The Q3 marks the entry point to the Audi brand’s crossover SUVs. A subcompact luxury crossover, it takes on the likes of the BMW X1 and X2 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB-Class crossovers.
2026 Audi Q3 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Audi Q3
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Audi Q3
The Q3 enters its third generation for 2026 with a new design, more power, bigger interior screens, more technology, and sharper handling. The engine remains a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder but it’s improved to make 255 horsepower. The new Q3 is slightly larger than the last model so there's more interior space, plus a bank of larger screens under a curved display. Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform returns, while Audi says it has revised the suspension to improve driving performance.
Design
The new Q3 is larger than the last model. It grows 1.8 inches in length, 1.2 inches in height, and just under half an inch in width. The design looks more modern, with a wider grille and front fascia, slimmer LED headlights, more prominent wheel arches, and a more muscular profile. The S line trim comes standard, giving the Q3 a Phantom Black grille, Selenite Silver on the front air intake frames and underbody protection, and a matte black rear diffuser with Selenite Silver trim. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, and buyers can get a Black Optic Package with black exterior trim, black roof rails, black mirror housings, and an Anthracite Audi ring logo.
Powertrain
The Q3 gets more power for 2026. Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 255 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque, up from a maximum of 228 hp for 2025. That unlocks a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds, according to Audi. The transmission changes from an eight-speed automatic to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and power flows to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Maximum towing capacity is a modest 1,500 pounds.
Interior
The Q3’s interior comes standard with leather upholstery. Soft-touch surfaces adorn the door panels and center console, and trim materials include aluminum and tulipwood. The Q3 is the first small Audi with dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows, which quietens the cabin, and a panoramic sunroof is also standard.
Cargo space grows from 18.7 cubic feet behind rear seats and 48 cubic feet with rear seats down to 29 and 50 cubic feet, respectively. Those are best-case numbers enabled by a sliding second row of seats.
Technology
The 2026 Audi Q3 comes standard with a curved panoramic display that combines an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster known as the Audi Virtual Cockpit with a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Q3 gets Audi’s MMI infotainment system, which is powered by the Android Automotive operating system, itself available with third-party apps such as YouTube offered through the Audi Application Store. Audi assistant, which includes inboard artificial intelligence, can adjust several vehicle functions via voice commands. A head-up display and a 12-speaker, 420-watt Sonos audio system are offered with the Technology and Infotainment packages respectively. The shifter moves from the center console to a steering wheel stalk, opening up more room for two cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and two USB-C ports.
Safety
Standard driver-assist features on the 2026 Audi Q3 include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection and intersection assist, automatic high beam headlights, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-jam assist to handle the controls at slow speeds on the freeway, and adaptive cruise control. An optional Driver Assistance Package adds lane-keep assist, automatic parking, and a surround-view camera system.
Pricing and Release Date
Audi only offers the Q3 as one AWD model called the S line quattro. At launch in the first quarter of 2026, it starts at $44,995, including a $1,295 destination fee. It comes standard with heated front seats, the aforementioned screens, navigation, a universal garage door opener, three-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can personalize their vehicles with various infotainment, driver-assistance, and styling packages.
