Audi The market is still dominated by crossovers, which keeps producers constantly innovating. No exception applies to Audi’s entry-level Q3 compact SUV, which, for the fourth year of its second generation, receives additional standard amenities and a better basic engine while having fewer available combinations than previously.
Audi eliminated the highest-spec “Prestige” trim for the 2021 model year, leaving the Premium 40, Premium 45, and Premium Plus 45 as the only available trims. Audi eliminated the 40 levels shortly after introducing its 2023 model year update, leaving just the Premium and Premium Plus trims powered by the same 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder.
This was a good choice for many people since they thought the standard engine was underpowered. The Q3 40 performed poorly, managing to pull a roughly 4,000-pound SUV with 184 horsepower. Now that all Q3s have 228 horsepower, the cost of entry has increased somewhat to reflect the higher basic specification.
Previously starting at $37,595, the Q3 40 Premium now has a base price of $39,895, which includes a $1,195 destination charge. A $2,300 price increase is reasonable, given the engine’s increased flexibility and power. The pricing is still comparable to most rivals, including the Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40. They are each priced at $39,595, $37,645, and $37,450, with destination fees included. However, only the Audi and BMW models are available with AWD as standard.
The difference in pricing between the two Q3 trims is $3,300. Parking sensors, a computerized driver’s display, heated, motorized leather seats, and a sunroof are included in the basic model. In addition to keyless entry, memory seats, a top-view camera, ambient lighting, and adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, they are included in the $43,195 Prestige trim, above the $39,895 Premium model. Unfortunately, additional charges apply for features like wireless Apple CarPlay and premium audio, even on the Prestige.
The Q3 makes up for its lack of raw horsepower with light, precise steering, snappy handling, and gentle braking. It prioritizes balanced performance and a comfortable ride quality above everything else, much like its bigger Q5 and Q7 brothers. However, unlike other vehicles, Audi doesn’t provide a real performance Q3 option. The BMW X1 could be a better option for those wanting a more engaging experience, even if few would find the Q3 to have obvious dynamic flaws. We anticipate a brand-new or heavily updated Q3 in the coming years, allowing Audi to market a performance version.
Performance: Audi Q3
Audi replaced the lower-spec 45 trim for the 2023 model year with the basic 40 trim and its comparatively underpowered 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while it may still be able to find a 40 at select dealers. The 45 has a more powerful four-cylinder engine, producing a decent 228 horsepower and 251 foot-pounds of torque while routing via an eight-speed automated gearbox.
According to Audi, the Q3 can reach 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, which is decent but not remarkably rapid in the class. For 2023, the X1’s 241-HP engine has been strengthened and boasts a 6.2-second 0-60 time. Although the German carmaker has a 394 horsepower RS model that is accessible in European countries, Audi regrettably does not provide a performance version of the Q3 in the United States.
Despite the increase in power, Audi does not grade the Q3 for towing. Therefore this vehicle cannot be trailered. However, if towing is your top priority, the Volvo XC40 and its 3,500-pound capability could be considered. Without respect to towing, every Audi Q3 has Quattro all-wheel drive and 6.7 inches of ground clearance, which is around 2 to 2.5 inches greater than its A3 sedan relative.
Fuel efficiency: Audi Q3
The fuel efficiency statistics for the 2023 Audi Q3 are not exceptional. The Q3 has a dismal rating of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the interstate, up to 24 mpg overall. Due to conventional mild hybrid technology, the Q5’s bigger sister, the Q3, achieves a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. However, the XC40 and GLA 250 4matic yield a combined 27 mpg, while the X1 delivers 28 mpg, in contrast to other crossovers of similar caliber.
Safety and driver support technology:
In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Q3 fared well in all crash-worthiness categories. However, it performed “acceptably” in the side impact test and “poorly” in the seat belt reminder test. For the 2022 model year, the IIHS did not grant the Q3 a Top Safety Pick ranking. Despite the IIHS’s verdict, the Q3 has a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2023 Q3 contains several collision-avoidance features, albeit several are optional. Its safety features include automatic high beams, lane departure alerts, frontal collision warnings, and emergency braking with pedestrian recognition (Pre-Sense front). Additionally, Audi offers Pre-Sense Basic, which locks the windows and sunroof and tightens the seatbelts. Additionally, but only on the Premium Plus model, features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and lane keep assist are available. On both models, rear-seat side airbags cost $350.
Comfort and Space
The standard 8-way power heated leather seats and panoramic sunroof on the Audi Q3 add luxury to an already comfortable vehicle. The Q3 performs well for its market despite specific practicality issues from its small form size.
The Q3 has 40.0 inches of front legroom and 39.6 inches of headroom. The X1 and the XC40 have 41.9 and 40.4, respectively, while the GLA has 39.0 and 41.0. However, the Q3’s adjustable rear seats are one nice feature. Rear seats in the Q3 can be folded and reclined 40-20-40, making transporting long objects like skis or a giant saxophone simple.
The XC40 and XC40 have 36.1 inches of rear seat legroom, with the X1 having slightly more at 37 inches and the GLA having the most at 38.4 inches.
Infotainment: Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 has a digital dashboard and a stylish 10.1-inch center screen with haptic feedback. The haptic feedback removes the need for a second or third look to confirm by physically alerting users when they have clicked on anything. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with the center display (non-wireless as standard). A wireless phone charging pad, now a standard feature for the ’23 model year, is below the screen.
A 680-watt, 15-speaker SONOS system is available in addition to the usual 10-speaker array of speakers. Unfortunately, the SONOS system is only offered with the Premium Plus trim’s $2,700 Technology package. You also get Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation with traffic sign recognition, and Audi’s stunning virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch screen across the dash) for that additional cost.
However, the $1,400 convenience package, including ambient inside lighting, still offers some fun for Premium customers.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With a length of 176.6 inches, the Audi Q3 surpasses the 177.2-inch BMW X1, the 174.2-inch Volvo XC40, and the 173.6-inch Mercedes GLA in class. But even though the Q3 is almost as long as the X1, it has far less inside storage. With the back seat in place, it is healthy for the class at 23.7 cubic feet, but 48 with it folded flat. Overall, the X1 is superior to those figures, with 27.1 cubic feet behind the back seats and 58.7 with the seats folded. The GLA offers 15.4 and 50.5 cubic feet, while the XC40 offers 16 and 46.9 cubic feet, less than all three.
Design: Audi Q3
The Audi Q3’s design aesthetic is pleasing and without controversy. It seems elegant and attractive but never extroverted, echoing the primary Audi family concept. The Q3 will easily merge into suburban streets because of its unfussy appearance. But customers can dress up their vehicles with Audi’s $1,700 “Black Optic” option, which includes sportier front seats, wider 19-inch wheels with all-season tires, black roof rails, and high-gloss black trim pieces.
The inside isn’t eye-catching but has an effectively integrated central screen and a digital driver’s display. Brown-gray natural wood inlays on the dashboard are available for $250 more. Volvo XC40 or a BMW X1 are two options for those seeking a more outgoing design.
Is the 2023 Audi Q3 Worth it?
Although the Audi Q3 is a good choice, its rivals are making it simple to ignore. The 2023 BMW X1 will be more practical, fuel-efficient, powerful, and accelerate quicker, all for $39,895, or only $300 less than the standard Q3. Another example is the Volvo XC40, which provides the ability to tow, more standard safety equipment, and greater fuel efficiency. Despite this, the Q3 nonetheless emits a certain amount of modern cachet thanks to its pleasingly clean exterior and interior designs.
The standard Premium trim with the optional Convenience Package, priced at $1,400, would be the best choice for those who like one. Luxury amenities like memory seats, keyless entry, a hands-free tailgate, power folding rearview mirrors, ambient lighting, and other features are included with the convenience package. This option would cost roughly $41,295; it would be $1,900 less than a Prestige.
How Much Does the Audi Q3 Cost to Insure?
The insurance costs for Q3 are on par with its rivals. Our findings show that a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate paying an average yearly premium for the Premium and the Premium Plus of $2,170 and $2,236, respectively. A comparable BMW X1 costs $2,172, a Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 costs about $2,205, a Volvo XC40 costs $1,850, and the performance-oriented XC40 R-Design costs just under $2,000.
Verdict
The Q3 is the second-cheapest Audi vehicle after the A3 sedan and is the lowest-cost crossover offered in the United States. The value offer of the tiny Audi is challenging to deny with a neat, dynamic style and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. It is tastefully done throughout and concentrates on doing the fundamentals well rather than trying to be something it is not. But when more aggressive competitors hit the market, such as the brand-new 2023 BMW X1, the Q3 starts falling behind them.
