2026 Audi Q3: Audi’s Smallest SUV Just Made Its Biggest Leap Yet

[Source: Car and Driver]

We recently had the opportunity to drive the redesigned 2026 Audi Q3. Overall, we were impressed with the more powerful, refined and technologically advanced compact luxury SUV. But we always welcome second opinions, so we were curious to read what the folks at Car and Driver had to say about it. It turns out that they are very much aligned with our impressions of the smallest Audi SUV.

The new Audi Q3 is a bit bigger and more powerful, it is a lot quicker and has a more upscale look both inside and out. The Q3 isn’t a sports car or even a sporty SUV in the vein of the SQ5. It is the entry point into the Audi SUV world. In fact, with a starting price just above the A3, the Q3 is one of the entry points into the entire Audi lineup. So, it is not expected to have mind bending acceleration or Baccarat Champagne Flutes in the back seat. However, it is still an Audi so there are lofty expectations which we are happy to say, the Q3 readily meets.

One Flaw

The hook in the Car and Driver subhead is that the new Q3 has one major flaw, so let’s discuss that upfront. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission drew some criticism. Although it was responsive during straight line acceleration runs, it was slow to downshift. It was also reportedly a bit jerky at low-speed maneuvers. To us that sounds like something that could be improved with some software calibration updates. But even as it is, it is not likely to be a major detriment to the typical Q3 buyer.

The only other gripes that were of note were the braking distance and lateral grip. The Car and Driver team managed a respectable 0.84 g on the skidpad but it was down from 0.91 g that the previous generation managed. However, they were quick to point out that the old Q3 was tested on sportier Bridgestone Potenza S005 tires where the 2026 model wore Bridgestone Turanza LS100 all-season tires. Interestingly, the tire discrepancy was not mentioned on the braking test. The old Q3 took 160 feet to stop from 70 mph, and the new one took 183 feet. We feel that if equipped with the same rubber, the braking distances would be nearly identical.

A Vastly Improved Q3

Everything else with the new Q3 was positive. The latest iteration of the Audi Q3 shows just how far Audi’s smallest SUV has come. Once considered more of an entry-level placeholder, the redesigned Q3 now feels like a genuinely refined member of the four-ring family.

On the road, the Q3 delivers exactly what you’d expect from an Audi. Its all-wheel-drive system provides confident grip through winding coastal roads and tight mountain passes, making it feel planted and predictable. One of the biggest improvements is the steering. Previously criticized for being overly light, the new system now offers better weighting and a more natural feel. While it can come across as slightly artificial during aggressive cornering, it strikes a good balance for everyday driving. Especially in tight urban environments where maneuverability matters most.

Beyond performance, the Q3 has matured in all the right ways. It’s slightly larger than before, offering improved cargo space and better rear-seat flexibility thanks to sliding seats. The interior is modern and thoughtfully designed, featuring a clean digital layout with dual screens and intuitive controls. Audi’s decision to bring navigation back into the digital gauge cluster is a welcome touch, enhancing usability without overwhelming the driver.

Inside, materials feel upscale, and the layout is practical for small families or daily commuters. While rear-seat space may still feel tight for taller passengers over long trips, it’s more than adequate for most use cases.

Overall, the 2026 Q3 is a much more complete package. It’s comfortable, capable, and finally feels like a true Audi.