LOOKS

As per usual with Audi, the Q3 delivers a beautiful exterior design. My test vehicle featured a bright Glacier White metallic paint job, a bold but classy front grille and sharp headlamp design.

The Q3 also features aluminum roof rails, wheel sizes from 18 to 20 inches, LED headlights with high beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, and power adjustable heated exterior mirrors. An optional sport package adds high-gloss black exterior elements, and sport front seats with S embossing and contrast stitching.

Moving inside the Q3, the vehicle is all-class and very high-tech. From unique touches like the adjustable ambient colored lighting, to the overall tech setup, it does not disappoint. Design of the screens and control knobs are very functional and user-friendly.

All materials inside are high-end, and the seating is extremely comfortable. Heated seats work well and heat up quickly. Rear seats are tight for leg room, but that is expected in this class. The panoramic moonroof is also a nice touch that enhances the driving experience.

Interior features include: Heated front seats, leather seating surfaces, power adjustable front seats with lumbar, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and three-zone automatic climate control.

The only downside to the interior design is that some of the control knobs hanging off the steering wheel are a bit complicated. It can be tricky to figure out what each one does at first, since there are so many, but you will eventually get used to them. And cargo space is less than you’ll find in some rival compact SUVs.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

Two power plants are offered in the 2022 Audi Q3.  Both feature a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed transmission and Audi’s quattro AWD system, but two levels of power are available.

The base motor comes with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the upgraded motor features 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.

The Audi lineup is known for its quality driving, and the Q3 does not disappoint. I tested a vehicle with the upgraded motor and would recommend going for this perkier option.

Zero-to-60 times are in the mid 7-second range with the upgraded motor, roughly a second faster than the base.

And if the Q3's launch speeds won't knock your socks off, it makes up for it with its pure agility and handling, as well as its ability to get moving fast once you are already rolling. You'll find yourself smoothly carving through traffic with ease and fluidity every time, and it can be a very enjoyable experience. There’s a bit of a turbo lag, but nothing too off-putting.

Thanks to the Q3’s suspension, even when driving on bumpy roads, the cabin is mostly quiet and you won’t feel the impacts. Audi Drive Select lets you choose your drive mode, and for maximum performance you’ll want to choose Dynamic.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The Audi Q3 is overall an extremely tech-savvy vehicle. While slightly less user-friendly than some of its luxury competition's systems, the Audi Q3's infotainment system still does a fine job of managing music, navigation, phone calls and more. 

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and work very well if you do not want to use the system that comes with the vehicle. But if you stick with what they give you, voice commands work well almost all of the time. I only had to repeat myself a couple times. Navigation also worked tremendously well, getting me everywhere I needed to go with ease. And the sound system is booming and clear.

The three-dimensional map setup on the Q3 is also excellent, looking as beautiful and intricate as anything I've seen on a navigation system. The map can also be viewed on the screen directly in front of the driver, with the ability to zoom in and out via a steering wheel dial.

The touch display measures 8.8 inches (with an optional 10.1 upgrade via the Technology package), and the vehicle features Bluetooth for streaming music and phone calls.

On the safety front, the Q3 also delivers a competitive product. For starters, you get a five-star government safety rating, so you know you’re protected well in case of an accident.

And there is a bevy of safety features that make keeping yourself safe on the roadways so much easier. My favorite was the 360-degree camera system, which gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and all its surroundings. This system allows you to navigate tight parking situations and backups with ease.

Other safety features include automatic high-beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, advanced airbag protection system with eight airbags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist, electronic stabilization control, tire pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and avoidance assistance, child safety locks in rear doors, LATCH system for car seats, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.

Between all of the above systems, your bases are covered if things get tight on the roadways and you would otherwise be in danger.

MPG

The fuel mileage numbers listed on the 2022 Audi Q3 S line Premium Plus I tested were 21 city/28 highway/24 combined, and my real-world testing confirmed these numbers were accurate.

These numbers are not class-leading, more mid-pack to be honest, but are in line with many of the Q3’s competition and aren’t far enough behind to turn away potential buyers based on fuel mileage alone.

PRICE

The 2022 Audi Q3 I tested was priced at $48,740; and its base price starts around $37K. These numbers are in line with similar sized vehicles from key luxury competitors.

Trim levels are Premium 40, Premium 45, Premium Plus 40 and Premium Plus 45 — essential two trim levels with a pair of engine choices in each one.

Since pricing doesn’t increase dramatically, I would recommend the more powerful engine, and if you want the best technology features you should go for a Premium Plus option.

In terms of warranties, you get a respectable 4-year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, 4-year/50,000 mile powertrain warranty, 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation and 4 years of roadside assistance. There is no maintenance included. 

BOTTOM LINE

When you get behind the wheel of an Audi, the quality of the driving experience immediately grabs your attention. Luxury SUV shoppers who give the 2022 Audi Q3 a chance will find that it delivers one of the best rides in its class, and features a luxurious but not overly indulgent design.

Combine that with the Q3’s excellent tech and safety features and you have a vehicle that’s competitive with the best compact luxury SUVs available today. 

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