2022 Audi Q3 Review: Family Swagger
The second-generation Audi Q3 came onto the scene in 2019 substantially revamped to keep it relevant in a market segment quite literally booming with desirable subcompact crossover choices. BMW's X1, with a powerful four-pot engine and enjoyable handling, competes with the four-ringed SUV, which offers you a choice between two power plants for 2022. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-banger with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, which is rather underwhelming. In 45 TFSI configuration, you get a slight bump up in specs to 228 hp and 258 lb-ft for a seven-second sprint to 60 mph; this isn't truly thrilling by any manner of means, although with a reasonable starting price, loads of standard tech, and a carefree-cruising attitude, there's lots to be said for the Q3. But, with less traditional rivals like the surprisingly sprightly Volvo XC40 starting to grab attention, the Q3 may have to work a little harder to remain near the top.
2022 Q3 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 176.6 in | 105.5 in | 62.9 in | 72.8 in | 62.2 in | 61.9 in | 3,902.0 lbs |
2022 Q3 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
People buying in this segment aren't looking for a track-day champion, but they're also not interested in driving a wallowy slush-bucket. Modern compact SUVs are expected to handle like their sedan counterparts, and this is one area in which the crossover Audi Q3 brings the heat. The Q3 is beautifully damped for both slow speeds and harsh road surfaces, and high-speed cruising on highways. We found that it soaks up small and medium mid-corner bumps with aplomb. The electrically-assisted steering feels typically light to the touch, but it's fast and gives the Q3 a pointy feel that is reminiscent of other smaller Audi models. On a twisty road, the Q3 flexes its abilities and feels planted and sure of itself. It handles like its bigger siblings, which isn't a bad thing at all. Braking is confident and true; there's good brake feel, and the biting point is, well, on point. Push this little SUV too hard, and it will naturally understeer, but drive it like a sane person, and it will reward you with a refined driving experience.
2022 Q3 Interior
2022 Q3 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi Q3 A Good SUV?
Forming an opinion on the Q3 is actually pretty easy. Firstly, it looks better than ever. We love the trapezoidal grille and sleek LED headlights, and with the S line kit on board, it looks aggressive yet stylish. On the road, and equipped with the 45 TFSI engine, the Q3 is a satisfying little SUV to drive. It is beautifully damped and shows top-class refinement on the road. The powerplant isn't mind-blowing, but if you expect the turbo lag and don't have any desire to burn rubber, it'll be more than adequate for city driving and the day-to-day hustle. Although the Q3 fails to offer as much cargo space as rivals such as the BMW X1, the cabin is comfortable and classy. Starting at around $35k, the Q3 is well-priced for what it has to offer. It's a great package which you can't help but like.
2022 Audi Q3 Comparisons
2022 Audi Q3 vs Audi Q5
One size up, the Audi Q5 is still on the smaller end of the crossover spectrum but competes with cars such as the BMW X3, meaning there is certainly more space on offer as opposed to the Q3. The Q5 has been one of Audi's most popular Q models thanks to a great balance of size, power, and luxury. Under the hood of the Q5, you will find a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. A pricier plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 is also available. Power is, as in the Q3, sent to all four wheels. The Q5 might be the larger car, but performance is impressive, and the Q5 doesn't struggle to get up to speed - it manages the dash to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds. On the road, the Q5 feels great, and the optional adaptive suspension means that this car can be even more comfortable than the Q3. Gas mileage figures are a solid 23/28/25 mpg city/highway/combined, which is an improvement over the 45 TFSI powertrain in the Q3. As though we needed more convincing, the Q5 is obviously more spacious both for passengers and for cargo. Still, we feel the Q3 has the more updated cabin. Starting at $44,100, the Q5 is more than $9k dearer than the Q3. If you didn't need the additional space or performance, we reckon you'd be happy with the Q3. But, if you have the budget, stretch for the Q5.
2022 Audi Q3 vs BMW X1
The BMW X1 is the Q3's biggest rival and both begin at almost exactly the same price, although the base X3 has FWD. But, the little Bimmer brings a whole bunch of tricks to the party to, in certain areas, outdo its countryman. Powering the X1 is a 2.0-liter turbo-four with identical specs to the 45 TFSI. The catch is that the X1 manages the benchmark sprint in a much quicker 6.6 seconds in FWD guise, dropping to 6.3 with AWD. The X1 not only offers better acceleration, but its gas mileage figures are much more impressive too; in AWD guise, the EPA says it will manage 23/31/26 mpg to the Q3 45 TFSI's 21/28/24 mpg. On the road, the BMW also feels more dynamic to drive. The interior is of high quality, and there's a comparable amount of tech dotted around the cabin, but there's also more space inside the Bimmer, and the trunk is significantly larger, which is a big deal in this class. If it were our money, we'd go with the BMW.