2020 Audi Q3- A true luxury SUV with subcompact dimensions
- Brings the driving fun to the table without sacrificing the Downton Abbey
- The benchmark on how to do technology
- Pricing starts at $35,695 (including $995 destination charge) | Price yours
- On sale now | See Q3 models for sale near you
The New Recommendable King of Extra-Small Luxury SUVs
This latest version of the Audi Q3 came out earlier this year as all-new for the 2019 model year, but that was too late for it to compete in our 2019 Best Buy Awards derby. The 2019 Volvo XC40 walked away with both our Subcompact Luxury SUV Best Buy Award last year, and the added honor of being named Best New Model by our editors.
The first things we noticed on our S line Prestige package test car was the Turbo Blue exterior outfitted with 19.5-inch 5-twin-spoke wheels (18-inch 5-spoke wheels dress the base Premium models). The last thing we remembered about it was how the quality of the interior materials and the exacting fit of the exterior body panels reinforce Audi vehicles’ deserved reputation for being objects of desire.
Now, With Full-Force Luxury
One of the paramount reasons we were so impressed with the Q3 is that it does such a good job of playing the aristocrat. In the place where folks spend the most time judging their cars — the interior — the Audi Q3 stands tallest. Upscale design and leather seating surfaces come in as standard equipment at every level, as do a panoramic sunroof and heated 8-way-adjustable power front seats with lumbar support. These are things that you don’t always get as standard fare on a subcompact luxury SUV.
The quality of the small SUV’s ride and the quiet of its interior enhanced the feeling of sanctuary that the Q3 delivers. The tech is impressive on the standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 8.8-inch Audi MMI interface touch screen on the dash. Impressive turns into stunning, however, when you move up to the razor-sharp 12.3-inch display of the Audi virtual cockpit and 10.1-inch center touch screen that offers navigation clarity that’s been the industry best for years.
Deeper inside and further back, the Q3 bests the Volvo in cargo capacity as well, though one editor noted that you’d have to lift your cargo pretty high over the bumper to get packed. The cargo floor, admirably, was fairly flat even with the sliding, reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seatbacks folded down. And unless your 5-passenger family is a basketball team, all five occupants should have enough kneeroom and plenty of headroom.
Fun to Drive, Too
With a value-laden collection of luxury, safety, performance, and technology smarts even in the base models, the 2020 Audi Q3 knows how to tie a bow-tie and how to party. Standard quattro all-wheel drive matters for both performance and safety and every Q3 enjoys the benefits having all four wheels and tires reaching for optimal traction.
The sole engine is a 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that takes a few moments to get up on boost — even in driver-selectable Dynamic mode — but plays well in the torque curve’s sweet spot of 258 lb-ft between 1,700-4,400 rpm. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that’s ostensibly tuned for response and fuel economy, but left us scratching our heads about both and noticing some awkward, “jumpy” shifts.
Beyond that, the driving inputs were excellent. The seats were comfortable and supportive, as was the suspension setup — both ready for curves or cruising. From the cockpit, the Q3 steering felt light, but accurate, and the braking performance was serious and beautifully balanced to allow you to stop short like a rally driver or easy like a limo driver.
A Wealth of Value
Starting at around $36,000 (including a $995 destination charge) for the Audi Q3 Premium model, the Q3 line moves up to the Premium Plus for about $39,000, and well into the $40,000-plus range for the ultimate Q3 Prestige. When you consider that all-wheel drive comes included, the Q3 starts lower than many of its competitors, which include the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA in addition to the Volvo XC40. Over the years, this Audi will do a yeoman’s job of holding on to its resale value as well.
Standard safety features — a different kind of value proposition — include the crash-preparation features of Audi pre sense basic and the frontal-collision warning and automatic-braking capabilities of Audi pre sense front with pedestrian detection.
Photo Tour: 2020 Audi Q3
More 2020 Audi Q3
Build and price your own 2020 Audi Q3 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own and more, or check out the Q3 models for sale today at dealers near you.
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