Text by Tom Appel
2026 Audi Q3 s line quattro
Class: Premium Subcompact SUV
Country of manufacture: Hungary
Seating capacity: 5
Color: Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | B+ |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A- |
| Tall Guy | A- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 255-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged four |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Miles Driven: 104
Observed fuel economy: 24.0 mpg
Driving mix: 70% city, 30% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 22/29/25 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $43,700 (not including $1205 (destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($595), 20-inch alloy wheels (replacing 18s) ($1800), Drive Assistance Package ($1250), Infotainment Package ($1000), Black Optic Package ($750)
Price as tested (2025): $50,390
Audio-System Brand
Sonos
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Refined drive experience, classy cabin
The good: Improved power and fuel economy
The not so good: Single trim level limits shopper choice
Review
Blame the tariffs, even if Audi won’t. For 2026, Audi redesigned its popular and well-regarded Q3 small crossover, and pared the U.S. lineup to just one single trim level. Audi has also taken pains to simplify the variations of other models here in the States, making ordering and maintaining inventory easier on American dealers. This despite limiting consumer choice.
That’s OK with us, though, as the single Q3 now available in the U.S. is an awfully good little crossover.
Premium Subcompact Crossovers
The Q3 redesign beats the Mercedes-Benz GLA makeover by roughly a model year, as it does a redesigned BMW X1 freshening due to be revealed soon. Volvo’s XC40 is also expected to be significantly updated for the 2027 or 2028 model year.
That’s a lot of churn for a relatively small segment, which also includes the Acura ADX and Lexus UX. We applaud Audi for being ahead of the game.
As for the lineup simplification, the new single Q3 boasts more content and more power than the four vehicles it replaces.
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2025, the Q3 trim level spread looked like this:
- Premium 40 ($38,695)
- Premium 45 ($41,095)
- Premium Plus 40 ($41,495)
- Premium Plus 45 ($43,895)
For 2026, the Q3 lineup looks like this:
- S line quattro ($44,995)
The S line quattro—we hate the lower-case thing, too—comes in $1100 higher than the old top trim level, but brings with it a sunroof, real leather, and much more power.
Option Packages
And though the S line can be equipped with a number of significant option packages—as is our test car—none rises to the price or equipment content of a trim-level upgrade. The S line is really all you get.
Engines
For 2025, the 40-series Q3s came with a 184-horsepower engine, while the 45s were quipped with a 228-horse unit.
The new S line features a standard evolution of the old 40/45 engine. It’s still a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, but is now rated at 255 horsepower. Also new is a sportier feeling 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in place of a conventional 8-speed unit.
Despite the added power, EPA-estimated fuel economy rises for 2026, from a combined 23 mpg for the old 40/45 engines, to 25. Plus, the 2026 model no longer requires pricey premium-grade gasoline.
Longer for 2026
The Q3 is also a little bit bigger this year, stretching almost two additional inches in overall length, and a little less than half an inch in additional width. Wheelbase remains the same at about 106 inches.
Inside, headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are unchanged for ’25, however cargo space improves by two cubic feet.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Audi Q3 equipped with a number of options, including extra-cost Daytona Gray paint. All told, including the destination charge, our test car came to $50,390.
Cabin Appointments
Inside, the new Q3 boasts a premium feel, in our case featuring dark real-leather upholstery accented by satin-finish bright trim. The look is classy and elegant, and German, in the best possible sense. Workmanship, too, appears to be of a high standard.
Connectivity
A large, single-piece LED screen includes both the instrument panel and what was traditionally the center-console touchscreen. We like the look, and applaud the general simplicity of the layout. Climate functions, however, remain separate from the touchscreen, and are manipulated via physical switchgear located below the big screen. This, as God intended.
For 2026, the gear selector has been moved from the center console to the steering column. A simple nudge advances gear selection, a system seen in other German vehicles, and one that is easy to acclimate to.
Room and Comfort
Getting in and out of the Q3 is easy enough. We found the door openings generous enough for even larger folks to pass into and out of the little crossover with relative ease, and cabin space sufficient for four adults to travel over long distances in real comfort.
Sonos Premium Audio
The cabin is quiet, too, which is a good thing, as the Sonos-brand audio system (part of $1000 Entertainment Package) is excellent, and a bargain, to boot.
Ride and Handling
And while so many premium-brand vehicles seem to have lost their sporty character, the new Q3 retains its athletic feel, with nicely weighted steering that feels connect to something, firm brakes, and excellent throttle response. Even in heavy traffic, the Q3 can be rewarding to drive.
Power and Performance
Power from the new 2.0-liter engine is impressive. The Q3 is quick from a stop, and the new double-clutch transmission alertly clicks off well-timed sifts, adding to the little crossover’s sporty feel.
Fuel Economy
Despite the boost in power, our test car returned 24 mpg in mostly city driving. That’s 2 mpg better than the last Q3 Consumer Guide evaluated.
Value
Yes, there’s just one Q3 model to choose from for 2026, but unless you think Audi’s single-trim subcompact crossover is OVER equipped, we don’t see a problem here. In fact, it’s nice to have a car’s designers equip a vehicle for us. The added power is welcome, and ride and handling remind us of what an Audi used to be.
At $50,000 fully loaded, the 2026 Q3 isn’t a bargain, but it is a compelling value, and well worth a look, especially if you appreciate understated luxury with a bit of muscle. And if you don’t like the single S line trim, well, blame the tariffs.
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2026 Audi Q3 S Line Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
