2026 Audi Q3 review

Launched in 2012, the original Audi Q3 arrived in Australia at just the right time, and the small premium SUV found plenty of popularity among local buyers.

Now in its third generation, the latest Audi Q3 comes on the cusp of an industry transition, forcing the widely praised five-cylinder engine in the spicy RS Q3 to be retired.

Being a sign of the times, Audi offers a mild-hybrid option for the base grade, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain topping the lineup overseas, though the German automaker has not made any announcements about bringing the latter to our shores just yet.

As the piping-hot RS Q3 is no longer available (never say never…), the all-new TFSI 195 is now the fastest variant available across the lineup, while also being the most powerful Q3 ever offered in Australia – that doesn’t wear an S or RS badge.

Denoting the power figure, the 195 is followed by the 150 in the Q3 range, while 110 marks the entry-level grade. Beyond that, the new Q3 is once again available in SUV or sleeker Sportback body styles, with Launch Editions also available initially.

We had an opportunity to experience all three on a local launch drive route that took us from the Gold Coast in southeast Queensland, to Byron Bay on the New South Wales north coast – taking the winding and terribly scenic route across the mountains in the process.

This time, though, we’ll be focusing on the new range-topping variant, the Audi Q3 SUV TFSI quattro 195kW, given it’s the newcomer to the lineup.

The new Q3 also integrates Audi’s new design language. While subjective, I think the front-end looks great, but I’m undecided on the tail-lights. There just seems to be a little too much going on back there.

Regardless, Australia continues to have an ongoing love affair with SUVs. So, does the latest Audi Q3 deserve its place as one of the preferred choices in this segment? Let’s jump in.

How much does the Audi Q3 cost?

The base Q3 110 starts at $61,600 before on-road costs, topping out at $84,400 plus on-roads for the range-topping 195 with the Sportback body.

To see how the Audi Q3 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool

What is the Audi Q3 like on the inside?

With Tesla setting the standard for interior minimalism – and, frankly, most Chinese automakers following – the German brands have been experimenting with bold designs, greater luxury, and new interior designs in an effort to differentiate themselves.

It’s fair to say the results have been varied. The best ideas we now see copied across the industry within a couple of years, while the worst ideas are usually discarded after executives get sick of being asked about them by the motoring media. You’re welcome.

The Q3 sees the introduction of a new bright idea from Audi’s people: a binnacle that now houses the indicator, wipers, and the drive selector.

Yep, they’ve reinvented column stalks. After 140 years of automotive innovation – with these controls being pretty much standardised for half of that time – someone at head office had a bright idea.

And if you’re a regular reader, you may know that I’m personally not a fan of screwing with the classics. Transmission shifters, indicator and wiper stalks, easy-to-read steering wheel buttons for the cruise control and stereo – these should be locked in, set in concrete, mounted behind glass.

To the car companies: spend your time on other things. There’s plenty to be improved upon elsewhere folks, trust me.

However, while you may be shocked to hear this, I am occasionally less right. “Wrong”, even, as my partner will attest. I’m adult enough to admit it.

This might be one of those times.

My initial impression of the thingamajig was that it reminded me of some Japanese cars of the 1980s, like the Mazda 929 and the Nissan 300ZX, which introduced similar driver-focused, futuristic features that arguably aged quickly. They may be cool and retro now, but that wasn’t the case for a long time.

I don’t know if Audi’s doohickey could be considered cool, but it’s actually pretty slick to use.

An ongoing complaint of mine is when automakers move the drive selector to where the right-hand indicator/wiper stalk would normally be – unnecessarily increasing the possibility of shifting the car into neutral when turning left, or turning on cruise control when turning right, as is the case with at least one brand.

The beauty of Audi’s panel-o-controls is it doesn’t look or feel like a traditional indicator/wiper stalk, so there’s no muscle memory involved. The danger of subconsciously doing the wrong thing is basically eliminated.

Then there’s the action on the indicator and drive selector, which is truly excellent. I thought I would hate it, but I found myself enjoying the novelty of using something new that was also well executed.

It’s crisp, the construction is solid, and – after you familiarise yourself with the controls – it all just works well.

Audi has pretty much kept the rest of the cabin alone, being standard fare for the brand. Which isn’t a bad thing – there’s an understated German coolness about the Q3’s interior, and it’s something to appreciate more as the designers at both BMW and Mercedes-Benz go head-first off the deep-end with a mouthful of psychedelics.

But it’s the build quality that was particularly noticeable on the Q3. The materials in particular are lovely, and the fit and finish are equally excellent. Zero rattles, no excess wind noise, and high-grade plastics.

Being the 195 variant, this one had suede-like door trims with laser-cut perforations, revealing the ambient lighting.

Even the quality of the faux leather in the entry-level TFSI 110 was outstanding – the best I've seen in recent memory. While remaining soft, it was hardy and thick, like the old apocalypse-proof MB-Tex vinyl from Mercedes-Benz.

While the TFSI 195 appears to have higher-grade upholstery and nicer-looking trims, cabin quality is unlikely to disappoint no matter which variant you choose.

There are always exceptions, of course, but a lot of SUVs tend to focus on making the cabins look good for photos; the Audi Q3 feels like the quality is more than skin-deep.

Audi’s infotainment system works well, with fast reaction times and a crisp screen. I’d still prefer to have physical controls, but the shortcut strip along the bottom of the 12.8-inch screen makes minor adjustments relatively easy.

The infotainment touchscreen combines with the digital instrument cluster to create what the company calls the ‘digital stage’ – though it’s nothing really new or noteworthy.

The Q3 continues with oft-criticised haptic buttons on the steering wheel. However, these have been drastically improved, and will no longer be accidentally set off with the ‘chicken-drummy’ part of your thumb as you drive.

But having spent time recently in a base Audi Q2 – a model that was released 10 years ago – it just confirmed that having real knobs, buttons, and thumb wheels are far superior to use and interact with.

I found the ergonomics in the Q3 acceptable, but not perfect for my deflated-teddy-bear body shape. I would have preferred the pedals to have been a little further away, and/or a little more reach adjustment for the steering wheel.

Having said that, for those out there who are height-challenged, the Q3 could be an ideal choice.

The back seats can handle a couple of adults, but like everything in this segment, any trip of more than an hour or two might have the second row feeling a bit cramped.

Further back, there’s 488 litres of boot space, which should be enough for most people most of the time – or 1386L with the second row folded down.

To see how the Audi Q3 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Audi Q3 is available with three different performance levels from two engines.

The entry-level TFSI 110 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, sending 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque to the front wheels.

As advertised, the 150 comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four putting out 150kW and 320Nm, with all-wheel drive.

The range-topping 195 also gets the 2.0-litre engine and AWD, but performance jumps to 195kW and 400Nm – allowing for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds.

It's worth mentioning the 195's powertrain is also found in the Cupra Terramar VZ and the Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line.

To see how the Audi Q3 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the Audi Q3 drive?

In recent time, excluding performance grades, Audi models haven’t always been the most dynamically interesting, generally speaking.

There seemed to be more of an emphasis on unobtrusive, easy driving manners, which meant things like the steering might be too light and devoid of feedback.

But Audi’s people seem to have paid more attention to injecting more driving enjoyment into the latest Q3, and I’m glad to see it.

The powertrain in the entry-level, front-drive TFSI 110 is still basic and a little doughy with its response, but the weight and feedback from the steering is nice – and that carries right across the lineup.

Bookending the range is this TFSI 195, with a far more exciting engine, and combined with the extra traction of Audi’s quattro (sic) all-wheel drive.

While the 150kW engine will be enough for most, having the extra power and torque in the 195 is definitely better. There’s just a little bit more muscle under the surface for daily driving, delivering a slightly more relaxed experience out on the road.

When you do want to dial up the fun factor, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is on call. This isn’t performance that will burn your eyebrows off, but there’s certainly enough there to play with – particularly above 80 per cent – without too much risk of losing your licence.

There’s also a noticeable difference between comfort and dynamic driving modes, with the car changing to suit the driver’s mood.

Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic works better as you go higher in the model range. It’s unconvincing in the 110, but in the 195 there’s more flexibility and range from the engine, which seems to mate well with the transmission.

Yes, there’s a bit more adrenaline available to tap into, but this isn’t a performance SUV – nor does it claim to be.

The steering remains typical Audi, being on the light side. For the day-to-day, that makes driving in traffic and parking nice and easy. It is relatively sharp though, translating to a surprisingly pointy front-end.

As I mentioned earlier, there appears to have been more of an effort to sprinkle some picante through the Q3, with a responsive chassis and good grip – thanks to the combination of good tyres and all-wheel drive.

Despite some very average road surfaces, the Audi did an admirable job of soaking up the bumps, though the larger the wheel size, the less tyre wall there is to provide a cushion.

Given this is a smaller premium SUV aimed at families, the Q3 delivers a nice balance of comfort and on-road competency.

To see how the Audi Q3 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool

What do you get?

The entry-level Q3 comes with a decent list of kit, but buyers have choices beyond just the engine and body style.

2026 Audi Q3 range equipment highlights:

• 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Curved digital display stage
• Park assist plus
• Reversing assist, capable of retracing up to 50 metres
• Trained parking function
• Steering column-mounted gear selector
• New steering-column switch module
• Full-width rear light strip
• Illuminated rear Audi rings
• SUV and Sportback body styles available from launch

2026 Audi Q3 TFSI 110 kW equipment highlights:

• Advanced-line exterior styling
• Full body paint finish
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Three selectable daytime running light signatures
• Acoustic glazing for front door windows
• Keyless entry
• Electric tailgate
• Electric, heated, folding and auto-dimming side mirrors
• Side mirror memory functionality
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• Electrically adjustable front seats
• Driver’s seat memory
• Heated front seats
• Three-zone climate control
• Audi smartphone interface
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger with cooling
• 10-speaker 260W Audi sound system with subwoofer
• Colour ambient interior lighting
• Matt cross-brushed aluminium inlays
• S line exterior styling (Sportback)
• Unique bumpers (Sportback)
• 19-inch alloy wheels (Sportback)

2026 Audi Q3 TFSI 110 kW Launch Edition adds:

• S line exterior styling (SUV)
• 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Metallic paint
• Red brake callipers
• Black exterior styling package
• Adaptive dampers with two-valve technology
• Sound actuator

2026 Audi Q3 TFSI quattro 150 kW equipment highlights:

• All-wheel drive
• S line exterior styling
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Sport front seats with integrated head restraints
• Hill descent assist

2026 Audi Q3 TFSI quattro 150 kW Launch Edition adds:

• Metallic paint
• 19-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Red brake callipers
• Black exterior styling package
• Adaptive dampers
• Sound actuator

2026 Audi Q3 TFSI quattro 195 kW equipment highlights:

• All-wheel drive
• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Adaptive dampers
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Red brake callipers
• Privacy glass
• S line interior package
• Aluminium divergence inlays
• Stainless steel pedals
• Heated sport steering wheel
• Black headlining
• Ambient lighting pro
• Head-up display
• Sonos premium sound system
• Enhanced USB charging

Is the Audi Q3 safe?

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program – better known as ANCAP – has awarded the new Audi Q3 a maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 80 per cent or above across all four categories.

2026 Audi Q3 safety equipment highlights:

• Adaptive cruise assist
• Active lane assist
• Active front assist
• Speed sign recognition
• Surround-view cameras
• Park assist plus
• Reversing assist
• Trained parking function
• Hill descent assist (150kW quattro variants)

How much does the Audi Q3 cost to run?

All Audi models are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five years of roadside assistance.

To see how the Audi Q3 compares with its rivals, use our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Audi Q3

The 2026 Audi Q3 SUV TFSI quattro 195kW is a worthy addition to the model’s lineage.

And though it is a relatively minor step forward for the Q3, there are some notable features that buyers will no doubt appreciate.

The innovative indicator and drive selector offer the driver a new type of interaction and touchpoint, without having to entirely rejig your neural pathways. Being a curmudgeon who yells at clouds, I’m not usually a fan of such things, but in this case it was the execution that won me over.

Audi has also done some work to improve the Q3’s driving satisfaction. We’re not talking light-years of progress, but we’ll celebrate any move that means more enjoyment for those behind the wheel – however minor.

The quattro system provides excellent road-holding, which translates to confidence for the driver.

But by far the most impressive thing about the new Q3 is the build quality inside. It seems like there’s been a concerted effort to deliver a cabin that feels premium all the way through, in a segment where every SUV has leather and flashy screens.

The Q3 195 follows Audi’s proven recipe closely – a 2.0-litre turbo-four, dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive in a small luxury SUV – but there’s just a little more butter and spice in the mix.

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MORE: Explore the Audi Q3 showroom