Pros: Nimble handling with excellent close-quarters maneuverability; classy, high-quality cabin materials; decent fuel economy; peppy acceleration
Cons: Rear seat is very cramped; cargo room is limited; ride is rather stiff; some controls are complicated
CG Says: The 2016 Audi Q3 gets revised frontal styling and some interior upgrades for its second year. Front and rear parking sensors, along with rearview camera are now standard on all Q3s. Prestige versions now have full-LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and S line exterior trim. The Q3 slots below Audi’s Q5 in size and price. The Q3’s overall length is 10 inches shorter than a Q5, and it’s shorter than most mainstream compact SUVs as well. The diminutive dimensions naturally take a toll on passenger and cargo room, but the upside is that the Q3 is one of the more agile SUVs around. The lone engine is a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that provides decently peppy acceleration. Unlike the Q5, the Q3 is available with front-wheel drive in addition to all-wheel drive. The Q3 is not without its compromises, but its relatively affordable pricing makes it worth checking out if luxury-brand panache and an athletic driving personality are more important to you than passenger and cargo room.
| Class | Premium Compact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Audi |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | Premium Plus: $33,700 AWD Premium Plus: $35,800 Prestige: $38,600 AWD Prestige: $40,700 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 200 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28-29 |
