2021 Audi Q3 Review
Price Range: $19,158 - $26,998
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The 2021 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.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $23,475
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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- Top Prestige trim has been replaced by option packages for supporting trim levels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.
For sale near Columbus, OH
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- $21,990great price$2,683 below market
- 52,728 miles
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- 2,032 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in Portland, OR
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
- Features and Specs:
- 23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- WA1EECF38M1033896
- Stock:
- 2004976974
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 07-28-2026
- $24,990good price$1,365 below market
- 31,757 miles
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- 1,668 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in Phoenix, AZ
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
- Features and Specs:
- 23 Combined MPG (20 City/28 Highway)
- Listing Information:
- VIN:
- WA1EECF33M1053814
- Stock:
- 3006501007
- Certified Pre-Owned:
- No
- Listed since:
- 08-26-2026
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.8
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Audi Q3 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
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.
2021 Audi Q3 trim level differences
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. Compare the 2021 Audi Q3 trim levels in-depth.
Which Q3 trim 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.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$189/mo for Q3 Premium
Q3 Premium
vs
$228/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Reliability
The 2021 Audi Q3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. 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
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
1.66x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
9.5%
vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking 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:
- 22V673000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 20DS
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 13004
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assembly.
- Defect Consequence:
- A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect the internal vent pipe for damage and replace the charcoal canister and the fuel tank, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20DS.
- Recall Number:
- 21V606000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 69CR, 69CS
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 45496
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Defect Consequence:
- An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
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
Audi Q3 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(57%)
4(27%)
3(5%)
2(5%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fantastic vehicle
5 out of 5 starsKaren 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.
Value Value Value
5 out of 5 starsGG, 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.
I liked it on paper and in my test drive
4 out of 5 starsKaren, 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.
Fuel economy
4 out of 5 starsBob 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 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 Features & Specs
Premium
| Est. Market Value | $21,389 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $189/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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