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2016 Audi Q3

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Make
Audi
Model
Q3
Year
2016
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Audi Q3 OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 2.0T Premium Plus 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility
most popular
Price:   -  From $33,700
2016 2.0T Premium Plus 4dr All-Wheel Drive quattro Sport Utility Price:   -  From $35,800

Overview

In contrast to lackluster sales of big SUVs, compact luxury crossovers have turned into quite a success story lately. As a result, manufacturers are shrinking the concept further yet, into subcompact territory. Introduced for 2015, the Q3 is some 10 inches shorter than Audi’s compact Q5 model. Audi promotes the coupe-like design of the Q3, along with its 48.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Despite a limitation or two, it’s an appealing lifestyle choice for couples and singles, in particular.

What's New for 2016

Redesigning of front lights heads the list of changes. Foglamps have been dropped, as all-weather lights now are integrated into the headlights. A new “Q-design” grille and radiator guard lead the way, along with new fascias and bumpers, and LED taillights. A rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors now are standard. Prestige trim now features full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals.

Audi Q3

Choosing Your Audi Q3

Despite mini-level dimensions, the Q3 delivers quite a bit of luxury for the price. Even better, ride comfort and interior refinement mimic its larger mates. Each Q3 has a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic is the sole transmission, with sport and manual modes. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system is available for any Q3.

Audi claims 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.8 seconds (8.2 with quattro). With front-drive, fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway (23 mpg combined). Quattro drops the highway figure slightly, to 28 mpg.

Two trim levels are offered, with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi Q3

Premium Plus

For $34,625 (including destination charge), the Premium Plus includes leather seating surfaces with heated 12-way power front seats, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry/start, Bluetooth phone and audio, a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio and HD radio, and aluminum roof rails. Also standard are a rearview camera, front all-weather lights, rear foglights, LED taillights, heated wiper nozzles, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescopic steering column, and 18-inch wheels. Quattro all-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the sticker price.

The $2,600 Technology Package adds an MMI navigation system with voice control, Audi connect, and Audi assist.

The Sport Package includes Audi drive select, front sport seats, and a leather-covered sports steering wheel with paddle shifters. A power tailgate is available separately for the Premium Plus. Black headlining is a no-charge option for both trim levels.

Audi Q3

Prestige

For an additional $4,900, the Prestige adds a selection of extras, including full LED headlights, S-line exterior appearance, a power liftgate, power-folding mirrors, auto-dimming driver’s mirror, MMI navigation, Audi connect (offering in-vehicle wi-fi), Audi side assist, SiriusXM Traffic 14-speaker 465-watt Bose surround-sound, and 19-inch wheels. Quattro adds $2,100. The Sport Package is available for the Prestige model, adding selectable driving modes, paddle shifters, and front sport seats.

CarsDirect Tip

Unlike some competitors, purchasing a Q3 doesn’t have to include deep consultation with an option list. Whether in Premium Plus or Prestige form, the Q3 is a full luxury vehicle as it stands. Enhancing Premium Plus with the Technology Package simply brings it toward the Prestige equipment level, so consider the value of each additional item. One option that we do recommend is the Sport package, which can enhance driving enjoyment for only $550.

Get your price on an Audi Q3 »

Read our review on the Audi Q3 »

Audi Q3
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

Compact crossovers are all the rage these days. Luxury editions appear to be faring even better in the popularity race, including Audi’s smallest such model. Charmingly shaped, the Q3 is 10 inches shorter than Audi’s longer-lived A5, and sits lower.

Pricing and Equipment

Starting at $33,700 (plus $925 destination charge) in Premium Plus trim, the Q3 holds a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower, driving a six-speed automatic transmission. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is available as an alternative to front-drive.

Standard equipment for the Premium Plus model tested includes:

  • Six-speed automatic transmission
  • Rearview camera
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Keyless entry/start
  • 10-speaker sound with satellite and HD radio
  • Roof rails
  • Power front seats
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

The Prestige model ($4,900 more) adds a power liftgate, full LED headlights, power-folding mirrors, Audi connect, Audi side assist, SiriusXM Traffic, 465-watt Bose surround-sound, and 19-inch wheels. A Sport Package adds selectable driving modes, paddle shifters, and sport front seats.

Performance Pros

Audi Q3
  • Agility. Despite relatively heavy curb weight for a vehicle of this size, the Q3 is impressively nimble and maneuverable.
  • Ride comfort approaches that of the larger Q5: not particularly sporty, but satisfyingly smooth for longer journeys as well as daily commutes.
  • Refined road manners are on par with what’s expected from Audi, even though the Q3 is tuned to emphasize ride comfort and predictability over crisp handling talents. Optional Drive Select lets the driver choose a preferred level of steering and transmission response, from gentle to vigorous.

Performance Cons

  • Fuel-efficiency could be better, EPA-estimated at 20 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway (28 mpg with quattro all-wheel drive).
  • Audi enthusiasts might prefer a manual gearbox, but the Q3 comes only with automatic.
  • Though stimulating to the eye, there's not much evidence of the sport-utility element in this particular crossover SUV.

Interior Pros

  • Refinement of the Q3's interior echoes the level offered by its larger Audi cousins, notably the midsize Q5. Filled with low-gloss black plastic, highlighted by metallic trim, the cockpit looks similar to the one in Audi’s A3 sedan: subdued and integrated.
  • Standard seats are adequate, with long-enough bottom cushions; but optional Sport seats promise greater comfort as well as more helpful side bolstering.
  • Cargo space is a bonus, with 16.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. Folding that seat boosts cargo volume to 48.2 cubic feet.

Interior Cons

  • Rear-seat headroom is marginal and knee space tight for adults, unless front seats are well forward. A third occupant might balk at squeezing into that center position. Front headroom is reduced by the panoramic sunroof.
  • Space-efficiency trails that of some competitive models. Rather than suitable for family trips, the Q3 seems more appropriate for daily commutes and families with small children.
  • The available navigation/multimedia screen protrudes from the top of the dashboard, and is easy to see; but it doesn’t fold away when not in use and its glossy frame can suffer from glare.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Audi Q3

It might seem like a small issue, but we were tickled to see actual knobs on the dashboard, to control radio volume and climate-control temperature.

And despite the Q3's moderate dimensions, suggesting snugness, front occupants are some distance apart, which gives appreciated elbow room.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

We struggled to get into the center of the back seat, where slinging one leg over the floor hump proved to be a formidable challenge. Once in position, bumping our head against the roof failed to produce a smile of satisfaction.

The Bottom Line

As noted in our evaluation, there’s not much fault to be found in Audi’s Q3, which stands apart in road behavior as well as fashionable good looks. With only one powertrain and two trim levels, making a choice should be easy, too.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 200 HP / 207 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 29 / 24 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 200 HP / 207 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
20 / 29 / 24 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
16.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$65
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
48.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length
172.8 "
Exterior Width
72.1 "
Exterior Height
62.6 "
Front Headroom
37.0 "
Rear Headroom
37.4 "
Front Legroom
40.0 "
Rear Legroom
31.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,494 Lbs.
Wheel Base
103 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Machined Aluminum / 19.0 " Polished Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote / Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Leather
Front Seat Type
Bucket / Sport Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power) / 10-way (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
(8-way Power) / 10-way (8-way Power)
Front Armrests
(8-way Power) / 10-way (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center With Pass-thru
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
10 / 14 Brand / 14 Bose
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Audi Parking System Plus Front And Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
12 Months / 5,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
48 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
144 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Used 2016 Audi Q3 for Sale

4 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Audi
2.0T Premium Plus
Color: White
Price

$13,572

Mileage

94,981 mi

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Thousand Oaks Mazda (30 mi)

Phone: (805) 497-9404
Audi
2.0T Premium Plus
Color: Silver
Price

$13,850

Mileage

92,778 mi

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Car Lux (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 818-5868
Audi
2.0T Premium Plus
Color: Black
Price

$14,495

Mileage

76,470 mi

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Unique Auto Center (58 mi)

Phone: (909) 873-1111
Audi
Premium Plus
Color: Black
Price

$18,995

Mileage

66,480 mi

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Yans Auto Group (19 mi)

Phone: (818) 455-5588
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