Used 2019 Audi Q3

The 2019 Audi Q3 delivers everything you would expect from an Audi: namely, cutting-edge safety and convenience technology, crisp styling, top-notch fit and finish, and spirited driving character. The Q3, Audi’s smallest, most affordable SUV, is all-new for 2019, and is now larger, more powerful, and has more space inside for people and cargo.

A surprising aspect of the Q3 is the value it offers for the money. Pricing is similar to that of the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, Lexus UX and Mercedes-Benz GLA. While some of those models may have a slightly lower starting price, the Q3 comes standard with more features — including all-wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity — that help your money go farther.

This Audi Q3 is now in a much better position to compete with its rivals, thanks to its mix of beautiful style, roomier interior and a wide array of technology features. While this Audi isn’t as sporty as other models in the company’s lineup, it proved an entertaining vehicle on twisty roads.

The biggest shortcoming of the new Q3 is with transmission programming: Shifts are somewhat jumpy when accelerating at lower speeds, but putting the vehicle into Dynamic mode helps smooth out shifts. Once you get past that initial jumpiness, power delivery is smooth and linear, and while more horsepower was injected into the Q3 for 2019, it feels faster, but not overwhelmingly fast.

The 2019 Audi Q3 feels most at home on the open road. Steering response is light and accurate, and Audi has done an admirable job of balancing performance and comfort. The 2019 model’s interior looks like it was pulled from a much more expensive Audi, making the drive that much nicer. This isn’t a vehicle that’s about hard-core performance; it’s about the overall experience.

With the newest Q3, Audi has taken an already attractive interior and made it even better. Its high-quality materials and sharp, modern design give the Q3’s cabin the look and feel of an interior that’s at least a class above, and front and rear seats are notably roomier than they were in the previous model. The second row slides forward and back for added space.

The center stack starts with a 10.1-inch screen that controls infotainment, with heat/vent/air-conditioning (HVAC) controls below. Nestled underneath those hard buttons is an available wireless smartphone charger, which worked with an iPhone 8+ without having to take it out of its case. The Q3 comes standard with a digital gauge cluster, which is replaced with the Audi virtual cockpit in higher trim levels.

While the regular Q3 uses leather with wood accents, the S line is available with a sport interior (including paddle shifters) and orange Alcantara accents on the dash and doors.

The Audi Q3 uses exterior design elements, such as the octagonal grille, that were inspired by the Audi Q8 SUV. The designers wanted to give the Q3 a more SUV-like stance for 2019, so they raised the front end and used LED lighting to accentuate the lines up front. There are muscular body lines along the sides, and all models have an integrated rear spoiler and LED taillights. All models come with 18-inch wheels, with the exception of the S line, which comes with 19-inch wheels.

GORGEOUS, FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR
The 5-passenger cabin has everything you’d want, such as plenty of leg- and headroom, right-sized cargo area, and easy-to-use tech, integrated into an interior designed with Audi quality and trademark good looks. While the Q3 is an aspirational, less-expensive luxury model, nothing feels entry-level about this interior or its amenities.

CLASS-LEADING TECH
Not only do a digital instrument cluster and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but so do USB-A and USB-C ports, hill-descent assist and Audi pre sense. Options include Audi’s excellent virtual cockpit, wireless smartphone charging and connectivity, rear cross-traffic assist, adaptive cruise control, a top-view camera system, and lane-departure warning.

The Q3 offers a lot of value for the money. All Q3s come with all-wheel drive, which is optional in most competitors’ comparable models. Inside, there’s a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, plus an 8.8-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. There are four USB ports, one of which is a USB-C, and the audio system uses 10 speakers and a 6-channel amp. Dual-zone climate control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, leather heated 8-way-power front seats, and a panoramic sunroof are also standard.

Safety features include six airbags, Audi pre sense basic and pre sense front with passenger detection, plus hill-descent assist.

Opting for higher trim levels offers an expanded roster of features, including the Audi virtual cockpit; an MMI touch pad with a larger screen (10.1 inches) and navigation; and a 680-watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. You can also get a top-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, power-folding side mirrors, power lumbar support for the front passenger (only the driver gets that with the Premium model), and 19- or 20-inch wheels. Other options include paddle shifters and orange Alcantara interior accents. While the Q3 comes standard with six airbags, rear side airbags are a stand-alone option.

No matter the trim level or the model, the 2019 Audi Q3 comes with a 2.0-liter, 228-horsepower turbocharged engine backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. If you opt for the Q3 S line, you’ll add different styling and can move up to the Prestige model, but there aren’t any performance changes with that model. If mpg is a critical issue for you, note that fuel economy is 19 mpg city/27 highway, which is lower by one mpg in each case compared to the 2018 model (20/28). However, the 2019 Audi Q3 is longer, wider and has much more usable space inside, and we believe that slight fuel-economy loss is worth it.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
228 horsepower @ 5,000-6,700 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 mpg