The pipsqueak of Audi’s SUV stable, the 2023 Audi Q3 rolls into showrooms with new LED headlights and an available wireless phone charger. Its closest competitors are the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Although small, the Q3 provides the full Audi experience in a big way. A well-crafted cabin, scads of up-to-date technology, and peppy performance coalesce to make driving a pleasure rather than a chore.
Audi presents the Q3 in Premium and Premium Plus grades. Both pop out of the box with all-wheel drive (AWD). Two versions of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission provide the go. Both trim levels qualify for both engine iterations. The driver-configurable Audi Drive Select allows you to set driving dynamics.
The less potent 40 TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) engine generates 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. According to U.S. government estimates, its mileage is 23 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The 45 TFSI makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Here the fuel-economy numbers are 21 mpg/28 mpg/24 mpg.
You must make your pick regarding engine performance. The 40 TFSI certainly has enough get-up-and-go for urban duties. You may find the 45 TFSI more satisfying for touring or attacking the twisties.
Budgeting often determines the trim level we choose. However, we think the Premium Plus delivers enough extra content to make it the Q3 value proposition.
Here’s how the two trim levels shake out.
2023 Audi Q3 Premium
(starting at $36,400)
The listed price is with the 40 TFSI engine. Opting for the 45 TFSI tacks $2,300 to the bottom line.
At the four corners are 18-inch alloy wheels. Other features are aluminum roof rails, auto on/off LED headlights, LED taillights, and heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals. A panoramic sunroof, a power rear liftgate, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and high-beam assist are also standard. Hill-descent control also makes the cut.
Audi has earned a reputation for high-quality interiors and extends that legacy with the Q3. Leather seats, heated 8-way power-adjustable front seats, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 40/20/40-split-folding, sliding-and-reclining rear seat are standard. A tri-zone automatic climate control system manages the cabin temperature.
The Audi MIB3 infotainment interface begins with an 8.8-inch touchscreen. A 10-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also included.
Audi provides a bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, front-rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
A Convenience Package ($1,375) pumps up the features. For example, driver-seat memory, power-folding (and auto-dimming) outboard mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a hands-free power rear liftgate are included, along with proximity keyless entry, satellite-radio capability, and a HomeLink transceiver.
You can also add rear-passenger side airbags for $350.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the Premium base price brings the total to $37,595. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $676 per month. See 2023 Audi Q3 Premium models for sale
2023 Audi Q3 Premium includes:
Tri-zone automatic climate control – This system lets you set the temperature in three areas: front right, front left, and rear. It then automatically maintains those preset temperatures.
Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
High-beam assist – The high beams are always ready if your vehicle has this system. When photosensors or a forward-pointed camera detect oncoming headlights or taillights, the system automatically switches off the high beams. It automatically switches them back on when no vehicle lights are detected.
2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus
(starting at $39,700)
With its $3,300 price bump over the Premium, the 2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus gains the Convenience Package and a host of other features. For example, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and wireless phone charging are standard. An interior LED lighting package is included as well.
The availability of the $2,700 Technology Package is another solid reason to pick Premium Plus. It brings Alexa capability, a navigation system, virtual cockpit plus, and traffic-sign recognition. Virtual cockpit plus provides options for how the driver information is displayed. Also included are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an upgraded 15-speaker Sonos audio system.
Adding the destination fee to the Premium Plus base price equals $40,895. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to about $735 per month. See 2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus models for sale
2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus includes:
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This perspective is particularly valuable when parking.
Adaptive cruise control – Once you have engaged the system and set the speed, it will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating as needed. This system also provides steering assist, meaning it’s a semi-autonomous driver-assistance system under certain conditions.
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Push-button start is often paired with proximity keyless entry.
