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2018 Audi Q3 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Audi Q3 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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

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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

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi Q3 generation from 2015 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Audi Q3?

  • New trim added: Sport Edition
  • Trim discontinued: Base Model
  • Standard equipment on all trims now includes advanced safety features
  • New equipment available: Enhanced infotainment system with larger touchscreen
  • Optional package includes premium sound system and upgraded materials

2018 Audi Q3 trims

Curious how Audi Q3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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:

Premium Plus:

Premium Plus Sport:

Audi Q3 photos

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

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

9 customer reviews
The 2018 Audi Q3 combines a luxurious cabin with smooth handling and strong acceleration. Its quiet interior and refined styling make it a standout, though drawbacks like limited tech features (no Apple CarPlay), premium fuel requirements, and restricted cargo space may affect practicality. Maintenance costs and fuel economy are key considerations for buyers.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Audi Q3 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Audi Q3 5th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi Q3

Audi Q3 features and specs

Curious how Audi Q3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium Sport 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Smart Key
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Tow Hitch
  • Navigation System

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

P255/40HR19

Rear tires

P255/40HR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Audi Q3 FAQ

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