2018 Audi Q3 review
Audi Q3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- High-end materials throughout the interior
- Smooth ride even on rough roads
- Quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons
- Below-average handling and acceleration
- Backseat is cramped for adults
- Infotainment controller is awkwardly placed, with no USB interface
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2018 Audi Q3 is quiet, comfortable, and sophisticated
Unlike its competitors like Mercedes-Benz’s GLA 250 and BMW’s X1, the 2018 Audi Q3 comes standard with a platter full of amenities like four-way adjustable, heated leather seats, a rearview camera, parking sensors in the front and back, and a panoramic sunroof. That said, with two trims (Premium and Premium Plus) and feature-laden packages available as options, the availability of those features can vary widely, so it’s important to shop carefully to get the features you want.
Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, the Q3 isn’t the quickest in its class, but it’s still adequate. Lightweight steering is a plus for city driving, even if the ho-hum braking and handling detract from the lovely design elements of this upscale crossover. Unfortunately, being based on an older design, this Q3 is missing many modern technologies such as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Additionally, the Q3 doesn’t offer automatic emergency braking and other advanced driver-assist systems.
All Audi Q3 years
What is new for the 2018 Audi Q3?
- The Q3 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Premium Plus Sport and Premium Sport.
- The Prestige trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- The Premium trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
2018 Audi Q3 trims
Premium:
- 200-hp, 207-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Sunroofs
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Mirrors
- View our Audi Q3 Premium inventory
Premium Sport:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- Smart Key
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- View our Audi Q3 Premium Sport inventory
Premium Plus:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Sport
- Blind Spot Monitor
- View our Audi Q3 Premium Plus inventory
Premium Plus Sport:
- Includes all features available on the Premium Plus
- No significant upgrades found on the Premium Plus Sport
- View our Audi Q3 Premium Plus Sport inventory
Audi Q3 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Audi Q3
What We Like
Comfort: Highly adjustable, heated leather seats take center stage in the cabin. Adults fit nicely into both rows of seating in the 2018 Q3, and the middle person in the back row won’t feel like a sardine in a can on short trips. A soft suspension leads to a smooth, steady ride, and the cabin is quiet and peaceful with minimal road noise.
Driving: The Q3 is a breeze to park and steer in urban environments, where it shines. Opting for the Sport package adds a pinch of spunk to the ride with fun steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles along with 19-inch wheels, front sport seats, and selectable driving modes. On the highway, cruise control and other controls are easy to find, reducing stress in driving situations.
Interior: Large front door openings accommodate easy entry and exit, and the doors close solidly. Fit and finish is admirable and clean, matching Audi standards in this segment. The entire cabin is crafted with German precision in mind, and fans of a no-fuss layout will appreciate the simplicity.
What Needs Improvement
Utility: Audi seems to have neglected small storage spaces in the Q3, even if the rear cargo space is on par with its competitors. The console is undersized and door pockets are small, oversights that can be annoying. As a whole, the brand could better utilize the Q3’s interior space for efficiency.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Audi Q3 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi Q3 13th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi Q3Audi Q3 features and specs
Premium Plus 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- BOSE Sound System
- CD Audio
- Navigation System
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
200
Torque (ft-lbs)
207
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
16.9
Wheelbase
102.5"
Overall length
172.8"
Width
72.1"
Height
62.5"
Leg room
F 40"/R 31.1"
Head room
F 36.9"/R 37.4"
Front tires
P235/50HR18
Rear tires
P235/50HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Audi Q3 FAQ
The 2018 Audi Q3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium Plus : 20 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Premium : 20 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Premium Plus Sport : 20 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
- Premium Sport : 20 MPG City and 28 MPG Highway
The Audi Q3 received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Audi Q3 as 4 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUV
The 2018 Audi Q3 has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Audi Q3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Audi Q3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Audi Q3:
- Premium Plus Sport
- Premium Sport
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- ABS Brakes
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