2016 Audi Q3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Audi’s littlest SUV delivers the same rock-like quality of its bigger siblings, with nimble handling and a quiet interior. But you don't get much else.
Compact crossovers and SUVs are among the nation's hottest-selling vehicles, and that means plenty of choices. Audi's latest is the Q3, which slots below the compact Q5 and the three-row Q7. There's a substantial discount between the Q3 and Q5, too, which may entice Audi buyers looking to cut their car payments.
5/10
Audi’s flat, rectilinear style makes one generation nearly indistinguishable from the next, which can elicit two responses: You never feel like you’re in an old car, or gee, this is all a bit boring. We fall somewhere in the middle with most Audis, and the Q3 is no exception. For 2016, Audi brings a mild exterior refresh after just one model year in the U.S. (it had been available in Europe since late 2011). All told, it’s clean and citified for buyers who find the compact Q5 too expensive or too large. But it errs by being boring.
Our car stood out in Utopia Blue, and the standard panoramic moonroof brightened the all-black interior (we’d recommend the gray contrasting leather seats, door panels, and lower dash trim to lighten the otherwise stoic mood). Without the Audi badges, you could mistake a Q3 for a Volkswagen Tiguan (the chassis is based partially on that model) or any number of small SUVs. Inside, our $40,300 Premium Plus tester felt like a basic European rental car, and an aged one at that despite high-quality switchgear, materials, and finish. None of Audi’s expressive interior designs have made it to the Q3.
7/10
The Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder has served many a Golf and A4, and the latest version continues to deliver impressive response and refinement. At 200 hp, it’s got less power than a BMW X1 or a Mercedes GLA, yet it has minimal lag and the gearing from the 6-speed automatic helps it launch quickly and smoothly. A few more gears would help fuel economy, as we mustered only 23 mpg (it’s EPA-rated at 20 mpg city/28 highway). Otherwise, the steering is lively and direct, with only moderate body roll and a hushed, isolated ride worthy of the Audi nameplate. The brakes are good in both pedal feel and stopping power.
A few dealers may stock the front-wheel-drive Q3 in warmer states, but elsewhere, you’ll find only quattro, which is one of the longest-running (and best-performing) all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems in the industry. The Q3 drives like the sprightly, lightweight crossover it is, and somehow manages to feel a class above on long highway cruises.
7/10
The Q3 may be dated, but at least it’s well-designed. The climate and radio controls are regular knobs and buttons, and the PRNDL shifter doesn’t try reinventing itself into some fussy rotary knob or T-shaped handle. The MMI infotainment system is easier to use than that of most Audi models, since the controls are on the center stack instead of between the seats. The screen is small and juts out from the top of the dash, which adds to the Q3’s cheap appearance (and while it might appear to fold flat, it doesn’t). The seats don’t offer much side support, although optional sport seats can better counter g-forces. The central screen on the instrument panel is also small, though as with everything inside the Q3, it’s legible and easy to grab on the go. Most new luxury cars complicate the simple things—like changing a radio station—and drive us mad.
6/10
Without the Technology package ($2,600), there’s not much happening at all inside the Q3. Even the instrument panel display is monochrome. This package brings navigation with traffic overlays and Audi Connect, a cellular-based data service that allows Google Earth topography and 3-D cities, onboard Wi-Fi, local fuel prices, parking info, and weather. Blind-spot monitoring and a color display are also included. At least xenon headlamps, 12-way heated power front seats, that panoramic moonroof, and push-button start with keyless entry are standard. The Prestige trim includes the Technology package and our car’s $400 power tailgate, along with larger 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps, and a 14-speaker Bose stereo. But there’s no USB slot—only Audi’s proprietary iPod-only connector—and no telematics services or other advanced driver assists like adaptive cruise control. The standard stereo is subpar.
8/10
The 2016 Q3 is a 2015 Top Safety Pick as rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and scored the top Good rating in all five crash tests. It no longer qualifies for 2016, because the Q3 offers no collision warning system. The Q3 is not rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also does not have any knee airbags, which many luxury cars (and some non-luxury cars) offer.
3/10
We can’t recommend the Q3 unless both the size of your parking space and the vehicle’s grille emblem take precedence over everything else. Indeed, when similarly equipped, a Q3 is about $7,000 less than a Q5, and for some buyers, that’s all that matters. But in nearly every category, from space to comfort, from design to luxury features, the Q3 offers no real justification over a loaded Volkswagen Tiguan—or indeed, a top-end Jeep Cherokee or Ford Escape that sell for even less. The electronics and interior design need updating, and it’s not enough to think the Audi badge will sell itself. The competition, including from Audi’s own lineup, is more compelling.
Published May 25, 2021 by Clifford Atiyeh
User reviews for 2016 Audi Q3
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Caleb S
Dec 22, 2024
I like this car no much noise its faster, I like how its smoth on the road....Dec 22, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 28, 2024
It is a great cat with amazing fuel mileage i would keep but am leaving the country and will only need a scooter Jul 28, 2024
by Shanise L
Jul 31, 2023
I love the inside features.This style is a dream Jul 31, 2023
User rating:
by Caleb S
Dec 22, 2024
I like this car no much noise its faster, I like how its smoth on the road....Dec 22, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 28, 2024
It is a great cat with amazing fuel mileage i would keep but am leaving the country and will only need a scooter Jul 28, 2024
by Shanise L
Jul 31, 2023
I love the inside features.This style is a dream Jul 31, 2023
by Ieasha T
Jul 16, 2023
This is definitely a great car for its vale. Im still learning the features but Im highly satisfied with my choice. Not too big not too small just right for me. Jul 16, 2023
by Pam H
Sep 01, 2022
In my search for a Audi SUV I’ve come to realize the Q3 is small and doesn’t feel quite as luxurious as the Q5. My suggestion would be to go for the Q5! For a little more money you’ll get a much smoother ride and it drives like a dream. Sep 01, 2022
by Maryellen S
May 05, 2022
I found the cabin to be very small and that is uses premium gas this premium gas but all in all its a beautiful carMay 05, 2022
by Vickie P
Mar 28, 2022
Was not overwhelmed at first sight, but once I drove and got to get familiar with all of the bells and whistles, I am in love!!Mar 28, 2022
by DaShannon D
Sep 16, 2021
I am so in love with my new car and the process was so easy!Sep 16, 2021
by Kim H
Apr 24, 2021
This car had everything I was looking for and was in very good condition. Apr 24, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 02, 2021
It is what I am looking for in a carFeb 02, 2021
What users have asked
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2016 Audi Q3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,700 to $40,700Price range
$11,990 to $13,319Average price on CG
$11,990YoY price change
$13,319 to $11,990Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 465 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 465 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: aluminum
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Audi MMI Connect · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: aluminum
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer