Jack of all trades; master of none. The 2022 Audi Q3 is straightforward and fails to stand out in a crowd, but that’s long been Audi’s M.O. That said, the Q3 does a lot of stuff very well. It may not be the very best in any category, but it delicately combines all its skills into one affordable and inoffensive luxury crossover.
Attractive but simple. The 2022 Audi Q3’s SUV body isn’t quick to make anyone’s heart skip a beat from its appearance. It’s attractive but in a simple sort of way. Its body is tight and athletic, but there are no hard angles or sharp creases that grab your eyes.
Inside, the Q3 continues its simple ways with a toned-down cabin that’s only a hair more exciting than its body. You can, however, spice things up with body-color panels that almost give the cabin a more Volkswagen-like look, which we feel is a compliment.
Buyers seeking more luxury or opulence may prefer the redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class or the BMW X1.
Ample power, but a heavyweight. The 2022 Audi Q3 comes in two flavors, but both use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot engine. The base “40” model has 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and the “45” model has 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both feature standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Considering the X1’s 228 hp max and the GLA-Class’ 221-hp base engine, this is about the right amount of power. However, its seven-second 0-to-60 time lags behind the GLA-Class and X1’s 6.6- and 6.3-second 0-60 sprints, respectively. If Audi could trim some of that 3,900-pound curb weight the Q3 is carrying around, it’d be far more competitive.
Spacy and comfortable cabin. Inside, the 2022 Audi Q3’s front seats are good enough for long hauls, though we recommend the optional eight-way power seats. The standard leather and heat set it apart from its German rivals, though.
In the rear is where the Q3 shines brightest with 36.1 inches of legroom and plenty of space for a pair of adults. This is tighter than the X1 and GLA-Class by 0.9 and 2.3 inches, respectively, but the combination of the seating room and at least 18.7 cubes of cargo room is a standout. Plus, you can slide the rear seat forward and backward to compensate for longer legs or more cargo.
This cargo area really stands out against the GLA-Class, which can haul just 15.4 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats upright. The X1 remains the king of cargo at 27.1 cubes with the rear seats upright. The Q3 strikes a nice balance between the two.
Final thoughts. The Audi Q3 provides a delicate balance of performance, luxury, style, and spaciousness in the subcompact luxury crossover space. Sure, the GLA-Class has roomier rear seats, and the X1 has a more spacious cargo area, but the Q3 offers a great middle-ground option at a relative value with its starting MSRP of $35,995 (destination fees included).
