2024 Audi Q3

This is the least expensive new Audi SUV, a gateway to owning one of those special machines with the 4-ringed badge on the nose.

Audi has its own particular take on luxury vehicles. The company leans toward the innovative, not just with style but also with technology. Some of that Audi aura is definitely in the Q3. Buyers with similar tastes in design will gravitate more toward this than, say, the Lexus UX.

Now in its second generation, which debuted for 2019, the Q3 is a big seller for Audi. A lot of buyers go for the more powerful drivetrain in the top Premium Plus trim. That’s what we would do as well.

Adaptive cruise control is now standard across the 2024 Q3 lineup. The HomeLink remote garage door opener (part of the optional Convenience package) is now integrated into the rearview mirror. Wireless charging becomes available as part of that Convenience bundle. And Audi has shaken up the paint department a little.

Starting prices of rival machines go from $36.7K for the hybrid-only Lexus UX, to $40.3K for the Volvo XC40. In between are the Cadillac XT4 (from $38K), Mercedes-Benz GLA (beginning in the high 30s) and BMW X1 (from $39.1K). For anyone who’s interested, the next-size-up Q5 starts at $44.6K.

Before buying a new Q3 SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are mid-pack, below the UX and XC40.

The first of two turbocharged drivetrains offered in the 2024 Q3 makes 184 horsepower. That’s a smidgen better than the 181 horses in the Lexus UX, but rivals like the XC40, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA all have more than 200. This Q3 will saunter from standstill to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

For school runs and grocery jaunts, that might be fine. But for longer trips and freeway stretches, we’d prefer the 45 TSFI’s 228 horsepower. And the Audi Q3 is definitely comfortable and refined enough for long journeys. Even if acceleration here remains pink-knuckled: zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The competition finished their sprints about a second ago.

However, in the real world, we’ve found that the miles melt away, helped by supportive seats. Outward vision is good. And with blind-spot monitoring as standard, there’s plenty of reassurance. It might take some initial tweaking to settle on the ideal driving position, but once it’s dialed in, it’s fine. We do think keen drivers and corner-carvers ought to check out the BMW X1, though. The 2024 Q3 appeals to those who prefer their luxury vehicles on the cosseting side.

The only real wrong note comes from the transmission. Under heavy acceleration, the gearshift action has a tendency to become clunky — not what we expect from a premium product. Be gentler on the gas, though, and the issue dissipates.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of subcompact luxury SUVs including the Audi Q3.

Fuel Economy

The 40 TSFI setup returns 25 combined mpg (22 city, 29 highway). The more powerful 45 TSFI achieves 24 combined mpg (21 city, 28 highway). Let’s compare that to the GLA 250 4Matic — with 221 horsepower and not a hybrid, one of the closest competitors. The Benz manages 26 combined mpg. The gutsier BMW X1 makes 28 combined mpg. The Q3 is fine with regular gasoline.

Despite being the most affordable new Audi SUV, the 2024 Q3 doesn’t cut corners with interior design or quality of materials. There’s that same clutter-phobic approach as in bigger and pricier Audi models.

Rear legroom of 36.1 inches is exactly the same as the XC40, but not quite as generous as the X1 and GLA. Still enough for an adult male of average size, with someone of the same dimensions in the seat up front. The reclining rear seats also slide forward and back, with nearly six inches of travel. And a couple of indentations in the ceiling maximize rear headroom.

The luggage area behind the rear seats is 23.7 cubic feet. Fold them down for a total cargo space of 48 cubic feet. In what is a recurring theme, these dimensions are beaten by the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40.

Becoming an Audi owner is always a statement to the wider world that here’s someone with an eye for design. It’s a big part of the marque’s overall appeal. Since this generation of Q3 is still quite fresh, the styling remains representative of Audi’s visual vocabulary.

The roof rails are aluminum by default; the optional Black Optic Sport package changes them to, predictably, black — along with other exterior elements like the grille and wheels.

Speaking of wheels, both trims have 18-inch alloys as standard, with 19-inch multi-spoke rims on the options list. Audi offers two exterior paint choices that don’t cost extra (the others are $595) but one of those is orange. The other is Arkona White, replacing Ibis White this year. Progressive Red Metallic replaces Tango Red Metallic. And Turbo Blue has been discontinued.

All-wheel drive
Standard in every Q3 SUV, all-wheel drive is something of an Audi hallmark. It sure helps with the confidence in rough weather.

Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance
This is now standard across the Q3 lineup, easing the workload on long freeway stretches.

Infotainment system
The standard infotainment system employs an 8.8-inch touchscreen, includes phone integration, and is easy to use.

10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit
This digital driver information display is standard in the Q3, contributing to the tech-rich feel of the cabin.

Hands-free tailgate operation
Standard with the Premium Plus trim, we always appreciate the convenience and usefulness of this feature.

Technology package
An options bundle with the Premium Plus trim, this brings a larger, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, larger infotainment touchscreen (10.1-inch), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, road sign recognition, navigation, satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is at the heart of both 2024 Q3 drivetrains. In the 40 TSFI, it produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 45 TSFI enjoys 228 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Both link up to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive is standard across the range.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. This level of coverage is typical among European luxury car manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The Q3 has earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It had a tougher time in a couple of updated tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but still took top scores of Good in most main categories.