2021 Audi Q3 Review
Price Range: $20,799 - $32,998
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+65
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Q3's compact dimensions and fastback roofline drastically reduce the available space inside compared with 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.
For sale nearby
60 listings
- $27,220fair price$149 above market
- 28,640 miles
- 1 Accident, 1 Owner, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- Universal Auto Group (24 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Silver Spring, MD
Our One Owner 2021 Audi Q3 Premium quattro in Pulse Orange invites you to do more on every drive! Motivated by a TurboCharged 2.0 Liter S line 4 Cylin...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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: WA1DECF36M1073423
Stock: 17327
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-30-2024 - $26,150great price$2,924 below market
- 42,574 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- Driveway (904 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Automatic Parking,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,He...
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: WA1EECF35M1155437
Stock: TDM1155437
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $21,299fair price$1,031 below market
- 60,994 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Rental vehicle
- 4cyl Automatic
- Enterprise Car Sales Montclair (2,239 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Montclair, CA
Transfer of vehicle from another location to your neighborhood Enterprise Car Sales may require payment of a non-refundable transfer fee to begin the ...
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1AUCF3XM1099609
Stock: 8C1LM0
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-11-2024 - $21,299good price$1,269 below market
- 58,451 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use only
- 4cyl Automatic
- Enterprise Car Sales Reseda (2,282 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Reseda, CA
Transfer of vehicle from another location to your neighborhood Enterprise Car Sales may require payment of a non-refundable transfer fee to begin the ...
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1AUCF38M1089788
Stock: 7VFBDV
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-09-2024 - $21,299fair price$1,017 below market
- 61,146 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Rental vehicle
- 4cyl Automatic
- Enterprise Car Sales Vista (2,238 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Vista, CA
Transfer of vehicle from another location to your neighborhood Enterprise Car Sales may require payment of a non-refundable transfer fee to begin the ...
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1AUCF31M1095982
Stock: 7VGLQS
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-09-2024 - $25,009good price$1,620 below market
- 39,796 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- DARCARS Volkswagen Fairfax (15 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
2021 Audi Q3 Premium S Line quattro CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX.Chronos Gray Metallic 10 Speakers, Alloy wheels, AM/FM radio, Wheels: 18 5-Twin-Spo...
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: WA1DECF3XM1121134
Stock: P1D0845
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-18-2024 - $25,980good price$1,334 below market
- 25,317 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- Driveway (212 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Verona, NJ
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Lea...
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: WA1DECF32M1112167
Stock: SL007626A
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $28,102fair price$296 below market
- 18,181 miles
- No accidents, 1 Owner, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- Driveway (207 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Maplewood, NJ
CarFax No Accidents Reported,CarFax 1-Owner,Low Mileage,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Hea...
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: WA1DECF3XM1136832
Stock: MDR24452
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $26,292good price$1,578 below market
- 31,669 miles
- No accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use
- 4cyl Automatic
- Driveway (2,315 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Oxnard, CA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Seats,Keyless...
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:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WA1BUCF36M1113297
Stock: M1113297P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2021 Audi Q3 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
- Top Prestige trim has been replaced by option packages for supporting trim levels
- Some previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the second Q3 generation introduced for 2019
Overview
With its Q3, Audi was one of first automakers to introduce an extra-small luxury SUV. Now in its second generation that debuted a couple of years ago, the Q3 is more affordable than Audi larger Q5's but has nearly all of the same convenience, technology and safety features. It's a smart way to get an Audi without blowing up your budget. This year, Audi discontinued the Q3's previous top Premium trim but made its features available on the two remaining models as options. It's a nice move that should give you a little more flexibility to get exactly what you want.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.01 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$147/mo for Q3 Premium
Q3 Premium
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Alternatives to the Q3 include the sporty BMW X1 and a pair of related Mercedes-Benzes, the GLA and the GLB. Compared to the Audi Q3, these rival SUVs are similarly capable but seem to do everything just a little bit better. It's a very close battle, however. Want to know more? Check out our Expert Rating for our detailed evaluation on this year's Q3.
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 with 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.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8/10
How does the Q3 drive? The 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 X1.
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 provide eight-way adjustment to find the perfect position and four-way power lumbar adjustment 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.
The front seats provide eight-way adjustment to find the perfect position and four-way power lumbar adjustment 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.
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.
Technology
9/10
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.
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 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.
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? An EPA rating of 22 mpg combined puts the Q3 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 comparable 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 is 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?
The 2021 Audi Q3's base Premium trim is a solid pick. But if you're looking to push past entry-level luxury we suggest stepping up to the Premium Plus trim. It costs more but you get a lot more convenience features, some desirable safety features and access to adaptive cruise control.
2021 Audi Q3 models
The 2021 Audi Q3 is available in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus. Both are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.
The base Premium trim is well appointed with standard feature highlights that include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Power liftgate
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Digital gauge cluster
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated front seats
- 8.8-inch infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- A handful of advanced safety features:
- Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
- Automatic high beams
The Premium Plus adds several convenience items that include:
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
- Power-folding mirrors
- Keyless entry
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Wireless changing pad with signal booster
- Universal garage door opener
- Satellite radio
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Some of the Premium Plus features can be added to the Premium trim through the available Convenience package. The Premium Plus trim is also eligible for:
- The Parking Assistance package
- An automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
- A surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- The Technology package
- A larger digital instrument panel cluster
- Integrated navigation system
- 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Remote control and monitoring through a smartphone app
- Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
- Traffic sign reader
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings 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
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi Q3 from 2008-2022.$625/yr
vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.66x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.5%
vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Audi Q3.
5 star(57%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(8%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic vehicle
Karen Keane, 04/13/2021
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.
4 out of 5 stars
I liked it on paper and in my test drive
Karen, 08/16/2020
2020 Audi Q3 Prestige S line 4dr SUV AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I went down the black hole of car reviews for two years or more. I buy cars outright then keep them for a very long time. I owned my last two for 15 years each. I really like the all wheel drive and blind spot monitor. The seats are a little firm but comfortable, visibility is good, the back seat is built for adults and there is plenty of door pocket storage and the trunk is a good size. … The a/c works well, I like the ability to change the dash display depending on my needs, plus it's fun to drive with enough pick-up to merge easily, and sticks on the corners with the all wheel drive. I've been pleasantly surprised at how stable it feels in a turn and on snow. It also doesn't lean much in the corners. The cons are I still haven't gotten my Android Auto to send my voice texts and no one at Audi can tell me how to do it short of "just plug it in". I've found neither the sales staff or IT department at the dealership can help solve those problems as they seem only to know the basics. For instance, my email address changed and no one could tell me how to update it in the car. I've had more luck with Audi USA IT department, (to update: the son of a salesman straightened out my Android Auto. It will text and make phone calls which is not as nice as the full service function but works well enough for me and saves the $400 per year fee). The 6 month Audi Connect service touted in all the advertising, which works as one would expect (permitting you to reply and create text messages and emails by voice, reading text and emails to you, make calls, find a restaurant, etc,) expires the Android system will connect to Google Maps but nothing else. I was assured Android Auto would work with the same functionality as my phone...but it does not. I'd like to see the interface between the technology work much better. I think the Apple link is better. It is surprising not to have memory seats in a premium model car, considering my 2003 Saab has them. It would have been nice to have a heated steering wheel option, and the manual seems to be made for every Q3 on the planet so it takes a while to figure out what your car comes equipped with and what is doesn't and is confusing. My final criticism is I don't know if the automatic lift gate has a sensor to stop it when closing if my arm is in the way. I've been too chicken to test it. My enjoyment, however, far outweighs my complaints, and I find I look forward to hopping into my car as I've gotten to know it over the past year. I feel much safer with electronic eyes keeping a lookout as well as mine, although keep in mind they are not infallible. All in all, it's a user friendly car and I think I'll give 5 stars as soon as I get more of my Android Auto functions untangled. Finally, I live in a city with lots of pot holes and sharp objects on the street. I got the tire and wheel 60 month warranty and it's one of the best things I did as I've had to replace 2 tires already ($400 each retail).
Update: I've gotten the Android link to work quite well. Once I'm plugged in, I can ask Google to find a gas station, send a text, call a number, navigate to xxxx, etc. I need to be sure my phone is unlocked for it to work is the only step to remember. Very useful.
5 out of 5 stars
Value Value Value
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Definite bang for the buck – with some caveats
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.)
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Audi Q3, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q3 since its last redesign.
2021 Audi Q3 video
Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?
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.
2021 Q3 Highlights
Premium
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $147/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 23.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Q3 models:
- Audi Pre Sense Front
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and automatically applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Audi Side Assist
- Notifies you if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot. Includes lane departure warning as well.
- Top View Camera
- Provides a top-down 360-degree view of the Q3 that makes parking maneuvers easier. Included with the Prestige trim level.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedMarginal
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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