Premium and Premium Plus are the two trim options available for the Audi Q3. A 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque powers both versions. A 6-speed automatic transmission is mated to the engine. FWD is standard, whereas AWD (Quattro) costs a little more than $2,000 more.

For either trim, there are two feature packages to choose from. 19-inch wheels, front sport seats, variable driving modes, and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are included in the Sport package. A navigation system with online services and a color driver information display are included in the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package.

The Sport Plus package is unlocked by adding the Sport package to the Premium Plus, which offers sportier exterior style components and a revised wheel design. Wood inlays and a 14-speaker Bose audio system are available on the Premium Plus trim.

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If you choose the Q3, the base Premium with Convenience package adds a number of convenience items such as keyless entry and a power liftgate. However, we recommend opting for the Premium Plus option, which includes the Convenience package as well as blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights, and enhanced exterior and interior trim.

"This engine is exceptionally well-tuned and responsive, and the transmission has well-spaced gears and delivers confident shifts. All 207 lb-ft of torque are available by 2,000 rpm, and that helps for getting out ahead of traffic." - The Car Connection

2018 Audi Q3 Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Audi Q3 uses a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine provides satisfactory power and acceleration when driving around town, but once you hit the open roads and floor the pedal, it feels underpowered. 

The turbo-four engine in the Q3 isn't as powerful as those in the competition. It has sluggish acceleration and weak overall power. This Audi crossover has a pleasant ride, but reviews are mixed on its handling.But for regular city driving, the power is more than adequate. 

While X1’s engine justifies its extra cost with extra horsepower and torque, GLA’s engine matches X1’s torque numbers but has just a few more HPs than Q3. Surprisingly, the QX30 costs around $3,000 less than the Q3, but still produces the same torque as the X1 and the same horsepower as the GLA. Audi may have focused on luxury and comfort, but power was definitely not their prime goal.

2018 Audi Q3 Acceleration

The main focus behind making the Q3 was to provide Audi’s experience without providing Audi’s price tag. Though the 2018 Audi Q3 does well in comfort, style, and luxury department, the engine is nowhere near the class standard. It feels underpowered on highways, and even while merging into traffic.

While the BMW X1's engine justifies its higher price with more horsepower and torque, the GLA's engine equals the torque ratings of the BMW X1 but only boasts a few more power than the Q3. Surprisingly, the QX30 costs roughly $3,000 less than the Q3, but it still has the same power as the BMW X1. Audi may have prioritised luxury and comfort, but power was not one of their top priorities.

2018 Audi Q3 Handling and Steering

The 2018 Audi Q3 carries its underwhelming performance in the driving and handling department. While Audi’s other vehicles have demonstrated that an electric-assisted power steering doesn’t necessarily mean a numb and artificial drive, the Q3 fails to do so.

The Q3 has soft suspensions and a subpar grip limit, which make it less sporty and feel heavier than it really is. The highway stability and precision are satisfactory, but ‘satisfactory’ is a word that should not be associated with an Audi.

2018 Audi Q3 Braking

The 2018 Audi Q3 is just as lethargic in stopping down as it is in speeding up. It takes well over class average to come to a stop. The brake pedal is on the softer side, feels a bit vague, and travels farther than desirable. At panic stops, the compact SUV also displays directional instability.

The quickest to come to a halt amongst the rivals is the Infiniti QX30. It takes just 106 feet to come to a stop from 60mph, that’s 15 feet shorter than the Q3. Following QX30 is the BMW X1, with its panic stop distance of 112 feet. The Mercedes GLA is also on the slower side at panic stops, with a distance of 120 feet. That’s unimpressive but still better than Q3.

If you thought the underpowered engine would at least offer a decent fuel economy, be ready to be disappointed once again. The 2018 Audi Q3 is nowhere near its competitors when it comes to efficiency. Be it a city drive or a highway ride, you’d be stuck with a thirsty and lazy engine. But hey, at least you’d be sitting in a comfortable seat!

With a combined economy of 23 mpg, Q3’s thirsty engine is at the bottom of the efficiency barrel. The Q3 may be Audi’s cheapest SUV, but it sure will cost you in the long run. The rest of the pack puts up competitive numbers. The Infiniti QX30 and Mercedes GLA both put up an impressive 24/33 mpg in city/hwy. The BMW also trails closely behind, with 1 mpg less in both city and highway.

“it's pretty clear Audi was aiming for luxury rather than performance or driver engagement with the Q3. The standard leather seats are highly adjustable and above average in terms of comfort, while the ride is soft and the cabin is kept nice and quiet” – Edmunds

The 2018 Audi Q3 still uses the old Audi design and is desperately in need of a redesign. Having said that, the old design makes the Q3’s cabin quite simple and clean. Although the instrument cluster looks good, there is no option for Audi’s virtual cockpit. There are many storage options inside. 

The shifter is traditional, and paddle shifters are only added to the sports package. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, but you have some weird and dated toggles to adjust the temperature. A panoramic moonroof comes standard. 

2018 Audi Q3 Seating and Comfort

The 2018 Audi Q3 uses standard leather seats which are available in black, rock grey, and chestnut brown colors. Premium Plus has standard aluminum color, but balsamic brown walnut is also available for $350.

12-way power-adjustable seats with 4-way lumbar support are standard on the driver’s as well as passenger’s side. The sport pack also adds thigh extensions. The Premium Plus trim also adds 3 stage heated seats.

Here is a list of the standout features in the 2018 Audi Q3’s cabin:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rearview camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Heated side mirrors
• 10-speaker sound system
• Satellite radio
• Bluetooth
• USB port

Optional features include:

• Proximity-key entry
• Power lift-gate
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Bose surround sound system
• MMI infotainment system
• Navigation
• LED headlights and taillights
• Audi Side Assist

2018 Audi Q3 Infotainment

If you thought the engine and handling were Q3's Achilles' heel, prepare to be disappointed again since Q3 has even more to offer. The 2018 Audi Q3 does not come with a standard infotainment system, unlike its competitors or any vehicle these days. To add the MMI interface, you'll need to select one of the available packages.

The standard system includes a 10-speaker sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Optional upgrades include a Bose surround sound system, the MMI infotainment system, and navigation.

2018 Audi Q3 Cargo

Although the 2018 Audi Q3 is not the most luggage accommodating vehicle out there, the cargo storage is satisfactory, given the list of problems Q3 has in other departments. The cargo space with all seats up is not impressive, but once the 2^nd row is folded, the Q3 provides more storage than some key rivals.

The BMW X1 is the king in cargo storage, with a maximum capacity of 58.7 Ft.³ and 27.1 Ft.³ when seats are up. The Mercedes provides a little more storage than Q3 when seats are up, but lags behind when seats are folded.

When you look at the Q3 from the front, it looks quite reminiscent of the bigger Q5 and Q7. It has the new angular version of the single-frame grille. On either side of the grille, you get the headlights, which are LEDs in Premium Plus and Xenon HIDs in Premium. Down below you get the S-line, which is now standard. The S-line adds to a more aggressive look for the 2018 Audi Q3.

When viewed from the front, Q3 doesn’t look that small. But once you look at its side profile, it’s easy to see how compact Q3 really is. From the back, it looks uncannily like a shrunken Q5. The tail lights are LEDs with dynamic turn signals in Premium Plus trim. Dual exhausts and roof-rails are standard. Premium Plus adds a rear diffuser.

Some of the exterior features include:

• LED headlights in Premium Plus
• Xenon HIDs in Premium
• Heated and power adjusting side mirrors
• Audi’s Side Assist in Premium Plus
• 19 inch 10 spoke titanium alloy wheels in sports plus package
• Standard 18 inch turbine alloy wheels
• 19-inch off-road design wheels with sports package.

IIHS gave 2018 Audi Q3 their maximum rating of ‘Good’ in all their crash tests. The headlights, however, got a rating of Poor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the Q3 yet.

IIHS Rating

Crash prevention and mitigation

The only standard safety feature you will find in the Q3 is the rearview camera. It’s not much, but it’s worth noting that rivals like BMW X1 don’t provide any standard feature. Although BMW and Mercedes GLA have several optional safety features, Audi only adds Audi Side Assist, which is just a fancy name for blind-spot monitoring, as an upgrade.

Audi Q3 vs BMW X1

The BMW X1 has several advantages over the Audi Q3. They start with BMW’s powerful engine and nimble handling, Audi falls short on both accounts. BMW also has one of the most spacious cargo capacities in the segment, almost 10 cubic feet more than Audi. X1 also comes with a standard infotainment system.

Although Q3 can get an infotainment system with an additional package, it is still not as intuitive as X1’s. Audi’s ace in the hole was its luxurious cabin, but BMW one-ups Audi is this department, too. All in all, BMW X1 is just a better car than the Q3.

Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA

It’s the same story with the Mercedes. The GLA provides a better fuel economy than Q3, that too with a more powerful engine. The GLA is more fun to drive, saves more money, and handles swiftly. Both SUV’s have similar cabin and cargo space, but the Mercedes GLA has more techs and features.

The GLA comes with a standard infotainment system, available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and many more active safety techs. However, it is worth noting that Audi’s cabin is more luxurious and comfortable. So, if you are ready to sacrifice basically every aspect of a car that makes it desirable for a little extra luxury and upscale interiors, go for the Audi Q3. Or, you know, go for the Mercedes. It’s so much better than the Q3 in most departments. And come on, it’s a Mercedes! How austere can its cabin be?

The Q3 is Audi’s least expensive SUV, so expecting a full-blown Audi experience is kind of a stretch from the start. But Q3 is severely underpowered and lacking in almost all aspects except for cabin quality. If it were a basic company, we’d get it. But Q3’s mediocrity is enhanced by its parentage.

No matter what aspect you choose, there is a rival who provides a better experience in that aspect, and more. There is simply not much to justify 2018’s all-around below average performance, especially in a segment that’s filled with excellent competitors.

Rivals like Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Infiniti QX30, and many more provide so much more at the same price. So, if you wanna buy an Audi Q3, just don’t. There are better options available, and if you wanna own an Audi, Audi has a plethora of better options for you.