Model research hub
Audi Q3
MotorTrend titles its verdict Proper Audi, Imperfect Luxury, saying the all-new 2026 Q3 finally feels like a proper Audi and is a big improvement from the outgoing generation, adopting Audi's Digital Stage dashboard with an 11.9-inch gauge display and 12.9-inch touchscreen, the same interface that first arrived in the 2025 Q5. Ultimate Specs lists the redesigned Q3's 2.0 TFSI quattro engine at 265 hp. Car and Driver says Audi's Q3 subcompact SUV has been a success in the U.S., and the redesigned 2026 model is poised to build on that popularity.
MotorTrend's verdict on the redesign
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) titles its review Proper Audi, Imperfect Luxury, saying that changes for 2026 as an all-new Q3 hits the market and feels like a proper Audi, and that the new Q3 is a big improvement from the outgoing generation. It says the Q3 adopts Audi's Digital Stage dashboard, combining an 11.9-inch gauge display with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a new user interface that first arrived in the 2025 Q5.
Engine output
Ultimate Specs (opens in a new tab) lists the 2026 Audi Q3's 2.0 TFSI quattro engine at 265 hp.
Market position
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Audi's Q3 subcompact SUV has been a success in the U.S., and the 2026 Q3 is poised to build on that popularity.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the 2026 Audi Q3 have?
Ultimate Specs (opens in a new tab) lists the 2.0 TFSI quattro engine at 265 hp.
Is the 2026 Audi Q3 all-new?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says yes, an all-new Q3 for 2026 that's a big improvement from the outgoing generation.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Audi Q3 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 255 horsepower across its compact luxury SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 1 trim.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 Q3 seats 5 and is a Compact luxury SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Q3.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Audi Q3
MY2026 is a full third-generation redesign, radically simplified to a single US trim: S line quattro, powered by a 255-hp turbo four (up from the outgoing range's 184/228-hp tunes) through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro AWD.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
7 indexed Audi Q3 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi Q3 | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Audi Q3 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Audi Q3 | 2025 record → | |
| 2024 Audi Q3 | 2024 record → | |
| 2023 Audi Q3 | 2023 record → | |
| 2022 Audi Q3 | 2022 record → | |
| 2020 Audi Q3 | 2020 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Audi Q3.
The Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV produced by Audi since 2011. The Q3 has a transverse-mounted front engine. It was unveiled in April 2007 at the Shanghai motor show.
- Safety
- Euro NCAP tested the Audi Q3, 5-door Compact SUV with front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard and scored it accordingly:
- Production
- On 2011-06-07, Audi announced the production of Audi Q3 began at SEAT factory in Martorell, located in Spain's Catalonia region, with annual production of approximately 100,000 Q3 units. In 1998, the production facility was chosen as the "Best Factory of the VW Group in the first quarter".
- Marketing
- As part of Audi A3 launch in China, Audi Q3 Trans China Tour 2011 began in 2011-10-15, featuring roughly 160 participants driving Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic (211PS) in a 16-stage 5,700 kilometres (3,542 miles) route starting from Beijing to Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guilin, and ending in Hong Kong.
- Features
- There are three suspension designs for the third-generation Q3. Instead of the shifter being mounted on the centre console it is mounted on the steering column. Additional features include a 12-speaker system, ambient lighting on the doors, a 12-inch infotainment system, a 11.9-inch digital cluster, and a 15w phone charger.
- Powertrain
- There were four powertrain options were confirmed at launch. These include 1.5 and 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 petrol engines, a 2.0-litre diesel engine, and the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. These engines are shared with the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan.
Source: Audi Q3 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Audi Q3 at a glance
- Production
- 2011–present
- Model years
- 2012–present, 2015–present (North America)
- Class
- Subcompact luxury crossover SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (quattro)
NHTSA rated the 2025 Audi Q3 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- April 2026, Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2026 Q3 vehicles. Incorrect software may allow remote sunroof closing from a distance that prevents the operator from clearly seeing the sunroof. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of… Consequence: Closing the sunroof without the ability to see it can increase the risk of injury to occupants.
- February 2025, Back Over Prevention:Software. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such… Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- April 2024, Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7… Consequence: A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Audi Q3, most often about tires (1), engine (1), fuel/propulsion system (1).
Year by year
The Audi Q3 across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Audi Q3 | 24 | $2,700 | 1 | |||
| 2026 Audi Q3 | 25 | $2,500 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2025 Audi Q3 | 23–25 | $3,100–$3,350 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Audi Q3 | 23–25 | $2,500–$2,700 | 2 | 2 | 18 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Audi Q3 | 24–25 | $2,500–$2,600 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Audi Q3 | 24–26 | $2,400–$2,600 | 2 | 5 | 5 stars | |
| 2021 Audi Q3 | 23–25 | $2,500–$2,700 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Audi Q3 | 22 | $2,850 | 1 | 2 | 64 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Audi Q3 | 22 | $2,850 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Audi Q3 | 23 | $3,350 | 2 | 1 | 26 | |
| 2017 Audi Q3 | 23 | $3,350 | 2 | 3 | 8 | |
| 2016 Audi Q3 | 23 | $3,350 | 2 | 3 | 28 | |
| 2015 Audi Q3 | 23 | $3,350 | 2 | 2 | 22 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Audi Q3, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 25.0 to 24.0 | |||
| 2025 to 2026 | 2 to 1 | 24.0 to 25.0 | Transmissions: Automatic (AM-S7); Fuels: Regular | Labels: Q3 S-Line quattro; Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Fuels: Premium |
| 2024 to 2025 | Labels: Q3, Q3 S-Line quattro; Fuels: Premium | Labels: Q3 quattro, Q3 S line quattro; Fuels: Regular | ||
| 2023 to 2024 | 24.5 to 24.0 | Labels: Q3 quattro, Q3 S line quattro | Labels: Q3, Q3 S-Line | |
| 2022 to 2023 | 25.0 to 24.5 | Labels: Q3, Q3 S-Line | Labels: Q3 quattro, Q3 S line quattro | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 24.0 to 25.0 | Labels: Q3 S line quattro | Labels: Q3 S-line quattro | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 1 to 2 | 22.0 to 24.0 | Labels: Q3 S-line quattro | |
| 2019 to 2020 | Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Size classes: Compact Cars | ||
| 2018 to 2019 | 2 to 1 | 23.0 to 22.0 | Transmissions: Automatic (S8); Fuels: Regular | Labels: Q3; Transmissions: Automatic (S6); Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Premium |
| 2016 to 2017 | Transmissions: Automatic (S6) | Transmissions: Automatic (S8) | ||
| 2015 to 2016 | Transmissions: Automatic (S8) | Transmissions: Automatic (S6) |
Buying used
What the Audi Q3 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | visibility (sun/moon roof assembly) | None |
| 2025 | 1 | back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | air bags (sensor); back over prevention (software) | None |
| 2023 | 1 | air bags (sensor) | None |
| 2022 | 5 | back over prevention (sensing system); fuel system, gasoline (storage); visibility (glass, side/rear); 1 more | None |
| 2021 | 3 | seat belts (rear/other); fuel system, gasoline (storage); steering | None |
| 2020 | 3 | seats; service brakes, hydraulic (pedals and linkages); steering | None |
| 2019 | 4 | air bags (frontal); steering (critical fasteners); tires (pressure monitoring and regulating systems); 1 more | None |
| 2018 | 1 | exterior lighting (turn signal) | None |
| 2017 | 3 | electrical system (software); exterior lighting (brake lights); exterior lighting (turn signal) | None |
| 2016 | 3 | electrical system (software); exterior lighting (brake lights); exterior lighting (turn signal) | None |
| 2015 | 2 | visibility (sun/moon roof assembly); electrical system (software) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical system | 53 | 27% | 2020 (22) |
| engine | 50 | 25% | 2020 (20) |
| unknown or other | 42 | 21% | 2020 (18) |
| fuel/propulsion system | 25 | 13% | 2020 (10) |
| steering | 18 | 9% | 2020 (10) |
| air bags | 13 | 7% | 2018 (4) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Audi Q3 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S line | AWD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 255 | 273 | 3,935 | – | 25 | $44,995 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Audi Q3 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 255 | 3,935 | – | 16.4 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | 3,913 | – | 15.9 |
| 2024 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184–228 | 3,902–3,916 | – | 15.9 |
| 2023 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184–228 | 3,902–3,916 | – | 15.9 |
| 2022 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184–228 | 3,902–3,916 | – | 15.9 |
| 2021 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 184–228 | 3,902–3,916 | – | 15.9 |
| 2020 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | – | – | 15.9 |
| 2019 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 228 | – | – | 15.9 |
| 2018 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,682 | – | 16.9 |
| 2017 | 3 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,682 | – | 16.9 |
| 2016 | 2 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,682 | – | 16.9 |
| 2015 | 2 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,682 | – | 16.9 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Model-year recall record
Audi Q3: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2022 Audi Q3 : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera and fuel system.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | visibility/wipers |
| 2025 | 1 | 4 | backup camera |
| 2024 | 2 | 18 | airbags, backup camera |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | airbags |
| 2022 | 5 | not available | backup camera, fuel system, visibility/wipers, equipment |
| 2021 | 2 | 15 | seat belts, fuel system |
| 2020 | 2 | 64 | brakes, seats |
| 2019 | 3 | 10 | steering, airbags, tires |
| 2018 | 1 | 26 | exterior lighting |
| 2017 | 3 | 8 | exterior lighting, electrical system |
| 2016 | 3 | 28 | exterior lighting, electrical system |
| 2015 | 2 | 22 | electrical system, visibility/wipers |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi Q3 model years 2022, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Audi Q3?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2022 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Audi Q3 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2022 Audi Q3 has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera, fuel system, visibility/wipers. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Audi Q3 by model year?
2026: visibility/wipers. 2025: backup camera. 2024: airbags, backup camera. 2023: airbags. 2022: backup camera, fuel system, visibility/wipers, equipment. 2021: seat belts, fuel system.
Q04Why do some Audi Q3 model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Audi Q3 model years 2022, 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Engine and cooling.
2022 Audi Q3 owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Engine and cooling and Buying, records and recalls.
Compared with
Models this Audi Q3 is most often compared with.
Nearest Audi models
Other Audi models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Q3 come in?
The 2026 Audi Q3 (compact luxury SUV) is offered in one trim, S line quattro.
Q02What are the 2026 Q3 trims?
The 2026 Audi Q3 comes in one trim, S line quattro.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Q3 use?
The 2026 Audi Q3 is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 255 horsepower across its compact luxury SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Q3 have?
The 2026 Audi Q3 is rated at 255 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Q3?
The 2026 Audi Q3 is offered with Standard AWD.