Summary
The Audi Q2 is a small SUV/crossover – the smallest in Audi’s ever-growing line of SUV models. It was launched in 2016 and shares a lot of its underpinnings with similar models from the wider Volkswagen family, such as the SEAT Arona, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Roc.
The Q2 range is available with both petrol and diesel engines. The top-spec version is the Audi SQ2, which joined the line-up in 2019 and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 300hp.
The Audi Q2 range has received generally good reviews from the UK motoring media. The top-spec SQ2 tends to score slightly better than the rest of the range, while cars powered by the entry-level 1.0-litre petrol have scored more poorly.
The Q2 has been praised for its overall quality and availablity of advanced technology options, while the performance of the SQ2 model is particularly praised. However, it has been criticised for being relatively expensive compared to many rivals and with limited practicality, especially in the rear seats, compared to many rivals.
The Audi Q2 range received a mid-life facelift in late 2020. This wasn’t a major overhaul and was largely cosmetic in nature.
As of January 2025, the Audi Q2 has a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. That’s some way behind the best small SUVs on the market. It’s Used Car Expert Rating score is slightly better at 65%, as its competitive running costs make it relatively affordable to own and run.
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £25,655 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2016
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
“Those looking for a performance car would be better suited to the almost-identical Audi S3, or one of the other VW Group hot hatches. The Audi SQ2’s higher centre of gravity makes it feel a little less confidence-inspiring in corners, though there’s no denying its ability to cover ground quickly.”
Read review
Score: 8.4 / 10
“An exciting new car that will attract many new Audi customers, affordable for the brand until one starts browsing the options list.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is a stylish crossover with big car features, but it’s pricey and less well-finished than you might expect.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q2 has always offered plenty of appeal in the compact SUV market, and potential buyers are sure to love the increased standard spec on this new model, especially when it’s made all the more tempting by a small price drop compared with the previous version.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi SQ2 can’t match the performance of an equivalent hot hatchback, but on the other hand it offers an image that a hot hatch can’t compete with – and one that modern buyers are craving.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic S line
Score: 6 / 10
“The 1.4-litre petrol engine is a good choice for the Audi Q2, but it’s pricey in S-line trim with added options.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“This entry-level 1.0 TFSI is arguably the pick of the Audi Q2 range. It’s quick enough, remarkably quiet and will be cheap to run, and comes wrapped in a stylish crossover body.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s pretty much a given that the stylish, configurable interior, fuel-efficient engines and tech-friendly equipment will be a hit with image-conscious company car drivers and Yummy Mummies alike.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi SQ2 is a little more expensive to buy than the Cupra Ateca (which doesn’t have quite the same prestige image, but is much bigger and more practical), yet a good slice less than similarly sized premium rivals such as the BMW X2 M35i and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 2021 update
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is definitely a more premium product than the Ford Puma, and of course there’s the driveway appeal of the Audi badge, but those factors need a lot of weight attached to them to justify the extra outlay.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 6 / 10
“The facelifted Audi Q2 doesn’t innovate, it just refines a formula that’s already proven very successful for the brand. There’s certainly nothing offensive about the way the Q2 drives, and with a comfortable ride and great interior, it’s really quite a pleasant place to spend time.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 8 / 10
“Love it or loathe it, we don’t particularly care. Some may lament the SQ2’s SUV-ishness but it opens up the Group’s performance end of the scale to a more lucrative market. If you’re desperate for the crossover look, the Audi SQ2 is a potent, entertaining and genuinely fast machine.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual
Score: 8 / 10
“This is a polished, smart, very in-vogue kind of product – albeit a slightly unimaginative one – and one we think is well judged for its target demographic.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Audi Q2 has the presence, the badge power and enough fundamental ability to do well.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2021 update
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q2 has always proven how high-quality and refined a compact car can be, and that remains true with this updated model. While it’s only a light refresh, a more striking look and additional technology certainly aids this crossover’s appeal.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While it might be on the pricey side, few cars can offer the luxury and cliched ‘premium feel’ that the Audi Q2 offers in this class thanks to its well-built interior. It’s also great to see an Audi standing out from the crowd, which is a trait we would like to see continue.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is a stylish small SUV with an impressive engine range and a comfortable interior.” (Andy Goodwin)
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The Audi SQ2 is a discreet, desirable but expensive high-performance crossover that surprises in several ways.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 7 / 10
“If you want performance, but also the raised driving position and butch looks of an SUV, then the Audi SQ2 will be for you. It’s pricey, though and not the most practical choice inside.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is a small SUV with a smart interior, plenty of optional high-tech touches and a raised driving position, but its back seats aren’t particularly comfy and high-spec models are quite pricey.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
“While it’s clearly very rapid, it doesn’t feel like the out-and-out performance SUV you’d expect, given the power and performance figures. It’s only a 2.0-litre petrol engine, so the fuel economy figures will leave drivers well out of pocket on HMRC’s 14p-per-mile reclaim rate.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual
Score: 8 / 10
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Audi’s new SUV. Except that it’s only Quite Interesting.” (Chris Evans)
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic
“The Audi Q2 is a very practical proposition that looks classy on the drive.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
“While I’d still rather have a hot hatch, the Audi SQ2 is not far off delivering the same sense of fun by crossover standards.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7 / 10
“Audi’s most compact SUV is as impressive as it probably needed to be, but no more.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic S line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is certainly a desirable small SUV. It provides a feel-good factor for the driver thanks to its interior ambience, and the exterior is more visually interesting than its bigger Audi SUV stablemates.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is a premium alternative to small SUVs like the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. It costs a little more than its mainstream competitors, but offers a stylish exterior design, classy and functional interior, and a broad range of engines and drivetrain options. It’s not the most practical or affordable though.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you don’t mind spending a pretty penny then the Audi Q2 is a more upmarket and desirable alternative to smaller crossover options like the Nissan Juke or Peugeot 2008.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
“There are surprisingly few alternatives of this size that can compete with the pull of the Audi brand – apart from perhaps the Mini Countryman.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Apply an image-friendly badge to a popular body style and what do you get? The Audi Q2. Leaving aside the A1 Citycarver, this is Audi’s smallest SUV.”
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Motors
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Unsurprisingly, given the popularity of both the Audi badge and the small crossover sector, the Q2 has been a huge hit from the outset, with some models requiring quite a long order lead time due to demand.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Smallest Audi crossover delivers chunky styling and a fine drive.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
“It’s quite clear the engine is the star of the show here. It’s the same 2.0-litre turbo we all know and love from the Golf R and Audi S3 – both sublimely good hot hatches.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual
“Cool, small and affordable. Audi’s future king?”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
“I cannot think of a single soul who would be interested in such a car.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol automatic Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The petrol-powered 1.4 would be our pick of the range. If you buy the petrol-powered model, ‘quality product’ just about sums up the Audi Q2. It might be aimed at the selfie-generation but there’s nothing shallow about Audi’s smallest Q car.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 8 / 10
“Smart, slick and charming, this compact performance crossover inherits the mantle of rapid hatches of yesteryear”
Read review
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic 190hp S Line
Score: 8 / 10
“It is a mark of just how accomplished Audi’s small SUV is that despite not being the best Q2, when all things are considered, this 2.0 TFSI is still a highly desirable car.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic SQ2
Score: 6 / 10
“Audi serves up a confident, capable hot crossover. Just forgets to add spice.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Audi Q2 is pleasingly bold on the surface, but plays with a very safe bat beneath it.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2016
Date expired: January 2023
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 60%
Notes on safety rating
The Audi Q2 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2016 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2023 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Q2 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Audi Q2 has not yet been assessed by Green NCAP. If the Q2 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Audi Q2 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Q2, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 45 mpg | C | 33 – 49 mpg | C – E |
| Diesel models | 52 mpg | B | 46 – 60 mpg | A – C |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 145 g/km | B | 131 – 195 g/km | A – D |
| Diesel models | 144 g/km | B | 123 – 163 g/km | A – C |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 21 | A | 14 – 50 | A – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £210 | B |
| Year 2 | £576 | B |
| Year 3 | £944 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,218 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,624 | B |
| Overall | £4,572 | B |
The Audi Q2 is average when it comes to ownership and running costs, according to data supplied by our technical partner Clear Vehicle Data.
Petrol versions offer around 45 mpg, which is around the market average, and diesel models are the more economical choice. The SUV’s insurance premiums are pretty cheap when compared to rivals, and the car is predicted to be rather cheap to service and maintain over five years of ownership.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi Q2
Date: August 2023
Recall number: R/2023/254
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2020 to 05/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 104,162
Defect: On affected vehicles an electrical connector for the power supply for the fuse carrier in the interior of the vehicle may have not been installed correctly.
Remedy: Check the electrical connection and secure if necessary.
Date: July 2019
Recall number: R/2019/234
Model types: All
Build dates: 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The mounting for the head restraint may not be correctly welded to the outer backrest frame for the rear seat.
Remedy: The backrest on the rear seat bench must be checked and if necessary replaced.
Date: November 2018
Recall number: R/2018/338
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2018 to 09/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 147
Defect: The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Remedy: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
Date: October 2018
Recall number: R/2018/295
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2017 to 06/2018
Number of vehicles affected: 3,650
Defect: The electro-mechanical park brake may be released inappropriately.
Remedy: The software for the brake control will be updated.
Date: November 2017
Recall number: R/2017/311
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2017
Number of vehicles affected: 30
Defect: The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
As of September 2024, there have been five DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi Q2 addressing various different issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Q2, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi Q2, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW X1 | BMW X2 | Citroën C3 Aircross | DS 3 Crossback | Ford Puma | Hyundai Bayon | Jeep Renegade | Mazda CX-3 | Mini Countryman | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Roc
Buy an Audi Q2
If you’re looking to buy an Audi Q2, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease an Audi Q2
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