Summary
The Audi Q3 is a mid-sized SUV/crossover, available as both a conventional SUV and a more sleekly-styled Q3 Sportback version. The current model is the second generation and was launched in 2018.
The Q3 has received middling reviews from the UK motoring media, with the regular SUV model scoring better than the sleeker Q3 Sportback model. Base models are also described as underpowered.
Most reviewer have praised its quality and technology systems, however it has been criticised for not being as enjoyable to drive or as comfortable as other cars in its class, like the Volvo XC40 or Range Rover Evoque.
An all-new Audi Q3 is expected to be revealed in the second half of 2025, which is likely to arrive in the UK by the end of the year.
As of July 2025, the Audi Q3 has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 65%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid model), while it also gets good grades for its historically strong reliability record. However, its running costs are only average and its warranty score is poor.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV and Coupé SUV
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £35,040 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2018
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: Autumn 2025
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“Premium quality and style, plus impressive practicality and class-leading tech, make the Audi Q3 an appealing small SUV.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Paul Adam, Ben Custard
“The Audi Q3 is a relatively small yet upmarket SUV that’s impressively spacious, but alternatives feel posher inside and are more fun to drive.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
Darren Cassey
More reviews
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Q3 35 TFSI S Line
“The latest Audi Q3 feels a resoundingly good product, both inside and out.”
Author: Jack Evans
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Sportback 35 TDI
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s agile enough for a car of this type, and while the steering is light, even front-wheel drive models like ours demonstrate plentiful grip on greasy roads.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Sportback Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“From an objective point of view, it’s hard to justify the price premium that the Sportback carries over the standard Q3. However, the extra style it adds – without significantly compromising practicality – means that this is one of the most convincing coupe SUVs yet.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a BMW X1 rival that has bags of style, impressive tech and makes a great all-rounder.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Eye-catching design, backed up by a high-quality interior, make it one of the most desirable and well-rounded models in the segment. Good passenger space and a generous boot add to its appeal, as does its wide range of engines.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is a small premium SUV with an eye-catching design, backed up by a high-quality interior, making it a desirable and well-rounded machine. Good passenger space and a generous boot add to its appeal, as does its wide range of engines.”
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Q3 45 TFSI e Black Edition S-Tronic
Score: 7 / 10
“An easy PHEV operation, with impressive refinement, but rivals have bigger boots.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Sportback Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Material and build quality are hard to fault, while there’s plenty of tactile delight, with squidgy slush-mouldings, glossy surfaces and even fillets of Alcantara to caress.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“When rivals like the jazzy BMW X2 and even the first-generation Range Rover Evoque are so much better to drive and the Volvo XC40 does such a better job of being alternatively cool and supremely comfortable, the Q3 by comparison is just so… vanilla.”
Read review
Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic Sportback
Score: 9 / 10
“Audi has certainly upped the appeal of its Q3 Sportback — adding an extra sense of style without compromising on practicality. Levels of equipment continue to be generous, and fit-and-finish comes in at a very high standard. On top of all that, it’s actually quite fun to drive too.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The latest Audi Q3 is smart outside, clever inside and a pleasure to travel in.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Q3 Sportback range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi Q3 Sportback is a more stylish alternative to your average boxy SUV, although others are more fun to drive and have more room for passengers.”
Read review
Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic S line Sportback
“Certainly a niche addition, but the development of the coupe-SUV combination continues, with Audi adding to its broad portfolio to meet seemingly every requirement.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Audi Q3 scores well for running costs, interior quality, standard equipment and the driving experience, although emissions aren’t always up with the best.”
Read review
Evo
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“All models are reasonably well equipped, with Audi’s MMI touch infotainment system, a basic set of digital instrument dials, 18-inch wheels and LED headlights standard.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Q3 45 TFSI
Score: 8 / 10
“Quick and chuckable… for an SUV.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 35 TFSI petrol automatic S line
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Audi Q3 now has a lot more visual character than the last model, while the interior remains a quality place to be and it’s refined overall.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Sportback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 Sportback is far from flawless, with a harsh ride and limited rear headroom compared to the standard model. But we know that many people will live with that for its stylish looks and impressive interior. It’s also cheap to run and, of course, has that Audi badge on the grille…”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi Q3 is the archetypal compact SUV. Blessed with a premium badge, but with almost no off-road talent, it’s an incredibly popular car.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Compact SUV combines up-to-date tech, practicality and a dose of style”
Read review
The Sun
Model reviewed: Q3 Sportback
“The Audi Q3 Sportback is clever, spacious, great to look at — and aimed at parents that still have sex”
Read review
Model reviewed: Q3 35 TFSI 1.5-litre petrol automatic
“Inside and out, this robust, chunky, high-quality sports utility vehicle has swelled and is now sizeable enough to bully others in the segment.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic 35 TFSI S Line
Score: 6 / 10
“Solid, comfortable, safe and slick, the new Q3 is exactly what you’d expect of it, although less upmarket rivals are more practical. This 1.5-litre petrol engine should be avoided, too, as it’s noisy, slow and a little on the thirsty side; although with a different engine this could be a sensible and classy, if slightly dull, family SUV pick.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“A very competitive posh crossover, but it fumbles some of Audi’s traditional strengths.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Date expired: January 2025
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 85%
Notes on safety rating
The Audi Q3 was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2018 and awarded a five-star rating. It was also ranked by the UK’s Thatcham Research as one of the ten safest new cars for 2019.
However, this Euro NCAP rating expired in January 2025 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.
Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Q3 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of July 2025, the Audi Q3 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 119
Average repair cost: £396.86
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), the Audi Q3 has a better-than-average reliability score, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current version of the Q3 and the previous (pre-2018) generation.
To date, average repair bills for the Q3 have been quite low, at about £400. Suspension problems are the most common faults, although they’re relatively inexpensive with an average repair bill of about £250. Gearbox bills have been very expensive, but seem to be rare.
If you’re looking at a used Audi Q3, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 38 mpg | D |
| Diesel models | 46 mpg | C |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 157 mpg | A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 173 g/km | C | ||
| Diesel models | 161 g/km | C | ||
| Plug-in hybrid models | 42 g/km | A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 30 miles | E |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 28 | B |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £241 | B |
| Year 2 | £640 | B |
| Year 3 | £1,066 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,337 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,815 | C |
| Overall | £5,099 | C |
Running costs for the Audi Q3 range are a mixed bag, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy is disappointing for petrol models but decent for diesel-engined versions. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 149 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…
The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is not great compared to most rivals, offering only around 28 miles in real-world electric-only driving. It means that most households could do some of their weekly driving without using any petrol, but not all without consistent daily recharging.
Insurance costs are pretty average, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Audi Q3
| Overall rating | D | 31% |
| Petrol or diesel models | E | 17% |
| Hybrid or plug-in hybrid models | C | 56% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | 60,000 miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
Audi’s new car warranty is pretty much the bare minimum offered in the UK, with a duration of three years and a limit of 60,000 miles. Other rivals in the price bracket do better (and in some cases, much better).
In addition to the standard new car warranty, the Q3 plug-in hybrid version has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components, which is why it gets a better score than the standard petrol and diesel models.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi Q3
Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/331
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 13
Defect: A weld seam on the outer backrest frame of the front seats may not have been made correctly.
Remedy: Check the front seats and if required to replace the affected backrest.
Date: November 2022
Recall number: R/2022/354
Model types: All
Build dates: 05/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 100
Defect: Certain vehicles may have been fitted with a rear window which does not conform to the manufacturer’s quality requirements.
Remedy: Check the manufacturing date of the vehicle’s rear window and if it is affected replace the window.
Date: April 2022
Recall number: R/2022/085
Model types: Plug-in hybrid models
Build dates: 10/2020 to 02/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 3,656
Defect: The fuse in the high-voltage system (HV system) in vehicles built within a limited period may have been manufactured with an insufficient quantity of extinguishing sand.
Remedy: Insulation must be fitted above the switching unit for the high-voltage battery.
Date: March 2022
Recall number: R/2022/073
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2020 to 03/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1,762
Defect: The design trim on the power unit can become detached from its retainers.
Remedy: The design trim on the power unit must be removed on the affected vehicles.
Date: September 2021
Recall number: R/2021/323
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2020 to 05/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 11
Defect: The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
Remedy: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened.
Date: October 2020
Recall number: R/2020/302
Model types: All
Build dates: 08/2020 to 05/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 8
Defect: The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side.
Remedy: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.
As of September 2024 (our most recent data point), there have been six DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Audi Q3 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 Q3, 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 Q3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW X1 | BMW X2 | Cupra Ateca | Cupra Formentor | DS 3 Crossback | Jaguar E-Pace | Lexus UX | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Range Rover Evoque | Volvo XC40
Buy an Audi Q3
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Audi Q3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease an Audi Q3
If you’re looking to lease a new Audi Q3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
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