2024 Audi Q3
Overview
The least expensive SUV in the Audi lineup, the 2024 Q3 offers a petite take on the trademark design ethos that populates the entire Audi lineup. Indeed, its exterior shape looks every bit like a seven-tenths version of its Q5 sibling, and that characteristic extends to the interior, build quality, and driving personality. All-wheel drive is standard as is adaptive cruise assist; it complements the digital gauge display, touchscreen infotainment, and a host of driver assists to keep the Q3’s tech-quotient class-competitive. Motivation comes from VW/Audi’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is tuned for 184 horsepower in the Q3 40 and 228 in the Q3 45. Though the Q3 is not the most powerful or agile SUV in its class (the bonkers and limited production RS Q3 isn’t sold in the U.S.), it’s not exactly a downer either. Driver inputs are obeyed without delay, and both engines are responsive, though the 45 ups the pace considerably. While the Q3’s cabin isn’t as spacious or as practical as the BMW X1’s and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class looks more svelte, the Q3 delivers Audi’s trademark blend of handling, ride comfort and subtle familial style.
What’s New for 2024?
The big news for 2024 is the inclusion of Adaptive Cruise Assist—adaptive cruise control—as standard equipment. Buyers who select the Convenience package will notice Homelink functionality (a garage door opener that can turn on lights) is now integrated into the rear-view mirror, and that wireless phone charging is also available. In the exterior finish department, Arkona White replaces Ibis White, Progressive Red metallic replaces Tango Red metallic and Turbo Blue is removed from the pallet.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
This is an easy one. With a fuel economy penalty of just 1 mpg for the more powerful engine, and a few additional features like an overhead view camera and hands-free tailgate the Premium Plus 45 is our recommended pick. We’d also select the Black Optic package, which brings sport front seats with “S” embossing and contrast stitching, 19-inch wheels with a matte titanium finish, black roof rails, and high-gloss black exterior elements.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2024 Q3 comes with one turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder tuned in two strengths: it makes 181 horsepower and 221 foot-pounds of torque in the Q3 40 and 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet in the Q3 45. An eight-speed automatic shuttles output to all four wheels via the standard quattro all-wheel drive system. Neither version of the Q3 is class-leading quick; the best zero-sixty we could extract was 7.3 seconds when we tested the Q3 45 a few years back. Still, the transmission shifts smoothly and provides a Sport mode as well as the option for manual operation. Steering, although direct, is light on feel. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than performance, but a hardcore suspension would be entirely out of place here. As it sits, the chassis and engine are well-mated for a pleasant and sometimes frisky driving experience.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The 2024 Audi Q3 40 wears EPA fuel-economy estimates of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. That’s right in league with the segment, falling behind the Volvo XC40 by just one mpg in each metric. The Q3 45 with the hotter tune is rated for 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but we beat that estimate in C/D’s 75-mph highway fuel-economy route with a pleasing 31 mpg result. For more information about the Q3’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The current, second-gen Q3 debuted for the 2019 model year and, with it, erased nearly all our complaints about the previous model. Larger, constructed of better materials, and with updated tech and more intuitive controls, it has a vastly improved driving position and greater front-seat comfort—thanks in part to eight-way power adjustments and lumbar support for the driver. Combined with the standard panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery and heated front seats, the Q3 finally feels worthy of the four-ring logo. Buyers still craving more pampering can order ambient interior lighting, a fully digital gauge cluster, and contrasting microsuede on the dashboard and doors for an upcharge. No matter how luxe you go, the back seat passengers will feel squeezed on longer trips due to limited rear legroom. Still, we managed to fit six carry-on suitcases in the cargo area and another 12 bags with the rear seats folded. Those are both less than we fit in the X1 but on par with the Jaguar E-Pace.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi equips most Q3 models with an 8.8-inch touchscreen MMI infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen is also available with the same content. We found the interface to be attractive and mostly easy to operate due to its large icons and haptic feedback. However, its low position on the dashboard can be distracting. Top options include SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker, 680-watt Sonos stereo system.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Driver-assistance technology is featured heavily on the new Q3, with basics including automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams included on all models. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and park assist are all available. For more information about the Q3’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi’s standard warranty package is nothing special and both its limited and powertrain warranties match those offered by BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Rivals such as the Cadillac CT4 offer more value here with longer powertrain coverage; the BMW 2-series offers three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenanceArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Audi Q3
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$44,990 (base price: $35,695)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
121 cu in, 1984 cc
Power
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.4-in vented disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S005, 255/40R-20 101Y AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.5 in
Length: 176.6 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 64.1 in
Passenger volume: 94 cu ft
Cargo volume: 24 cu ft
Curb weight: 3915 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 7.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 19.3 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 34.0 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 8.3 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.7 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s claim): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 22/19/27 mpg
DOWNLOAD TEST SHEET
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