2025 Audi Q3

The Q3 is the most affordable new Audi SUV. Yet it still packs plenty of typical Audi qualities, including smart design inside and out, with top-notch cabin materials. Although there are fresher, faster and roomier rivals, the Q3 retains its cool charm.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q3.

A Black Optic Plus package becomes available with the more powerful 45 TSFI engine, bringing 19-inch alloy wheels and various other exterior elements finished in black, along with Audi Sport front seats with red stitching, plus stainless steel pedal caps. This second-generation Q3 debuted for 2019, so there’s a good chance that an all-new Q3 could arrive for the 2026 model year.

The best-selling variant is the Premium Plus 45 TSFI, the priciest Q3. And we’d recommend that version as well. A lot of Audi vehicles have a higher Prestige trim, but we’d still suggest Premium Plus as a good balance between equipment and cost.

Other top-selling subcompact SUVs include the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40, all of which begin higher than the Q3.

Before buying a new Q3 SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values are average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The most popular drivetrain is the more powerful of the two available in the Q3 (the 45 TSFI). It makes 228 horsepower and enables a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. Compared with the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, that kind of performance is more respectable than remarkable.

Even so, we’ve found that the Audi Q3 is most definitely comfortable and refined enough for long journeys and in-town errands alike. The miles melt away, helped by supportive seats. Outward vision is good, and with blind-spot monitoring as standard, there’s plenty of reassurance. It might take some initial tweaking to settle on the ideal driving position, but once it’s dialed in, it’s fine. We do think keen drivers and corner-carvers ought to check out the BMW X1, though. The 2025 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 has a tendency to become clunky — not what we expect from a premium product. Be gentler on the gas pedal, though, and the issue dissipates.

The Q3’s base drivetrain makes 184 horsepower, on the low side compared with similar rivals.

Fuel Economy

Returning 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving puts the Q3 45 TSFI in the lower reaches. For example, the BMW X1 xDrive28i achieves 28 mpg combined, while the equivalent Mercedes-Benz GLA is just one mile per gallon behind. However, the Q3 is fine with regular gasoline, while the others require pricier premium. The Q3 40 TSFI runs to 25 mpg combined.

Despite being the most affordable new Audi SUV, the 2025 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.

Rear legroom of 36.1 inches is exactly the same as the Volvo XC40, but not quite as generous as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Nevertheless, we still found there’s enough space for an adult male of average size, with someone of the same dimensions sitting up front. The reclining rear seats also slide forward and back, with nearly half a foot 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. In what is a recurring theme, these dimensions are beaten by the X1, GLA, and XC40.

Becoming an Audi owner is always a statement to the wider world that here’s someone with an eye for design. It’s a big part of the marque’s overall appeal. The Q3’s styling remains representative of Audi’s visual vocabulary.

The roof rails are aluminum by default. The optional Black Optic Sport 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 two exterior paint choices that don’t cost extra, but one of those is orange. The other is Arkona White.

All-wheel drive
Standard in every Q3 SUV, all-wheel drive is something of an Audi hallmark. In our experience, it sure helps with confidence in rough weather.

Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance
This is standard across the Q3 lineup, easing the workload on long freeway stretches. We’ve found it works well enough.

Infotainment system
The standard infotainment system employs an 8.8-inch touchscreen, includes phone integration, and is easy to use.

10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit
This digital driver information display is standard in the Q3, contributing to the tech-rich feel of the cabin.

Hands-free tailgate operation
Standard with the Premium Plus trim, we always appreciate the convenience and usefulness of this feature.

Technology package
An options bundle with the Premium Plus trim, this brings a larger (12.3-inch) digital driver information display, larger infotainment touchscreen (10.1-inch), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, road sign recognition, navigation, satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. We recommend going for this if the budget allows.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is at the heart of both 2025 Q3 drivetrains. In the 40 TSFI, it produces an adequate 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TSFI enjoys 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Both connect to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard across the range.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included for four years. This is typical among European luxury car manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The Q3 has earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It had a tougher time in a couple of updated crash tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but still took top scores of Good in most main categories.