Audi brings greater presence, performance, and class-above premium content to the all-new 2026 Audi Q3
2025-11-20
Audi
Audi of America announced today pricing and full specifications for the all-new 2026 Q3, its entry SUV model and one of the brand's best-selling products. As a well-established bestseller in the Audi line-up for more than ten years, the third generation Q3 represents a leap forward from the model it replaces. The all-new car is full of class-above features, the latest Audi infotainment and ADAS technologies, and benefits from best-in-class acceleration and driving dynamics that Audi owners have come to expect.
The latest model launched as part of the largest product initiative in the brand's history: the design of the all-new Q3 now aligns itself with other new models within the Audi portfolio. The new sheet metal has an even more emotional design; underscoring the performance found in the brand's new SUV entry, while also referencing design language found in larger B- and C-segment Audi products launched over the last 18 months, including the A5, A6, A6 e-tron, Q5 and Q6 e-tron model families.
As part of the thorough exterior redesign, newly designed full LED headlights come standard on the all-new Q3. The new lamps include customizable digital daytime running lights with LED technology, consisting of 23 segments per side, which can create up to three distinctive light signatures that make the vehicle easily recognizable on the road.
The rear of the all-new Q3 is adorned with standard LED taillights which include dynamic turn signals and animated sequences as part of the coming home/leaving home function. The rear lighting of the all-new Q3 is further complemented by a continuous LED light strip and illuminated Audi rings. Digital OLED taillights are also available as part of an optional Technology Package. This level of lighting technology offered in the new Audi Q3 is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment.
Also, for the first time in the model line, the all-new Q3 comes standard with dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows, which helps reduce road and wind noise, particularly at higher speeds.
Inside, the all-new Q3 integrates the now-familiar Audi Digital Stage MMI concept found in models a class-above. The 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touch display also debut a new UX for the first time, as well as the return of maps to the virtual cockpit; both features which will be subject to updates in other models with the Audi Digital Stage MMI.
A new steering wheel control unit which optimizes interior packaging and helps increase storage space in the center console debuts in the new model, affording a new user experience and making better use of space. The steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector and the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers.
Demonstrating the practicality of the all-new Q3, the second-row seats slide fore and aft, and recline as standard. With a focus on interior packaging in place following the redesign, storage capacity has also been improved versus the previous generation. Up to 29 cu. ft (822L) of rear trunk space is available in the all-new Q3 when all the seats are up. This figure doubles to almost 50 cu. ft. (1,415L.) when the second-row seats are folded, meaning the all-new Q3 is ready for all of life's chores. In addition, the Q3 has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lb. (approx. 680 kg.) and comes pre-wired for a trailer hitch, which can be optioned as an accessory.
In addition to the enhanced exterior, interior design, and technology enhancements, the all-new Q3 also benefits from a significant increase in performance thanks to a thoroughly updated 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder gas engine and a new S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine is now tuned to produce 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque; 27 more horsepower and 22 more pound-feet of torque versus the previous generation Q3. Coupled with the new transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive, the all-new Q3 accelerates to 60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds, a 1.6 sec. improvement over the previous Q3 S line model, and the quickest of any of its direct competitors.
Starting MSRP and availability
The 2026 Audi Q3 SUV will be available at U.S. Audi retailers from the first quarter of 2026 and is priced from $43,700.
Model
Engine
Drivetrain
Transmission
MSRP
2026 Q3 S line quattro
2.0L TFSI, 4 CYL.
255 hp / 273 lb.-ft.
quattro(R) AWD
7-Speed S tronic(R)
$43,700
Destination and Delivery
$1,295
You can find detailed information about the all-new Audi Q3 below.
Dynamic design
Compared to its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 has an even more muscular and emotional design. Its body is defined by the perfect combination of rounded sections and precise lines. The wide Singleframe is positioned high up, and the sleekly tapered headlights create a focused look and are fully integrated into the vehicle's aerodynamic concept. The design ensures a particularly efficient airflow around the front end. The controllable cool-air intake is installed in the area under the Singleframe and ensures that the airstream can flow around this area with minimal losses. The parking sensors are also located there. The sensors for the driver assistance systems are installed behind the four rings, keeping a clean-design front end.
Viewed from the side, a horizontal shoulder line between the front and rear lights visually divides the car into two parts, creating a very special lighting effect. The upper side catches the light, while the lower side falls into shadow. In conjunction with the steeply sloping D-pillars, this makes the greenhouse appear even more dynamic. The powerfully emerging blisters from the shoulder area of the front and rear wheels are reminiscent of the original quattro.
The rear also features a clear design. Separated from the two-part rear lights, the precisely drawn narrow light strip cuts sharply across the entire width of the vehicle, giving the rear a clean look. Below this runs a wide, visually calm area. The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumper.
All Q3 models in the U.S. come standard with an S line exterior featuring an S-style radiator grille finished in Phantom Black; Front air intake frames and underbody protection in Selenite Silver, and a Rear diffuser in matte black with Selenite Silver trim; as well as fully painted S line bumpers.
New wheel designs are available from 18 inches to a maximum of 20 inches, and a space-saving spare tire is included as standard. Each wheel is paired with all-season rubber in increasing tire widths ranging from 235 to 255 millimeters. 18-inch multispoke design wheels paired with 235/55 R18 all-season tires are fit as standard equipment. Both a 19- and 20-inch wheel package are available as standalone options; The 19-inch is a 10-spoke-aero design wheel with a bicolor finish, the 20-inch option is a 5-spoke-tripod design wheel with a bicolor finish. The 19- and 20- inch wheels are paired with 245/45 R19 and 255/40 R20 all-season tires, respectively.
The overall vehicle acoustics have significantly improved compared to the predecessor. The new Audi Q3 is the first Audi model in the compact segment to include acoustic glass for the front side windows as standard. In combination with PVB-A film - placed between the two panes-this creates a harmonious acoustic concept with a noticeable improvement in driving comfort.
Available exterior colors
Nine exterior colors are available for U.S. Q3 models in solid, metallic, and pearl effect finishes. Sage green metallic is new to the new Audi Q3.
Solid
Metallic
Pearl Effect
Arkona White
Mythos Black
Navarra Blue
Arrow Gray
Glacier White
Malpelo Blue
Daytona Gray
Progressive Red
Sage Green new
Lighting the way forward
The all-new Q3 comes standard with LED front headlights and rear taillights which include a dynamic, sweeping rear indicator turn signal and start-up/shut-down animation as standard. The new model also includes illuminated Audi rings as standard, a first for an Audi model in the compact class. The particularly eye-catching feature is activated as soon as the low beams are switched on.
In addition, the LED front headlights are accompanied by standard digital daytime running lights with LED technology consisting of 23 segments per side to make the vehicle easily recognizable on the road. Up to three different digital light signatures with customized coming/leaving home lighting scenarios for the front can be selected via the MMI.
As part of the optional Technology package, Q3 models also benefit from the addition of digital OLED taillights and are complemented by a continuous LED light strip. A total of 36 different segments are divided into six digital OLED panels, which enable three digital taillight signatures that are paired with the front LED light signatures.
The interior: functional and clearly designed
Compared to the previous model, the design and functionality have been significantly improved. The all-new Q3's high-contrast design deliberately places elements in the foreground or background, creating a cozy interior feel.
A generous application area, the so-called Softwrap, extends from the doors across the entire width of the dashboard, highlighting the horizontal alignment for a maximum sense of space. The panoramic display with 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touch display forms the so-called digital stage. Its curved design creates a driver-oriented cockpit layout. Audi is thus transferring the digital stage from the full-size class to the compact segment. An available head-up display for important information supplements the digital displays. Flush interior door handles and a modern, uncluttered console underscore the feeling of space and comfort.
The new steering wheel control unit has great practical benefits. It is made up of two new stalks on the steering column for the first time, creating more storage space in the center console, a new user experience, and a better sense of space. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector, the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers. The elimination of the gear selector in the center console results in more space in the console with two cup holders. The cooled wireless phone charging pad with 15 watts of charging power including two USB-C ports can be closed by a sliding cover if desired. Two additional USB-C charge ports are located in the rear.
In the dark, the standard LED interior lighting plus package highlights the interior ambiance. Marker lights in the dashboard and center console emphasize the interior's clean lines. Indirect ambient lighting below the MMI panoramic display and in the doors accentuate the interior design.
The speakers of the new optional SONOS premium sound system are located in the upper section of the doors, providing an intense listening experience with its new virtually generated surround sound. Twelve high-performance speakers including the center speaker and subwoofer are driven by 420 watts of maximum amplifier power. Customers can choose from four preconfigured sound profiles (neutral, concert, lounge, and podcast).
The infotainment system of the Audi Q3 uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. Third-party apps such as YouTube are available from the Audi Application Store, which is directly integrated into the MMI and therefore does not require a smartphone to use.
Audi assistant, the learning voice-controlled assistant, can be used to operate numerous vehicle functions. The assistant is enriched with AI - integrated directly into the vehicle - and appears for the first time as an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI and, when active, also as an icon in the head-up display or Audi virtual cockpit. The input understood by the Audi assistant is also shown in the instrument display.
The 25-cu. ft. trunk cargo capacity demonstrates the practicality of the Audi Q3. If the second-row seat bench is slid all the way forward and placed in an upright position, the result is 29 cu. ft. of cargo capacity. With the seat bench folded down, the storage space for the Audi Q3 increases to up to 50 cu. ft. The seat bench can be moved lengthwise, and its backrest angle can be adjusted as standard. The Audi Q3 can tow up to 1,500 lb. with a tongue load of up to 150 lb.
Power, performance and practicality
The all-new 2026 Q3 comes standard with a 2.0l four-cylinder TFSI engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque; 27 more horsepower and 22 more pound-feet of torque versus the 2025 Q3 S line 45 TFSI quattro. The more powerful engine is also mated to a new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Together they motivate the new model to accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, or 1.6 seconds quicker than before, making this the quickest and most powerful compact SUV of its competitors in the premium segment.
In addition to the engines, Audi has also significantly improved the driving dynamics of the all-new Audi Q3. The further developed standard steel suspension delivers an improved driving experience. All in all, this dynamically designed vehicle is a family car suitable for everyday use as well as travel and impresses with its agility.
The refined progressive steering also contributes to the agility of the new Audi Q3. It doesn't work too directly, but very precisely from the center. Towards the end of the steering travel, as the driver approaches steering lock, the steering ratio decreases significantly for greater maneuverability. The steering inputs are transmitted more directly to the wheels. Additionally, the steering response behind the wheel can be experienced more clearly, and feedback from the road is better. Reduced friction provides better steering feel.
In the Audi drive select dynamic handling system of the new Audi Q3, balanced mode also replaces auto mode. As the name suggests, balanced mode represents the optimum balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Balanced mode is activated every time the vehicle is started and can also be configured to suit individual requirements. "Offroad plus" can also be preselected as the default mode via the MMI if so desired.
Driver assistance systems
When it comes to driver assistance, the all-new 2026 Q3 relies on a wide range of systems that make everyday life on the road much easier and work to help improve safety.
Standard features at launch include:
Parking system plus
w/ distance display
Adaptive cruise control
Lane departure warning
w/ emergency assist
Traffic sign recognition
Attention and fatigue warning
Active front assist including front emergency brake assist, swerve assist, front turn assist, front cross-traffic assist
Audi side assist and rear cross-traffic assist
An additional, optional, Driver assistance package is available which also includes:
Adaptive cruise assist
Top view camera
Park assist plus
Trained parking
Heated steering wheel
Trained parking allows customers to teach the all-new 2026 Audi Q3 individual parking maneuvers when specified with the optional Driver assistance package. If access to a carport or garage is difficult, the Audi Q3 only needs to be trained once and will, after that, take care of parking on its own when activated - the driver will only need to observe. The same applies to exiting a parking space. The new Audi Q3 can remember up to five parking maneuvers, 164 ft. or 50 meters in length. The maneuvers can be given individual names. If your journey ends in a cul-de-sac, the new reverse assistant provides reliable help. At speeds below 22 mph or about 35 km/h, the Q3 can reverse independently at a speed of around 6 mph or about 10 km/h.
In city traffic, the optional park assist plus helps the driver with targeted steering maneuvers when parking as soon as the ultrasonic sensors have detected a suitable perpendicular or parallel parking space. Park assist plus also provides support when reversing out of a parking space and can be activated while a manual parking maneuver is in progress. To receive this assistance, the driver must follow the instructions on the display and accelerate and brake accordingly.
The four wide-angle surrounding cameras that are part of the optional Top view camera cover the entire area directly around the vehicle and enable a variety of different views for even more convenient maneuvering. The driver can select different views on the MMI display, making it easier to position the vehicle in the parking space.
Traffic sign recognition now also displays warning signs: for example, the system recognizes signs for right of way, construction sites, pedestrian crossings, animal crossings, and railroad crossings.
Launch and pricing
The third generation of the new Audi Q3 brings presence, performance, and premium practicality to its competitive set; proving fun doesn't have to come at the expense of pragmatism. The vehicle goes on sale at U.S. retailers beginning in the first quarter of 2026 and is priced with a starting MSRP of $43,700.