Preview: 2026 Audi Q3 Features More Power and Tech But Keeps the Same Dimensions

The 2026 Q3 won’t radically upset the luxury small SUV segment, but it does showcase some necessary improvements. Notably, Audi seems to have addressed a few of the complaints we had with the prior model. For example, a heated steering wheel is now available as part of the $1,250 Driver Assistance Package. Strangely, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz sell their entry-level SUVs with various trim and drivetrain options, Audi only sells a single version of the Q3: an S line Quattro with standard all-wheel drive.

The automaker noted that the Q3 now uses dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows to reduce road and wind noise. We found that wind and road noise were on a par with other luxury small SUVs, but the Q3’s engine made a noticeable groaning sound. Double-pane glass may not fix that. Finally, we felt rear visibility was a problem in the last Q3. The 2026 version has a larger third window, which partly helps solve that issue. 

In our tests of the previous-generation Q3, we got 23 mpg overall, which was between 4 and 6 mpg worse than some competitors. The redesigned Q3 has an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, the same as the previous generation. We’ll see whether the new transmission and updated engine improve fuel economy in our tests.

With proportions that make it look like a baby Q5, the redesigned 2026 Audi Q3 S line is easily identifiable by the large black grille with massive air vents and lighting elements that flank it. The look is similar to the Q5 S Line, which has larger vents on either side of the grille than the non-S Line Q5 Premium Plus, which Consumer Reports purchased for testing. Still, when compared with the Q5, the Q3’s nose is dominated by scoops and vents.

At the rear, the Q3 has more pronounced bodywork over the rear window, which houses the center-mounted rear brake light. A small window wiper sits at the bottom of the rear glass, and the controls to open the hatch are hidden under a small ledge above the license plate. 

By the numbers, the redesigned Q3 is very close in size to the model it replaces. The two versions have nearly identical wheelbases, and the new model is about 2 inches longer and 2 inches taller than the 2025 Q3.

All Q3s for the U.S. market come with the S Line treatment, which adds a unique grille, frames around each air intake, painted bumpers, and matte-black rear trim.

The 2026 Audi Q3 gets the automaker’s “digital stage” set of integrated displays, which consists of an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch center-mounted touchscreen that’s slightly curved toward the driver. While a head-up display is optional, the Q3 doesn’t feature the additional screen for the front-seat passenger that’s found in the A5 and A6 cars and the Q4, Q5, and Q6 SUVs.

Further changes take place right in front of the driver, with new controls for the gear selector and lights. A lever on the right side of the steering wheel serves as the gear selector, while one on the left controls the light functions and the windshield wipers. It appears similar to the setup on many Mercedes-Benz models.

This results in more center console space for the two cup holders and the cool wireless phone charging pad. In addition, it means the Q3 doesn’t suffer from the convoluted light controls that are found on the driver’s door in other new Audis. However, it might be a confusing transition for folks used to having the wiper stalk on the right.

Only one powertrain will be available on the 2026 Audi Q3. Audi carried over the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the previous-generation Q3 and updated it. The engine now makes 255 hp, an increase of nearly 30 hp over the 2025 Q3’s engine.

According to Audi, the Q3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds compared with 7.1 seconds needed by the 2025 model. (In Consumer Reports’ tests, the previous-generation model took 7.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph). 

Like the A5 and Q5, which were redesigned for 2025, the 2026 Q3’s powertrain is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). 

Consumer Reports Auto Experts have questioned the use of this transmission in Audi’s redesigned models. Whereas the eight-speed automatic used in past models was extremely smooth and didn’t cause any performance problems, the DCT has been balky in the A5 and Q5. It often clunks when the clutches engage or disengage, and the vehicle lurches forward when accelerating from a stop after a noticeable delay.

When Consumer Reports last tested a Q3, we got 23 mpg overall, 20 mpg city, and 28 mpg highway. According to the EPA, the 2026 Q3 is rated at 25 mpg combined, 22 mpg city, and 29 mpg highway, the same as the previous generation.

The Q3 will come with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, AEB that works at highway speed, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

An additional package will be available with a surround view camera and Adaptive Cruise Assist, which is the automaker’s version of adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance.