Used 2022 Audi Q3

The 2022 Audi Q3 is the most affordable way of getting into a new Audi SUV/crossover. Since it’s smaller than the Q5, the Q3 is theoretically a subcompact crossover. It doesn’t seem right describing it as such because it feels much roomier than that. Yet it competes in the same class as the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Volvo XC40 — all entry-level premium small crossovers.

How long has the Audi Q3 been around? This second generation debuted for the 2019 model year. In 2020, we gave it our Best Buy award for the luxury subcompact SUV class. There’s plenty of justification for our recommendation. The Q3 is a quality machine that’s both tech-rich and user-friendly. And most people can agree that it’s stylish, especially compared with the rather conservative efforts of its German rivals.

For trundling around the city and suburbs, the lower-output 40 TSFI setup could be just fine. For longer trips and freeway stretches, we’d prefer the 45 TSFI’s 228 horsepower. And the Audi Q3 is definitely comfortable and refined enough for long journeys.

It might take some initial tweaking over several miles to settle on the ideal driving position, but once it’s dialed in, the miles should melt away. Outward vision is good, and now that blind-spot monitoring is standard, there’s plenty of reassurance.

Keen drivers and corner-carvers really ought to look elsewhere, though. The 2022 Q3 appeals to those who prefer their luxury vehicles on the cosseting side. The only real wrong note comes from the transmission. Under heavy acceleration, the gearshift action tends to become clunky — not what we expect from a premium product. Be gentler on the gas, though, and the issue dissipates.

Despite being the least expensive Audi SUV/crossover, the 2022 Q3 doesn’t cut corners with interior design or quality of materials. There’s that same clutter-phobic approach as in bigger and pricier Audi models. This year adds Aluminum Spectrum trim accents as standard, while both trims offer matte-finished brown-gray natural wood inlays.

The Q3’s roomy cabin provides plenty of passenger space. How much rear legroom is in the Audi Q3? It’s 36.1 inches, exactly the same as the XC40, but not quite as generous as the X1 and GLA-Class. Still enough for an adult male of average size, with someone of the same dimensions in the seat up front. The rear seat also slides forward and back, with nearly six inches of travel. And a couple of indentations in the ceiling maximize rear headroom.

The luggage area behind the rear seats is 23.7 cubic feet. Fold them down for a total cargo space of 48 cubic feet. That’s pretty good for the class.

Becoming an Audi owner is always a statement to the wider world that here’s someone with an eye for design. It’s part of the marque’s overall appeal. Since this generation of Q3 is still fresh, the styling represents where the company’s visual vocabulary is at right now.

The roof rails are aluminum by default; the optional Black Optic package changes them to, predictably, black — along with other exterior elements like the grille and wheels.

Speaking of wheels, both trims have 18-inch alloys as standard, with 19-inch multi-spoke rims on the options list. Audi offers three exterior paint choices that don’t cost extra (the others are $595), but one of those is orange.

MIB 3
This strange term is the name of the updated infotainment system in the 2022 Q3. It uses chips that are 10 times faster than before, enabling better download speeds for the Wi-Fi, and includes Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus a hybrid radio function — if the Q3 loses radio signal, the system automatically locks on to the web-based streaming channel. Once back in the range, normal radio service is resumed.

TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE
Admittedly, this is an additional expense that’s only available with the top Premium Plus trim. But it does bring all those great items that seem so right in an Audi, such as the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital driver information display, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with handwriting recognition, and a wonderful Bang & Olufsen sound system.

It’s decidedly luxurious even at the lowest trim level. The 2022 Q3 comes with leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, powered tailgate, powered panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, 10.25-inch driver information display, and selectable driving modes.

Safety features include hill descent control, forward-collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, front/rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. And the updated infotainment system has an 8.8-inch touchscreen and four USB ports (including Type-C), plus Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

Premium Plus now comes with a top-view/360-degree camera system. It also adds keyless entry/ignition, adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist (see our Safety section), self-dimming rearview mirror, wireless charging, phone signal booster, and hands-free tailgate operation.

The optional Convenience package for Premium trim (which used to provide some of the newly standard items) now includes 8-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, self-dimming/power-folding side mirror with memory, and a garage door opener. Premium Plus is eligible for a self-parking system, plus the aforementioned Technology package which also includes navigation, Wi-Fi, road sign recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is at the heart of both 2022 Q3 drivetrains. In the 40 TSFI, it produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TSFI enjoys 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Both link up to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive (always referred to by Audi as quattro) is standard across the range. Regular gasoline is perfectly adequate.

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 (40 TSFI)
184 horsepower
221 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg

Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 (45 TSFI)
228 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 mpg