2026 Audi Q3 S Line Quattro

I'll admit, I never really thought much about the Audi Q3, even when I used to sell Audis. I've sold cars at two different Audi dealerships, in California and Colorado, and neither one of them had many Q3s in stock. Not because it was a bad SUV, but mainly because it was constantly overshadowed by its older brother, the ever-popular Q5. But that was back in 2019.

It's 2026 and the Audi Q3 has had quite the glow up in the past few years. It has gotten taller, wider, and more handsome in its older age, and dare I say, much more refined. It drives really well, like it always has, and its tech features are far more intuitive these days. However, there was only one part of it I wasn't too fond of.

A Spacious and Tech-Forward Interior 

Inside, the 2026 Audi Q3 feels plenty spacious, thanks to its boxier shape and clean, minimalist design. A 12.8-inch Audi MMI screen sits in the center of the dash next to an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The screen is angled toward the driver, so it's easy to see, and moving the gear selector to the steering column frees up some much-needed storage space in the center console.

The materials and natural wood inlays also look and feel appropriately upscale. In the back, the seats slide and recline, which gives passengers a little more room than you might expect in an SUV this small. There's also 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind them and 50 cubic feet when they're folded down. However, there's one thing I didn't like about the interior: the turn signal stalk.

I know, it sounds innocuous, but hear me out. The turn signal lever shares space with the windshield wiper controls, so whenever I would touch the stalk to activate the turn signal, the wipers would activate and it was pain to turn them off because I would have to click it the other way. Also, it wasn't just the front wipers that would go off, but the rear wipers as well. Luckily, I got used to it after a few days, but it was still annoying.

A More Confident Q3

The redesigned Q3 finally looks like it belongs next to Audi's larger SUVs instead of hiding behind them. Its wider stance, taller body, large grille, and sharp lighting give it a lot more presence without making it look bulky. The Black Optics accents give it a little extra attitude, and the bicolor 20-inch wheels fill out the wheel wells nicely. It's still small enough to squeeze into tight parking spots, but it no longer gets lost in a crowded luxury SUV parking lot.

Overall, I think it looks the part sitting next to its larger siblings. To me, the Audi Q3 always seemed like an afterthought, or a parts bins of sorts. But this look proves that it's not.

Powertrain and Driving Impressions

Under the hood, every Q3 gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It's connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard. Audi says the Q3 can get from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and I believe it. There's plenty of low-end torque for merging onto the highway, passing slower cars, and climbing steep grades. The transmission also fires off quick shifts once the Q3 gets moving.

The Q3 isn't just quick, either. It feels composed around corners, with light steering that's accurate enough and a suspension that keeps the body from moving around too much. The ride is smooth over most rough roads, although the larger wheels can send some sharper bumps into the cabin. The dual-clutch transmission can also feel a little hesitant at parking lot speeds, but neither issue is a dealbreaker. Overall, the Q3 is fun enough when you want it to be and comfortable enough for the daily commute.

Technology: Sharp Screens, One Learning Curve

As for the tech, Audi's latest interface looks sharp and responds quickly. Wireless smartphone integration and wireless charging help keep the cabin from getting cluttered with cables, and the digital gauge cluster makes navigation and vehicle information easy to see.

You can also get features like a head-up display and an upgraded audio system, which help make the Q3 feel like a proper luxury vehicle instead of just the cheapest way into an Audi SUV.

However, my main complaint is the control layout. The climate controls are buried in the touchscreen, and the controls on the steering column handle several jobs that used to have their own switches. It all looks clean and modern, but it takes more attention than a set of normal buttons and stalks. I got used to it after spending some time in the Q3, but I never really liked it.

The Safety and Driver Assistance Tech Is All Present

When it comes to safety, the Q3 has the driver-assistance features most buyers expect in a small luxury SUV. Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and parking assistance are all there to help with everyday driving. Adaptive cruise control and lane-centering support are also available for longer highway trips. Of course, they're there to help, not drive the car for you.

Summary: No Longer in the Q5's Shadow

The 2026 Audi Q3 S line Quattro is no longer the Audi SUV you settle for when the Q5 is out of reach. It's handsome, roomy for its size, quick, and loaded with useful technology. I could do without the touch-heavy controls, and the price can climb quickly once you start checking option boxes, but those complaints don't outweigh everything the Q3 gets right.

After years of being overlooked, Audi's smallest SUV finally has the personality and refinement to stand on its own.