2026 audi q3 review first drive San Luis Obispo, CA: The automotive industry is at a bit of a crossroads. By now, the electric revolution should have been in full swing, Many brand aimed to have a fleet that's mostly, or completely, electric in the coming years. But infrastructure, costs, and technology have slowed electric adoption. There's still a very healthy market that yearns for an all-electric vehicle, but there's also plenty of consumers not ready to make the leap quite yet. Recognizing the current automotive landscape, Audi has rolled back plans for an all-electric vehicle lineup by 2032. This shift in focus and direction, puts combustion engine powered vehicles, like the all-new Q3 SUV, as an integral part of the manufacturer's future. Quick Take Audi's new 2026 Q3 aims to be a one model solution for consumers in the compact luxury SUV market. Sold in a singular S-Line trim, it splits the difference between the options offered by the brand's main German competitors. A premium, easy to use interior with unique details offers an above-average cabin experience. Audi retains a fixed, non-adjustable suspension that walks the line between comfort and performance, while also bringing back a dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission. Despite a few complaints and a muted personality, the extra dollop of power and modernized exterior styling keeps the Q3 as an enticing option in the segment. What's New for 2026: 2026 audi q3 review first drive The all-new 2026 Audi Q3 is the third generation of the vehicle. The 40 and 45 model nomenclatures are now dead, and the new Q3 will only be sold in a single trim, the S-Line, in the United States. It is only available with all-wheel drive and features evolutionary exterior styling, more power, and a larger number of standard features than before. Audi's goal with the 2026 Q3 is to split the difference between the vehicle's main competitors, the BMW X1 xDrive28i and xDrive35i, as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC and GLA 35 AMG. Audi was quite clear during our product briefing that the 2026 Q3 is not intended to be a sports car, but rather a comfortable daily driver with a performance edge. Exterior Style: 2026 audi q3 review first drive The 2026 Audi Q3 is 178.4-inches (4,531 mm) in length, with a height of 64.1-inches (1,628 mm) and width of 73.2-inches (1,859 mm). Compared to the 2025 model, that's an increase of a few inches in all dimensions. As stated above, all North American spec Q3 models will have the S-Line exterior. The SUV's new look resembles other recently introduced Audi models, such as the A5, A6, and Q5. Starting up front, the Q3 has available, customizable dynamic daytime running lights, located in strips at the top of the hood line. The actual headlights are positioned lower in a separate pod. The longtime Audi hallmark, a plus-sized grille with the four-ring logo set within, has stylized intakes on either side of it. 2026 audi q3 review first drive At the side, the forward sloping D-pillars give the Q3 a bit of a SUV coupe look, but in actuality the rear hatch and rear window are not overly raked, giving the vehicle a more conventional cargo area. A choice of 18-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels are available, each with a different design, and the exterior can be painted in one of nine exterior colors. The rear of the Q3 can have OLED rear taillights and a red illuminated four-ring logo. Also optional is a panoramic moonroof. Powertrain and Fuel Economy: 2026 audi q3 review first drive Under the hood remains a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but it has been reworked for the new generation Q3. Power is now set at 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is a 27 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque increase over the 2025 model. Also changed is the transmission, as the eight-speed automatic is swapped out for a seven-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic unit that's paired to a standard all-wheel drive. This new powertrain is good for a 0-60 mph run of just 5.5 seconds according to Audi, which is an increase of 1.6 seconds. That increase has more to do with the transmission than the increase of power, but regardless of the cause, it's a hefty uptick in the small SUV's swiftness off the line, assuming launch control is used. If maximum acceleration settings are not utilized, the vehicle is not as swift off the line. There is a noticeable delay from when the accelerator is pushed to the floor to when the engine finally decides to build up boost and launch the Q3 forward. We speculate this is partially due to the brand wanting to eliminate the usual low-speed jerkiness associated with dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), and here the manufacturer has succeeded. We felt none of the usual sudden engagement/disengagement of gears when driving slowly through town. In fact, this might be the most seamless DCT experience we've had. 2026 audi q3 review first drive The usual benefit of a DCT is quick downshifts at speed, and the Q3 has that in spades. On the highway when passing power is called for, the vehicle quickly drops gears and increases haste. For those that are curious, top speed is officially rated at 130 mph (210 km/h). The engine is refined when under hard acceleration, not overly intruding in the cabin in terms of noise or vibration. Although there are various drive modes in our Q3 tester, we didn't notice a big difference in how the throttle responded. When driven sedately in normal mode, the new Q3 should achieve 22 mpg (10.8 L/100 km) in the city and 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) on the highway, which are improvements of 2 mpg city and 1 mpg highway compared to the 2025 model. Handling and Drivability: 2026 audi q3 review first drive The 2026 Audi Q3 has trick progressive steering, which enables more turn-in with less effort depending on the situation. It's quite seamless in operation, not requiring any sort of different driving behaviour from the driver. It's paired with the only suspension set-up available on the vehicle, which consists of a MacPherson struts up front and a four-link rear set-up. Yes, that's correct, there is no adaptive, adjustable, or customizable suspension offered on the 2026 Audi Q3. It's just good, old, fixed steel, but it works. Although the Q3 is not intended to be an outright sport SUV, the handling is well composed. Absent was any excessive body roll or pitching while we flogged the 3,935 pound (1,785 kg) SUV through the canyon roads surrounding San Luis Obispo. 2026 Porsche Macan GTS: All the Details 2026 audi q3 review first drive Part of this composure comes from the upgraded 255/40R20 tires, which are the largest available. Lower spec models come with 235/55R18 or 255/45R19 tires. All versions of the 2026 Audi Q3 come with single-piston brake calipers at all four corners, clamping down on ventilated disc brakes, measuring 13.4-inches (340 mm) up front and 12.2-inches (310 mm) at the rear. It can also all tow upwards of 1,500 pounds (680 kg). Competitors: BMW X1 Mercedes-Benz GLA Lexus UX Ride Quality and Comfort: 2026 audi q3 review first drive Even with above average handling and a fixed suspension, the Q3 still delivers commendable ride comfort. During our five hour drive, nothing about the ride comfort ever stood out, which is a good thing. It may not be the poshed, smoothest ride on the market, but it's not jittery, jarring, bouncy, or harsh either. It just does what a premium suspension should do. Adding to a comfortable cabin experience are standard dual-pane glass front side windows, a first in an Audi this small. The leather front seats are power operated and heated, and a heated steering wheel is optional. Those up front get 38.1-inches (968 mm) of headroom and 40.0-inches (1,016 mm) of legroom. Rear seat occupants get less space, with 37.6-inches (955 mm) of headroom and 36.1-inches (917 mm) of legroom. Although adults can fit in the rear seats, we'd wager it's more the domain for children or occasional use. Behind the rear seats, 25.0-29.0 cu ft (822 L) of cargo space is available depending on where the rear seats are position. That's decent capacity for the vehicle's size, and it grows to 50.0 cu ft (1,415 L) with the seats folded. Interior Style and Quality: 2026 audi q3 review first drive Inside, the 2026 Audi Q3 is dominated be two main styling elements. First, there's a long, curved panel angled towards the driver that houses both the 11.9-inch digital driver information center and the 12.8-inch infotainment screen. The other standout feature is a tulipwood inlay across the dashboard. Audi claims it's the largest single piece of wood ever put in in one of the brand's vehicles and it is standard in every Q3. Less obvious, but arguably the most interesting styling component are the stalks flanking the steering wheel. Mounted aft of a panel that connects them behind the steering wheel, these are not the usual long, circular stalks commonplace in most vehicles. The one on the right is the gear selector and the entire stalk moves as one piece up or down to select drive or reverse. The one of the right moves in a similar fashion to select the right or left turn indication. That left stalk also controls the high beams as well as the front and rear wipers. 2026 audi q3 review first drive The set-up looks and feels similar to some Japanese cars from the ‘90s which we think is pretty cool. There was a small adjustment period in getting used to operate them as we accidentally turned on the rear wiper when trying to select the right indicator. After a few minutes though, we forgot they were any different at all. Tech and Safety: 2026 audi q3 review first drive Standard on the 2026 Audi Q3 are features like a three-zone climate control, infotainment system powered by Audi's latest Android OS software, a cooled wireless 15W phone charger, four USB-C ports including a 100W port, and the ability to once again display any connected smartphone map on the virtual cockpit screen (digital driver information center). Some other available features include head-up display and a 420W SONOS premium audio system with 12 speakers. On a safety front, the 2026 Q3 comes loaded with active safety features like parking system plus w/ distance display, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning w/ emergency assist, attention and fatigue warning, swerve assist, front turn assist, front cross-traffic assist, Audi side assist and rear cross-traffic assist and more. Those that want even more can upgrade to include adaptive cruise assist, a top view camera, and park assist plus. Value Dollars and Sense: 2026 audi q3 review first drive The price range on the 2026 Audi Q3 is relatively small. It starts at $44,995 (all prices include destination charges) in United States. That pricing puts it right around the entry point of the less powerful 2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC. Loaded up the 2026 Audi Q3 with the optional 20-Inch Wheel, Technology, Infotainment, Driver Assistant, and Black Optic packages, and the pricing tops out at $51,790 for American customers. For our Canada readers, the 2026 Audi Q3 starts at a price of $54,650, with fully loaded examples costing $64,240. Final Thoughts: 2026 audi q3 review first drive With renewed importance on non-electrified vehicles, Audi has given the new 2026 Q3 a thorough once-over. Any time a vehicle can deliver more power, better efficiency, improved style, increased comfort, and upgraded technology, it's a win. Audi may have played it safe with the evolutionary rethink of the Q3 and while not everything is perfect, the small luxury SUV is well-executed and is a solid contender worth consumer's consideration. PROS CONS Comfort/Handling Balance Initial Acceleration Delay Premium Interior Styling Rear Seat Space Punchy Engine Steering Wheel Button Feel Cargo Capacity FAQs Q: Is Audi changing the Q3 in 2026? A: Yes, this is an all-new generation of the Q3 for the 2026 model year. Q: When can you order a 2026 Audi Q3? A: The 2026 Audi Q3 is on sale now. Q: What is the power of the new Audi Q3? A: The 2026 Audi Q3 makes 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Specifications Engine/Motor 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Output: 255 hp, 273 lb-ft Drivetrain: AWD Transmission: 7DCT Fuel Economy (mpg): 22 city, 29 highway Fuel Economy (L/100 KM): 10.8 city, 8.1 highway 0-60 MPH: 5.5 Seconds Starting Price USA $44,995 (incl dest) Starting Price Canada $54,650 (incl dest) Top Price USA $51,790 (incl dest) As Tested Price Canada $64,240 (incl dest) 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line: All the Details