Audi’s SUV lineup has flourished in recent years as buyers flock to high-riding hatchbacks over sedans and coupes. Though the automaker’s catalog includes ultra-expensive luxury and performance utes, its entry-level Q3 offers much of the premium experience in a smaller and more affordable package.

What’s New for the 2023 Audi Q3

The Q3 entered its second generation in 2019 and has seen only minor updates since. Audi equipped more standard features last year, and for 2023, all models gain LED headlights as standard equipment. The automaker offers a few new wheel designs and a new appearance package for some trims.

Design

The Q3 does a great impression of Audi’s larger and more expensive vehicles. Its tidy exterior dimensions are accented by a large grille and tasteful chrome accents. The SUV comes standard with 18-inch wheels, though buyers can upgrade to 19-inchers in some configurations.

Powertrain

All 2023 Q3s come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) in all variants. Though not billed as a performance model, the Q3 manages to feel light on its feet and mostly responsive, though some may find the throttle response a bit sluggish at times. Fuel economy estimates are decent, as the EPA lists 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined for the standard Q3 and 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined for the higher-horsepower S-Line.

Interior

The five-seat Q3 comes standard with leather upholstery and heated, power-adjustable front seats. Though small, the SUV offers decent head- and legroom for front passengers and acceptable headroom in back. The downside is the rear legroom, which is almost nonexistent, making it difficult for most people to be comfortable. Cargo space is solid for the class, with 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear bench and 48 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Audi includes a power liftgate as standard, and buyers can upgrade with a hands-free system.

Technology

Standard tech in the 2023 Audi Q3 includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard, but it’s not Audi’s fantastic digital cockpit system, which is reserved for the optional 12.3-inch gauge cluster. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen joins the better gauge display, bringing a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM radio, Amazon Alexa capability, navigation, and more. Audi also offers a Sonos audio system with 15 speakers.

Safety

The 2023 Q3 hasn’t been crash-tested by either major ratings agency yet, but its predecessor missed out on a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned mixed results in crash testing, with “Good” scores in most categories, a “Marginal” score in the new moderate overlap front test, and an “Acceptable” rating in the IIHS’s new side crash tests. Vehicles are now subjected to 82 percent more force in side impact tests.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2023 Audi Q3 Premium starts at $39,200 before options, taxes, and destination. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim drives the MSRP to $42,500. Audi offers several options, including $595 for premium paint upgrades, $1,700 for upgraded leather upholstery, a $1,700 black appearance package, a $1,400 convenience package, and more. Buyers may also consider the BMW X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the Acura RDX, or the Volvo XC40.