In 2019, Audi ushered in the second-generation Q3, giving the subcompact crossover a more aggressive appearance and brand-new underpinnings. With this look still fresh and a handful of new standard features added in 2021, we expect the 2022 Audi Q3 to be a carryover model.
In terms of Audi redesigns, which are typically subtle, the 2019 Q3 update was revolutionary. Audi introduced a more aggressive-looking body that included sharper creases, a bolder Singleframe grille, new headlights, and an all-new cabin. Since the redesign, all has remained calm on the Q3 design front, and we expect this carryover trend to continue into the 2022 Audi Q3.
The one big change to the 2021 Q3 was a handful of new standard features. This gave the 2021 Q3 a standard 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and LED headlights. We expect this generous list of standard features to remain the same in the 2022 Audi Q3.
Under its hood, the current Q3 has two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine options. The base engine, which is standard on the Q3 40, pumps out 221 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In the Q3 45, this four-pot’s output jumps to 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both versions pump their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for a seven-second 0-60 time. We expect this powertrain to remain the same in the 2022 Audi Q3.
When the IIHS tossed the 2021 Q3 into a few walls, it did well, scoring “Good” in every crash test. However, it missed the mark in a few areas, namely its “Poor”-rated standard headlights and “Basic”-rated vehicle-to-pedestrian automatic emergency braking system, knocking it out of Top Safety Pick contention. The Q3’s automatic emergency braking did receive a “Superior” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle performance, though. We expect these ratings to remain the same in the 2022 Audi Q3.
