2026 Audi Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro Review
The Audi Q3 is back for 2026, and this new generation brings noticeable improvements across design, technology, interior quality, and driving dynamics. Positioned as Audi’s compact premium SUV, the Q3 sits below the Q5 and Q7 and competes directly with rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. With its latest update, Audi clearly aims to make the Q3 feel sharper, more premium, and more tech-focused than before, while still keeping it practical for everyday family use.
Below is a well-organised, detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about the new Audi Q3, based closely on real-world observations and on-road impressions.
Positioning and Body Styles
The Audi Q3 is the entry point into Audi’s SUV lineup.
Sits below the Audi Q5 and Q7
Competes with BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA
Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Cupra Terramar
Available in two body styles
Standard SUV
Q3 Sportback with a coupe-style sloping roof
The Sportback is around 3 cm lower in roof height and is chosen mainly for design preference. Boot space remains identical between the SUV and Sportback in standard form.
Engine Options and Performance
Audi offers a wide range of powertrains to suit different needs.
Petrol Engines
1.5 TFSI mild-hybrid
Entry-level engine
Focused on efficiency
0–62 mph in around 9.1 seconds
2.0 TFSI
Up to 265 horsepower
Quattro all-wheel drive
0–62 mph in 5.7 seconds
Feels quick and responsive, comparable to a hot hatch in real-world driving
Diesel Engine
2.0 TDI option available for buyers prioritising long-distance efficiency
Plug-in Hybrid
Based on 1.5 TFSI engine
Battery size around 20 kWh
Claimed efficiency up to 148 mpg with charged battery
0–62 mph in around 6.8 seconds
Minimal price difference compared to petrol versions in some markets
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy depends heavily on the chosen engine.
2.0 TFSI petrol
Around 32 mpg claimed
Real-world driving closer to high 20s mpg US
1.5 TFSI mild-hybrid
Around 39 mpg US
Around 47 mpg UK
Plug-in hybrid
Extremely efficient for short commutes when charged regularly
Driving Experience
The Audi Q3 delivers a refined and confident drive.
Ride and Handling
Comfortable suspension setup
Optional adaptive suspension with dual-valve dampers
Reduced body roll compared to previous generation
Feels more like a sporty hatchback than a tall SUV
Steering and Refinement
Direct steering with good feedback
Stable at motorway speeds
Well-insulated cabin
Dual-laminated glass in front improves noise isolation
Wheel Size Impact
20-inch wheels look great but reduce ride comfort on rough roads
Smaller wheels offer a better balance of comfort and control
Advanced Lighting Technology
Audi’s lighting tech stands out, especially at night.
Digital Matrix LED headlights
Adaptive light carpet projected onto the road
Light guidance that follows steering input
Lane and distance indication at night
Visible to other road users, enhancing awareness and safety
Exterior Design Changes for 2026
Audi has refreshed the Q3’s styling without completely reinventing it, which should appeal to existing Q3 buyers.
Front Design
Single-frame Audi grille is now slightly higher and wider
Large honeycomb pattern with blacked-out finish
Slim daytime running lights with customizable light signatures
Main headlights positioned lower in the bumper
Large flat Audi rings with sensors hidden behind
Forward-facing camera placed below the badge
Side Profile
Slightly longer overall length at 4,530 mm, mainly due to a longer bonnet
Conventional door handles that are easy to use
Improved aerodynamics with a claimed drag coefficient of 0.30
Rear Design
Full-width LED light strip
Cascading indicator effect
Optional OLED rear lights with customizable patterns
Illuminated Audi badge, which divides opinion but adds visual flair
Wheels and Paint Options
New wheel designs
18-inch wheels standard on Sport trim
19-inch wheels on S-line
Optional 20-inch wheels with self-leveling center caps
11 exterior colours available, including new shades
Madiera Brown
Sage Green
Progressive Red
Malpo Blue
Interior Design and Build Quality
Audi has focused heavily on improving perceived quality inside the Q3.
Dashboard and Materials
Soft-touch dashboard surfaces
Microfiber inserts with laser-style perforation
Choice of aluminium or wood trim
Ambient lighting throughout the cabin
Steering Wheel and Controls
Multiple steering wheel designs available
Flat-bottom and round options
Perforated leather or animal-free alternatives
Capacitive buttons with tactile feedback
New Gear Selector Layout
Gear selector moved from centre console to steering column
Push up for reverse, down for drive, button for park
Indicator stalk on the left
Wiper control now a rotary wheel
Takes time to get used to but frees up centre console space
Infotainment and Technology
Technology is one of the biggest upgrades in the 2025 Audi Q3.
Screen Setup
12-inch digital driver display
13-inch central infotainment touchscreen
Android-based operating system
Faster and smoother than before
Connectivity
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Integrated App Store
Satellite navigation with multiple display views
CarPlay maps can be mirrored in the driver display
Google Maps works best via Android Auto
Climate Controls
No physical climate buttons
Climate functions always visible at the bottom of the screen
Changing airflow direction opens a separate menu, temporarily hiding navigation
Parking and Driver Assistance
3D bird’s-eye parking camera
Rotatable 3D car view
Advanced driver assistance systems
Motorway self-driving assistance that handles acceleration, braking, and lane control
Front Seat Comfort and Practicality
Two main seat types
Standard seats
Sport seats with enhanced shoulder support
Upholstery options range from fabric to microfiber and leatherette combinations
Front seats include ISOFIX mounting, allowing a child seat in the front if required
Excellent driving position with wide adjustment
Steering wheel adjusts for height and reach
Storage Solutions
Two cup holders
Ventilated wireless charging pad that cools the phone
Two USB-C ports
Large central storage bin
Spacious door pockets
Rear Seat Comfort
The Q3 offers a comfortable rear experience for its size.
Good headroom, even for taller passengers
Adequate legroom, improved with seat recess design
Large transmission tunnel affects middle-seat foot space
Rear AC vents with separate temperature controls
Two USB-C charging ports
ISOFIX mounts for child seats
Quality materials overall, though some scratchy plastics remain
Netted seatback pockets look basic and cannot conceal valuables
Boot Space and Practicality
Practicality remains a strong point for the Audi Q3.
Boot Capacity
Standard petrol and diesel models
488 litres (reduced from earlier 535 litres due to standard premium audio subwoofer under the floor)
Plug-in hybrid model
375 litres
Boot Features
Height-adjustable boot floor
Underfloor storage
Hooks to secure shopping bags
Storage pockets on both sides
Wide loading opening
Flexible Rear Seats
40:20:40 split rear seats
Rear seats slide forward and backward
Boot capacity can increase from 488 litres to around 575 litres by sliding seats forward
Seatbacks can recline for added passenger comfort
Seats cannot be folded from the boot; folding is done from the seat sides
This flexibility allows buyers to balance passenger legroom and luggage capacity as needed.
Pricing Overview
Pricing is where the Audi Q3 becomes more controversial.
Base price starts around €45,000
Sportback body style adds roughly €1,500
Plug-in hybrid versions around €49,000
Fully loaded 2.0 TFSI with all options can reach €77,000
At higher trims, pricing overlaps with larger SUVs, making leasing offers and market-specific incentives an important factor.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Audi Q3 is a clear improvement over its predecessor. It looks sharper, feels more premium inside, offers advanced technology, and delivers strong driving dynamics. While it is not cheap, it delivers the quality, refinement, and badge value buyers expect from Audi.
If you are looking for a compact premium SUV that balances style, performance, and everyday usability, the new Audi Q3 remains one of the strongest options in its segment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Audi Q3
Is the new Audi Q3 available in both SUV and Sportback body styles?
Yes, the new generation Audi Q3 is offered in two body styles. One is the classic SUV with a more upright design, and the other is the Q3 Sportback, which has a coupe-style sloping roof. The Sportback is around 3 cm lower, but the standard boot capacity remains the same, making it a design-focused choice rather than a practical compromise.
How is the Audi Q3 related to the Volkswagen Tiguan and Cupra Terramar?
The Audi Q3 shares its platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Cupra Terramar. All three models are closely related under the Volkswagen Group and are even built in the same factory. Despite this, the Q3 stands out with its Audi-specific design, interior quality, and driving character.
What engine options are available in the new Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 offers a wide range of engines. These include a 1.5 TFSI petrol as the entry-level option, a more powerful 2.0 TFSI with up to 265 horsepower and all-wheel drive, a 2.0 TDI diesel, and a plug-in hybrid based on the 1.5 TFSI with a battery size of around 20 kWh.
How fast is the top-spec Audi Q3?
The quickest version of the Audi Q3 is powered by the 2.0 TFSI engine with 265 horsepower and quattro all-wheel drive. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds, making it feel more like a sporty hatchback than a traditional SUV.
What is the boot capacity of the new Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 offers around 490 litres of boot space in standard configuration. The rear seats can slide forward and backward and their backrests can be adjusted, allowing more cargo space when needed. With the seats fully folded, the load length extends up to around 1.73 metres.
Does the Audi Q3 come with adaptive suspension?
Yes, the Audi Q3 can be equipped with optional adaptive suspension using a dual-valve damper system. This setup improves comfort over potholes while keeping the car stable and controlled, especially at higher speeds or during dynamic driving.
What makes the interior of the new Audi Q3 stand out?
The interior of the new Audi Q3 focuses on premium materials and solid build quality. It features soft-touch surfaces, microfiber inserts with laser-style perforation, multiple steering wheel options, ventilated wireless charging, and a redesigned centre console that feels more spacious and practical.
How advanced is the infotainment system in the Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 uses a new Android-based infotainment system that is quicker and more responsive than before. It includes a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a large central touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and the ability to display navigation maps directly in the driver’s display.
What is special about the Audi Q3 lighting technology?
The Audi Q3 offers advanced digital matrix LED headlights. These can project guidance light patterns onto the road at night, follow steering movements, indicate lane positioning, and even show distance warnings to other vehicles, enhancing both visibility and safety.
How expensive is the new Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 starts at around €45,000 for the base version. The Sportback body style costs roughly €1,500 more. Plug-in hybrid variants are priced around €49,000, while a fully loaded 2.0 TFSI with all options can reach close to €77,000, depending on market and specifications.
