.
The styling of the Q3 has also been updated. The sharper design motif picks up hints from the all-electric e-tron SUV. It's also all-new on the inside, with heavy influence from other recently redesigned (and more expensive) Audi models. Unfortunately, that also means the Q3 gets the latest MMI infotainment system. It's not as easy to use as before, and the screen is lower on the dash, which can require you to take your eyes off the road more than you like.
Still, our initial impressions of the 2019 Audi Q3 remain very favorable. It has the goods to take on our favorite crossovers in the class: the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40. While they all have potent performance and are easy to drive, the Q3 gains an advantage for its standard all-wheel drive and overall comfort. Luckily for you, they're all commendable choices and deserve your consideration.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.8 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 7.5 |
| Technology | 9.0 |
Driving
8.0The Q3 is more interested in delivering comfort than thrills. Our test Q3 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 X2.
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 X2.
Comfort
8.0The 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 optional S Line leather sport seats have a drop to them, almost like buckets. They provide eight-way adjustment to find the perfect position and four-way power lumbar for long trips. The controls are clearly labeled and well within reach. It takes a moment to adjust to the location of each button, but you don't have to fish through the infotainment system. The heated seats take a few minutes to warm up and never get as hot as others in the class.
The optional S Line leather sport seats have a drop to them, almost like buckets. They provide eight-way adjustment to find the perfect position and four-way power lumbar for long trips. The controls are clearly labeled and well within reach. It takes a moment to adjust to the location of each button, but you don't have to fish through the infotainment system. The heated seats take a few minutes to warm up and never get as hot as others in the class.
Interior
8.0The 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.
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.
Utility
7.5The 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 to 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.
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 to 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.
Technology
9.0With 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 will sometimes brake too late and prompt the driver to take over.
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 will sometimes brake too late and prompt the driver to take over.
Which Q3 does Edmunds recommend?
Since there aren't any engine differences between Q3 trims, we suggest picking the base Premium trim. It has plenty of standard features such as leather upholstery and an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. If you like, add the Convenience package that contains the more notable Premium Plus items.
2019 Audi Q3 models
The 2019 Audi Q3 is offered in three trims. The base Premium model comes with all of the trappings found in any luxury SUV while the Premium Plus pads on several creature comforts and advanced safety and tech features. For both of these trims, an available S Line submodel adds larger wheels and sporty body treatments. The top-of-the-line Prestige S Line trim comes complete with some advanced driver assistants, more tech features and premium audio.
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