2022 Audi Q3

Overview

Looking every bit like its larger siblings, the 2022 Q3 is the smallest Audi SUV, but it offers much the same experience. It looks expensive on the outside and its cabin is lined with many of the same fine materials and technology features that you'll find on the more expensive Q5, Q7, and Q8 crossovers. Rear seat space isn't as generous, of course, and to keep costs down there's some subtle cost-cutting inside. To make up for it, the Q3 offers a slightly more youthful ambiance and its chassis delivers a more agile feeling than the larger Audi SUVs do, putting it right in step with key rivals such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-class.

What's New for 2022?

The most affordable Q3 model gains new standard equipment for 2022, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and new aluminum interior trim. The Convenience package is new this year as well and includes eight-way power front seats with memory for the driver, auto-dimming exterior mirrors that fold, and an integrated garage door opener. Premium Plus trims get a new 360-degree camera system and a brown wood trim is now optional on the Premium model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although it's the most expensive model, the Premium Plus trim still represents the best buy in the Q3 lineup. Its relatively affordable price tag equips it with many desirable features, including a wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring, passive entry with push-button start, LED headlamps, and adaptive cruise control. We'd also suggest the aforementioned Technology package, which unlocks the coolest tech features Audi has to offer. We'd also choose the more powerful 45 model.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Q3 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes either 184- or 228-hp; either way it comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. In our time behind the wheel of a Q3 with the more potent of the two engines, we noted that the engine provided ample power, but our test vehicle wasn't as quick as some rivals, and we noticed a delay between our right foot's action and the engine's response (read: turbo lag). Still, its transmission shifted smoothly during normal operation and provided sportier reactions when shifted into S mode. Thankfully, its suspension damped out all but the harshest road imperfections. Direct steering with a light-to-the-touch feel gives the Q3 a sense of agility. The little SUV also moves with the same grace as its larger siblings when pitched down a twisty section of road.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the Q3 will earn up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are similar to rivals such as the X1 and Volvo XC40. The Q3 we ran on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, earned 31 mpg—matching the real-world result of the X1 we tested. For more information about the Q3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Q3's cabin addresses all of our complaints about that of the outgoing model, with a much improved driving position, a user-friendly layout of its controls, and finer materials. Its standout standard features include a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments and lumbar support for the driver. More luxurious options include ambient interior lighting, a fully digital gauge cluster, and contrasting microsuede on the dashboard and doors. The cabin is also more spacious than the previous model, but its back seat still lacks sufficient legroom to keep adults comfortable on long slogs. We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases in the cargo area and another 12 bags with the rear seats folded. Those are both less than we fit in the X1 but on par with the Jaguar E-Pace.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi equips most Q3 models with an 8.8-inch touchscreen MMI infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen is also available with the same content. We found the interface to be attractive and mostly easy to operate due to its large icons and haptic feedback. However, its low position on the dashboard can be distracting. Top options include SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker, 680-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Q3 offers a wide range of driver-assistance technology, such as automatic high-beam headlights and automated emergency braking. For more information about the Q3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi provides a competitive limited and powertrain warranty on every Q3.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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