2027 Audi Q3William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: William Walker - MotorTrendUpscale exterior designLarge standard displaysCommendable build qualityExcessive road noiseTransmission's low-speed behaviorAbout as efficient as Q5As the entry point to Audi's lineup, the Q3 returns with a wealth of standard technology and handsome styling. Fresh off a redesign for 2026, 2027 Q3 rivals in the subcompact luxury SUV category include the BMW X1, Mini Countryman, and Acura ADX.What's NewStandard direct tire pressure monitoring (so you can tell which tire is low instead of getting a general tire pressure warning)Standard rear pedestrian automatic brakingAvailable Convenience package with heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, semi-autonomous parking, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and moreHead-up display, Park Assist Pro, and Trained Parking included in Driver Assistance packageWhat We ThinkThe prior-generation Audi Q3 was an oddball within the automaker's lineup, falling short of the quality and luxury expectations we had about the rest of the model range. That changed with the third-generation Q3, which just arrived last year. The redesigned subcompact luxury SUV not only looks the part with handsome, modern styling, it has the tech to back up its appearance.AdvertisementAdvertisementEvery Q3 has large dual displays, which help the subcompact SUV fit right in with the rest of its recently redesigned stablemates. No longer does the overall build quality feel cut rate; everything is nicely assembled with tight tolerances.Our biggest criticism of the interior is the use of plastics, but there are enough upscale materials in the mix to attain an appropriate balance for the price point. Even the radical winglike control stalks become intuitive after a short period of use.Dynamically, the 2027 Audi Q3 is quick enough and has solid road feel. Handling is direct if uninvolved. Rigid suspension tuning contributes to a firm ride, one that doesn't dissipate impacts or vibrations as much as we'd like. Air suspension, available for the European Q3, could sort this issue out. Our last major complaint is that the powertrain lacks polish at lower speeds, partially due to a stuttering transmission and healthy turbo lag.In a comparison with the Acura ADX, the Audi narrowly emerged in first place.AdvertisementAdvertisementLuxurious in some ways, unrefined in others, the Q3 faces common struggles for models at the lower end of the luxury vehicle market. Tech-focused shoppers with an eye for design may be able to look past the 2027 Audi Q3's weakness and enjoy the wealth of features it offers.Top-Ranked Competitors:BMW X1Mini CountrymanAcura ADXMotorTrend TestedEvery 2027 Audi Q3 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine developing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. That engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to Audi's signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system. In our testing, the current-generation Q3 launched from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.Though the third-generation Q3 is much quicker than its predecessor, which accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds when equipped with its more powerful 45 TFSI powertrain. However, the 2027 Audi Q3 isn't quite as spritely as the BMW X1, which gets the job done in 5.6 seconds.We suspect most will find the 2027 Q3 plenty quick; the real issue for buyers will be whether they care about the SUV's low-speed refinement issues.MPGs and RangeWith an EPA rating of 22/29 mpg city/highway for the 2026 model year, the subcompact Audi Q3 is barely more efficient than the compact Audi Q5, which gets 21/29 mpg. We estimate the 2027 Audi Q3 is good for 410 miles of driving range, about the same as the Q5, which can drive 413 miles per tank of combined city and highway driving.For comparison, a 2026 BMW X1 xDrive 28i is rated at 25/34 mpg and 400 miles of range. The slower Acura ADX gets 25/30 mpg and 378 miles of range when configured with all-wheel drive.Safety and Driver Assist FeaturesAudi covers the basics of driver assistance technology with entry-level versions of the Q3 and goes beyond with its list of available extras.Standard FeaturesEvery 2027 Audi Q3 comes standard with adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, front automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. New for this model year is automatic rear pedestrian braking.Available FeaturesYou can upgrade the 2027 Audi Q3 with additional driver assistance equipment like semi-autonomous parking, a 360-degree camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Audi's Trained Parking feature lets you record and save five parking maneuvers that the Q3 can then deploy when needed for tight parking spaces you frequently encounter.Cargo Space and Interior RoomCompared to some of the top competitors in the subcompact luxury SUV segment, the 2027 Audi Q3 has a smaller second row and less overall cargo volume. Still, there's enough legroom for adults to be comfortable in the back seat.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery 2027 Audi Q3 comes standard with two large displays that share a single panel inside the subcompact SUV's cabin. There's an 11.9-inch driver display and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.There are four USB-C ports in all Q3 models, two in each row. Audi equips a cooled wireless charging pad with a 15-watt output.Sound SystemBy default, the 2027 Audi Q3 comes equipped with a 10-speaker audio setup. A Sonos sound system with 12 speakers is available as an upgrade.Available UpgradesThe 2027 Audi Q3 can be upgraded with a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, semi-autonomous parking, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more. If you go for the Driver Assistance package, the Q3 gains a head-up display, Park Assist Pro, and Trained Parking.ValueStandard FeaturesAvailable with just one trim for the 2027 model year, the Audi Q3 remains generously equipped without any add-ons. Under the hood, there's a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. All Q3 SUVs get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the automaker's Quattro all-wheel drive.The 2027 Q3 rides on a fully independent suspension and rolls on 18-inch wheels. Other equipment includes LED headlights with three configurable lighting signatures.Inside the cabin, there are heated leather front seats, three-zone climate control, and an interior lighting package. With all this equipment standard, pricing begins just under $46,000.