The redesigned 2026 Audi Q3 marks the third generation of Audi’s subcompact luxury SUV, and it remains a value in the segment for just under $45,000, including destination fee. It sports sharper dynamic lighting that can be customized, and the broad grille and broader shoulders support the extra 20 horsepower from its revised turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The interior and its Digital Stage mark the most significant changes, and one of our three favorite things.
1. Streamlined Dashboard
Not only does the new Q3 boast the most wood Audi’s ever used on a dash, it replaces much of the smudgy gloss-black plastic from the past generation. The Digital Stage occupies the rest of the space, and it combines an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster under the same curved pane of glass as the 12.8-inch touchscreen. Yes, unfortunately, the climate controls migrate from buttons to the touchscreen, but the uncluttered dash feels much more premium than before.
The horizontal plane debuts a new steering wheel setup, where button-like half-stalks replace traditional stalks for both the turn indicator and the gear selector. They’re about the size of an earbud case, though thinner and lighter. It’s a subtle, almost diminutive contrast to Audi’s large-diameter wheel, allowing you to barely move a finger to nudge the indicator up or down, or to roll the wiper dial. On the opposite side, the gear selector operates the same, except you push the button in for the Park function. After a few drives, I not only got used to it but I preferred it. It’s effortless, which is one of the defining traits of luxury.
2. Excellent Graphics
As much as Audi loves its lighting, both the ambient cabin lights and the ways you can choose between several light signatures on the running lights and taillights, the brand’s graphics have always stood out above the rest. It’s even more pronounced on the Digital Stage, which runs on Android Automotive’s software. Beautifully integrated and crisply displayed, the graphics and their multitude of views and options feel future-forward without overwhelming the dash or cabin as a whole. I didn’t even pair my phone, preferring the native navigation and the views in the cluster or touchscreen instead of wireless CarPlay.
3. Driving Dynamics
The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is tuned to 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, giving it more pop once it’s running. The new Q3 is brisk and feels lighter than you’d expect for an SUV. The 2026 Audi Q3 can zip from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is quicker than rivals such as the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
A quick-acting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission replaces the clunky 8-speed of the previous generation, but it can be twitchy at low speeds and hesitant to downshift. It’s an improvement, but could use a bit more refining.
Read More on the 2026 Audi Q3
Read our full review of the Audi Q3 find this week’s Fair Purchase Price, or see Q3 models for sale near you.
