2026 Audi Q3 First Look

Audi debuts a redesigned 2026 Q3 with new styling, more power, and plenty of advanced technology.

Jim Resnick | 

Dec 2, 2025 | 3 min read

Audi

For 2026, Audi has completely redesigned its small luxury SUV, the Q3. New styling echoes its larger Q5 stablemate, while the interior gains the latest infotainment technology. A more powerful engine, revised dynamic tuning, and additional driver-assistance features round out the redesign. The new Q3 goes on sale in the United States in the first quarter of 2026 with a base price of about $45,000, including the destination charge.

Audi

Redesigned Both Inside and Out

Audi gives the new Q3 a more muscular and modern design. Up front, full-LED headlights are standard, with customizable daytime running lights. At the rear, LED taillights animate motion when the turn signals are engaged. Through the infotainment system, drivers can choose from three exterior lighting signatures for welcoming and departing.

All new U.S.-bound Q3s will have the sporty S line exterior trim package as standard equipment, and a new Sage Green paint color is available. Wheel designs are new as well and will include three sizes, from 18 to 20 inches. An optional Technology package adds OLED taillights with a light strip across the tailgate and a head-up display.

Cargo space improves, too. With the rear seats in use, the Q3 holds about 25 cubic-feet of luggage. Fold the back seat flat, and this Audi offers nearly 50 cu-ft of cargo room.

Audi

The 2026 Audi Q3 Offers More Power

The all-new Q3 gains power for 2026, with an updated 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine making 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 27 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque over the 2025 Q3. A new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission powers all four wheels through a standard quattro all-wheel-drive system. The automaker claims its new Q3 will reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

According to Audi, the new Q3's suspension provides upgraded ride and handling characteristics, while the progressive steering contributes to improved responsiveness, feel, and feedback. A new Balanced driving mode replaces the previous Auto mode as the default setting each time you start the Q3.

Audi

New Technology in the 2026 Audi Q3

Audi gives the new Q3 what's typically the expected array of standard advanced driver-assistance systems. Audi will bundle Adaptive Cruise Assist, a surround-view camera, and parking assistance in the optional Driver Assistance package.

Audi's latest infotainment technology will also be standard. Embedded into an Audi Digital Stage display that also includes an 11.9-inch digital instrumentation panel, the 12.8-inch touchscreen display uses an Android Automotive operating system. It features an AI-generated digital voice assistant and owners can access third-party apps through the Audi Application Store. A 12-speaker Sonos sound system is also available.

With more tech, power, and equipment, all wrapped up in a new design, the 2026 Audi Q3 should prove more compelling than before in the competitive subcompact luxury SUV segment.

Jim Resnick

From racing exotic sports cars, to ranking new cars, to peeling back layers of cover up in an exhaust emissions scandal, Jim has chronicled the automotive sector for decades. Jim has also worked inside the corporate headquarters of three carmakers, and therefore understands how the automotive sausage is really made. But Jim’s affinity for vehicles takes a back seat to finding the truth and the cultural implications of modern transportation. He has also lectured at universities to engineering and policy students and faculty on the industry’s relationship with legislation in the wake of the diesel exhaust emissions scandal several years ago. Put simply, Jim reports on autos, mobility, tech, car culture, and the traffic jam of topics within.