2026 Audi Q3 S Line: Review, Prices, and Specs

Text by Tom Appel

2026 Audi Q3 s line quattro

Class: Premium Subcompact SUV

Country of manufacture: Hungary

Seating capability: 5

Color: Daytona Gray Pearl Effect

Miles Driven: 104

Observed gasoline financial system: 24.0 mpg

Driving combine: 70% metropolis, 30% freeway

EPA-estimated gasoline financial system: 22/29/25 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Fuel kind: Regular fuel

Base value: $43,700 (not together with $1205 (vacation spot cost)

Options on check automobile:  Special paint ($595), 20-inch alloy wheels (changing 18s) ($1800), Drive Assistance Package ($1250), Infotainment Package ($1000), Black Optic Package ($750)

Price as examined (2025): $50,390

Audio-System Brand

Sonos

Audio-System Quality

Poor  Fair  Good Very-Good  Excellent

Pros and Cons

The nice: Refined drive expertise, stylish cabin

The good: Improved energy and gasoline financial system

The not so good: Single trim stage limits shopper selection

Review

Blame the tariffs, even when Audi gained’t. For 2026, Audi redesigned its fashionable and well-regarded Q3 small crossover, and pared the U.S. lineup to only one single trim stage. Audi has additionally taken pains to simplify the variations of different fashions right here within the States, making ordering and sustaining stock simpler on American sellers. This regardless of limiting shopper selection.

That’s OK with us, although, as the one Q3 now accessible within the U.S. is an awfully good little crossover.

Premium Subcompact Crossovers

The Q3 redesign beats the Mercedes-Benz GLA makeover by roughly a mannequin 12 months, because it does a redesigned BMW X1 freshening resulting from be revealed quickly. Volvo’s XC40 can also be anticipated to be considerably up to date for the 2027 or 2028 mannequin 12 months.

That’s a variety of churn for a comparatively small phase, which additionally consists of the Acura ADX and Lexus UX. We applaud Audi for being forward of the sport.

As for the lineup simplification, the brand new single Q3 boasts extra content material and extra energy than the 4 autos it replaces.

Prices and Trim Levels

For 2025, the Q3 trim stage unfold appeared like this:

• Premium 40 ($38,695)
• Premium 45 ($41,095)
• Premium Plus 40 ($41,495)
• Premium Plus 45 ($43,895)

For 2026, the Q3 lineup appears to be like like this:

The S line quattro—we hate the lower-case factor, too—is available in $1100 increased than the outdated high trim stage, however brings with it a sunroof, actual leather-based, and far more energy.

Option Packages

And although the S line might be outfitted with quite a lot of vital possibility packages—as is our check automobile—none rises to the worth or gear content material of a trim-level improve. The S line is de facto all you get.

Engines

For 2025, the 40-series Q3s got here with a 184-horsepower engine, whereas the 45s had been quipped with a 228-horse unit.

The new S line options an ordinary evolution of the outdated 40/45 engine. It’s nonetheless a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4, however is now rated at 255 horsepower. Also new is a sportier feeling 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission rather than a standard 8-speed unit.

Despite the added energy, EPA-estimated gasoline financial system rises for 2026, from a mixed 23 mpg for the outdated 40/45 engines, to 25. Plus, the 2026 mannequin not requires expensive premium-grade gasoline.

Longer for 2026

The Q3 can also be just a little bit greater this 12 months, stretching virtually two further inches in general size, and rather less than half an inch in further width. Wheelbase stays the identical at about 106 inches.

Inside, headroom, legroom, and shoulder room are unchanged for ’25, nevertheless cargo house improves by two cubic ft.

Test Car

Consumer Guide just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Audi Q3 outfitted with quite a lot of choices, together with extra-cost Daytona Gray paint. All instructed, together with the vacation spot cost, our check automobile got here to $50,390.

Cabin Appointments

Inside, the brand new Q3 boasts a premium really feel, in our case that includes darkish real-leather upholstery accented by satin-finish shiny trim. The look is stylish and chic, and German, in the absolute best sense.  Workmanship, too, seems to be of a excessive customary.

Connectivity

A big, single-piece LED display consists of each the instrument panel and what was historically the center-console touchscreen. We just like the look, and applaud the overall simplicity of the format. Climate capabilities, nevertheless, stay separate from the touchscreen, and are manipulated by way of bodily switchgear positioned beneath the massive display. This, as God meant.

For 2026, the gear selector has been moved from the middle console to the steering column. A easy nudge advances gear choice, a system seen in different German autos, and one that’s straightforward to acclimate to.

Room and Comfort

Getting out and in of the Q3 is simple sufficient. We discovered the door openings beneficiant sufficient for even bigger people to move into and out of the little crossover with relative ease, and cabin house ample for 4 adults to journey over lengthy distances in actual consolation.

Sonos Premium Audio

The cabin is quiet, too, which is an effective factor, because the Sonos-brand audio system (a part of $1000 Entertainment Package) is superb, and a cut price, in addition.

Ride and Handling

And whereas so many premium-brand autos appear to have misplaced their sporty character, the brand new Q3 retains its athletic really feel, with properly weighted steering that feels hook up with one thing, agency brakes, and glorious throttle response. Even in heavy visitors, the Q3 might be rewarding to drive.

Power and Performance

Power from the brand new 2.0-liter engine is spectacular. The Q3 is fast from a cease, and the brand new double-clutch transmission alertly clicks off well-timed sifts, including to the little crossover’s sporty really feel.

Fuel Economy

Despite the increase in energy, our check automobile returned 24 mpg in principally metropolis driving. That’s 2 mpg higher than the final Q3 Consumer Guide evaluated.

Value

Yes, there’s only one Q3 mannequin to select from for 2026, however except you suppose Audi’s single-trim subcompact crossover is OVER outfitted, we don’t see an issue right here. In truth, it’s good to have a automobile’s designers equip a automobile for us. The added energy is welcome, and experience and dealing with remind us of what an Audi was.

At $50,000 absolutely loaded, the 2026 Q3 isn’t a cut price, however it’s a compelling worth, and properly price a glance, particularly should you recognize understated luxurious with a little bit of muscle. And should you don’t like the one S line trim, properly, blame the tariffs.

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2026 Audi Q3 S Line Pictures

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