The 2022 Audi Q3 is best suited in its S Line 45 TFSI Premium Plus configuration as it sits at the top of the line with all the top-notch features. Right from the comfort index to driving dynamics, it beholds the highest value while having a reasonable price surge against the base Premium editions. A mix of heated seating, more exhilarating throttle and unique ambiance make this trim a must-buy among all. 

The 2022 Audi Q3 is a two trim SUV that commences with Premium trim having 40 TFSI edition priced at $36,400 and S Line 45 TFSI at $38,700. It gets assets like Audi Sound System, heated front seat with leather upholstery, and interior lighting package as standards. Meanwhile, the 18-inch 5-arm design wheels fashion its exterior appeal.

The Premium Plus is the next one in the line for the Audi Q3 2022 that has the same 40 TFSI and S Line 45 TFSI variants at an investment of $39,700 and $42,000 respectively. And the Audi active lane assist with emergency assist and Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance are some of the extra add-ons over the base trim. 

"Q3 is light and relatively nimble." - Motor Trend

The 2022 Audi Q3 beats with the same 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 engine that punches 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It couples with 8-speed automatic transmission in a Quattro AWD layout that delivers a fine and smooth power progression at each upshift and downshift. However, if that does not seem to get you thrilled, there is a 228 hp and 251 lb-ft torque producing 2.0L Turbo I-4 for the S Line editions that has rest other things in common as that of the base engine.  

Coming on the performance front, the Audi Q3 2022 hits the 0-60 MPH mark in 8.6 seconds and can go as fast as 130 MPH with its 184 hp I-4. While the 228 hp I-4 is electronically limited to the same 130 MPH but is 1.6 seconds quicker in its 0-60 MPH sprint. Moreover, to mediate the driving characteristics, it integrates Audi Drive Select as well allowing you to go for Dynamic, Comfort, Auto, and Individual modes which are complemented by the standard duo of front strut and rear multi-link suspensions. 

Going by the data, the 2022 X1 has 44 hp more power than the Q3 resulting in 2 seconds faster 0-60 MPH while being $1,000 less expensive. The GLA Class, meanwhile, is 1.8 seconds faster than the Q3 2022 in the same 0-60 MPH dash, thanks to its 37 hp higher power, but also costs $1,000 more than the latter. On the other hand, the 2022 Volvo XC40 lags behind the Audi Q3 in the 0-60 MPH by 0.4 seconds despite having 3 hp extra boost at its end. 

The 2022 Audi Q3 returns a mileage of 26 MPG overall with its 184 hp I-4 engine that helps it go for 413 miles of combined range when the 15.9-gallon fuel tank is completely filled. However, fuel economy reduces by 2 MPG as we tend to incline for a 228 hp 2.0L I4 powertrain causing the peak range to drop by 22 miles.

As per data, the 2022 Q3 has an edge against the GLA Class in the combined range by 58 miles because of its 3.2 gallons larger tank. The XC40 suffers the safe deficit but the variation stands at 44 miles when compared to Q3 despite having almost parallel fuel economy. 

"The surfaces inside the Q3 are tastefully put together and great to the touch, if a little bland." - Edmunds

Step in the 2022 Audi Q3 and an exotic interior awaits you with a heated 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 12-way power-adjustable passenger one. The leatherette finish for the 40 TFSI configuration lists Black, Okapi Brown, and Pearl Beige which extends to Black with Rock Gray Stitching ($1,700) and Rotor Gray with Anthracite Stitching at $1,700 for the S Line editions. While for the comfort purpose, it inclines to have 3-zone automatic climate control. 

The interior ambiance of the Audi Q3 2022 has been organized to be engaging with its interior lighting package for the Premium trim. However, it can get even better with the Multi-Color Contour/Ambient LED interior lighting package for the Premium Plus exclusively. Though one can have Convenience Package too that will bring 8-way power front seats with driver memory, Audi Advanced Key, and other stuffs for the Premium 40 TFSI specifically but the cargo capacity of 23.7-48 cu-ft remains consistent across the lineup. 

Based on the figures, the Q3 2022 offers an 8.3 cu-ft larger cargo volume than the GLA Class. But it accommodates 3.4 cu-ft less cargo when compared to the X1. For seating roominess, the GLA Class has 2 inches better legroom in the rear row, however, apart from that, there is a maximum gap of 1-1.5 inches among them which is why they are pretty much equally arranged. Furthermore, Audi flexes its front to operate the MIB 3.0 infotainemnet system and 8.8-inch display with an MMI touch. 

The 2022 Q3 hosts a 10.25-inch Digital instrument cluster and Voice Dialogue System as well along with Audi Sound System, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. For entertainment and interior technology satisfaction, we have the opportunity to avail of the Technology package too which comes at an expense of $2,700. It welcomes Audi connect PRIME and PLUS (6-month trial subscription), MMI Navigation plus, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and SONOS premium sound system with 3D sound. 

• Heated 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather upholstery
• 3-zone automatic climate control
• Interior Lighting Package
• Audi Sound System
• MIB 3.0 infotainemnet system
• 8.8-inch display with an MMI touch. 

The 2022 Audi Q3 retains its design philosophy while riding on those standard 18-inch 5-arm design wheels. The front fascia ornaments itself with LED headlights having High-Beam Assist incorporated into them for the Premium trim that upgrades with Dynamic Automatic Headlight Leveling as we go for the Premium Plus. There is a panoramic sunroof on top as well that opens up the space for clear night sky vision. Also, pairs of 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels are on offer as per trim specific costing $800 each. 

Having a paint job of more than 9 exterior colors such as the Ibis White, Pulse Orange, Chrono Gray Metallic($595), Glacier White Metallic($595), Florett Silver Metallic($595), and many more, the 2022 Q3 seems very attractive in one glance. The Premium Plus even gets a top view camera system with virtual 360 view on the outside. To further bolster its style statement, Audi offers a Black Optic Sport Package that can fit in the Black optic exterior kit and 19-inch 5-double-arm design, titanium wheels. 

In terms of comparison, the Audi Q3 2022 weighs almost 350 lbs more than the X1 and 200 lbs extra over the Volvo XC40 yet this does not make significant changes in their dynamics due to the technology embedded. Apart from that, there are no major offsets among them in their dimensional variation. Some of the notable exterior features have been mentioned below:

• 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
• LED taillights with dynamic indicators
• LED headlights
• Panoramic Roof
• Power-adjustable, heated exterior side mirrors

The 2022 Audi Q3 has not been crash-tested by the NHTSA yet but it is certain to have a 5-star safety rating as it carries forward its frame and chassis from last year. Moreover, the IIHS has marked its structural integrity and safety stature with a "Good" rating in all the parameters. However, its optional headlight unit dents its image with a "Poor" scale by the IIHS. Along with all these, Q3 has been equipped with inspiring safety features as well that are mentioned below:

• Lane departure warning
• Traffic sign recognition
• Audi side assist with rear-cross traffic alert
• Audi Pre-Sense
• Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance
• Audi active lane assist with emergency assist
• Dynamic automatic headlight leveling
• Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view

2022 Audi Q3 vs 2022 BMW X1

The 2022 BMW X1 and the 2022 Audi Q3 have got thrust to outplay on the track but the former is slightly better in its pursuit. Not just that, the X1 has better range reach as well with a spacious cabin on the inside for all the passengers. As far as tech is concerned, they can be placed at par with each other. But on the whole, it has to be X1 over Q3.  

2022 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA has the power surge at its wheel to shy the likes of the 2022 Audi Q3 in terms of sheer acceleration. It can even squeeze the Audi Q3 with its ambiance quality, tech superiority, and driving dynamics. All in all, the GLA Class comes out to be better armed for its investment than the Q3. 

2022 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 are very much parallel in their performance and handling watch out. The same stays true for the interior quality, luxury management, and spaciousness of each of them. The build quality and infotainment system can be placed at the same level as well. Therefore, one can go for either of them. 

The 2022 Audi Q3 sees an improvement in its standard feature list compared to the 2021 model year. Audi not only added new driver-assist features as standard but also provided a better infotainment interface and interior materials. Audi has gone to the extent to improve the optional packages as well, thereby, making it worth buying.