2026 Audi Q3 First Drive Review

The subcompact Q3’s sudden ascent from entry-level luxury to something significantly more upscale is a telling change for Audi.

It’s part of an improved execution that’s slowly but surely winding its way through the brand’s products, and it’s punctuated by a seriously upgraded user experience, not to mention more stirring style both inside and out. The 2026 Audi Q3 may be the gateway to the lineup, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it from the driver’s seat — nor does it look like it from across a parking lot.

A Striking Subcompact

Audi isn’t alone in its decision to enhance its most affordable offering, with both BMW and Mercedes-Benz doing the same with the latest X1 and GLA-Class, respectively. It’s a prudent move, too; loyalty is paramount for premium brands, and the sooner they can swoon shoppers the more likely they are to keep them for years to come. That makes this city-sized crossover the perfect place to start both for Audi and its future buyers of bigger and better products.

Unsurprisingly, the Q3 follows a similar aesthetic approach to that of its slightly larger sibling, the Q5. While the swoopy sportback version is reserved for other markets, mainly in Europe, the new design direction is a significant departure from the one of old while still looking closely related. Forgive the confusion, but Audi’s a brand known for its steady styling evolutions that rarely stray too far from tradition; and while that remains true here, the new Q3 has an image that’s especially modern and muscular.

The overall shape is mostly unchanged — and, indeed, it’s identical dimensionally save for the overall length that’s been stretched 40 mm (1.6 in) — but it’s the details that have been reworked to great effect. Take the front lighting; it’s been split in two, with angrily squinting daytime running lights up top and the projector beams hidden in the fascia below. While the haunches are as pronounced as they were before, they’re joined by a sharpened crease line that cuts along the door handles to reflect light up top and shadows down low.

A Reworked Cabin

Inside is where the most significant changes are found, with a whole new look to go with a revamped user experience. While some of what’s here will be familiar to anyone who’s driven the outgoing Q3 or any other Audi from the last decade or so — namely the way the digital instrument display can be used for a full map view — the screens themselves take centre stage in a way that isn’t unlike other, pricier products in the lineup including the all-electric Q6 E-Tron.

In fact, the 11.9-inch driver information display is the same as the one found in the rest of the most modern Audi models — count the recently revamped A5 and A6 along with the Q5 and Q6 E-Tron among them — although the 12.8-inch touchscreen is slightly smaller. But then this is a subcompact crossover, which is among the reasons why the available passenger-side screen isn’t offered here, either. And even so, the shared housing is just like the one found elsewhere.

Where the Q3 does better than its siblings, at least for now, is the operating system that’s used behind the scenes to run the various functions and features. The Google-based software is as quick as it is uncomplicated, with a look and feel that’s smartphone-like and also distinctly Audi. And on the subject of those devices, as before, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, and they’re wireless. But the true highlight is the built-in Google Maps navigation, which is impressive enough to make phone-based apps all but obsolete.

Other new items inside include a pair of fixed stalks on the steering column, the one on the left for wiper, high-beam, and signal control, and on the right side gear selection. To choose reverse or drive, simply move the little silver widget up or down, respectively, or press the button on the end for park. The signals on the other side work the same way, plus there’s a small dial for the front wipers. Yes, there’s a bit of a learning curve here, but it isn’t particularly steep.

A Guiding Light

Also new this time are headlights that don’t just light up the road at night but communicate crucial information to the driver. Think of the available feature almost like an augmented reality add-on, with corresponding patterns projected on the road ahead. When drifting towards a lane marking, a large arrow appears to help issue a warning. Likewise, it can indicate placement within a designated lane of travel, tell of curves in the road ahead, and even show a snowflake when it’s slippery, although the latter wasn’t witnessed during this late summertime test.

A Mechanical Carryover

Given all that’s been done to make the Q3 a better crossover, the stuff underneath its newly sculpted sheet metal is perhaps a little disappointing — not that there’s anything wrong with what’s sold in this part of the world. Rather, it’s what isn’t available that’s the problem, with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version kept out of Canada once again. It’s a shame if only for all the commutes that could be covered entirely emissions-free, even if the quoted 119-km range is based on generous European testing, plus it has 50-kW DC fast-charging capability this time.

Instead, Canadian examples use the same turbocharged 2.0L as last time, which is more than hearty enough for such a small vehicle. Official output figures weren’t available at the time of this writing, but it’s reasonable to expect something similar to before, when there were two versions of the four-cylinder — one with 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, the other 228 hp and 251 lb-ft. The Euro-spec example tested here was closer to the latter, and it was never wanting for more, whether on winding ribbons of road or accelerating at speed on the highway.

Ride and handling is largely unchanged, too, since the Q3’s new twin-valve dampers won’t make it to Canadian shores. Meanwhile, opting for the available sport suspension means a crossover that’s nearly as stiff as the since-discontinued — and sensationally sporty — Hyundai Kona N. While the Q3 has never been a crossover that’s especially softly sprung, this setup isn’t exactly geared towards the daily drive. But steering response is second to none in the segment.

Final Thoughts

With its new looks and improved interface, the 2026 Audi Q3 is leaps and bounds better than before. Even without the fanciest features like the animated lighting, Audi has elevated its most affordable model to a place that puts its key rivals in the precarious position of fighting for second best. While pricing wasn’t available as of this writing, if it stays close to the current offer structure — a starting price of $42,500 before freight and tax — this little crossover will deliver some serious value, too.