Key Points
- The 2026 Audi Q3 subcompact SUV has been updated for 2026 with aggressive new styling
- The 2026 Q3 will start at $44,995 (including $1,295 destination fee), which is $3,900 more than the 2025 model.
- Updates include a more powerful engine than the 2025 model’s optional engine, a larger digital instrument cluster and a standard touchscreen display.
Audi has overhauled the Q3 outside and in for 2026, giving the subcompact SUV bold new exterior styling, a sleek and uncluttered interior, and more standard power and torque than even the 2025 model’s optional engine had.
Related: New 2026 Audi Q3 Takes Q5’s Fresh Look Down a Size
Trim Levels and Safety Features
Audi hasn’t yet released full details on options and packages for the 2026 Q3, but from what we know at this point, it appears that even the base trim will be extremely well equipped. Standard safety tech includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, blind spot monitors, front and rear cross-traffic alert, emergency steering assist, a driver attention monitor, road-sign recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. A 360-degree camera system and automated parking capable of remembering maneuvers up to 164 feet for five different locations will be available.
Other standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, LED head- and taillights, and larger displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen. The former now measures 11.9 inches, more than 1.5 inches bigger than before, and the latter stretches 12.8 inches, an increase of 4 inches.
Powertrain Specs and MPG
The 2026 Q3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Producing 255 horsepower and 273 pounds-feet of torque — 27 hp and 22 pounds-feet more than its predecessor’s engine — the four-cylinder is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Audi says the Q3 needs just 5.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph, which the brand claims makes it the quickest vehicle in its class.
Release Date and Pricing
All of these improvements come at a cost, however. When it goes on sale in early 2026, the new Q3 will start at $44,995. That’s $3,900 higher than the 2025 model’s base price and $1,100 higher than the outgoing model’s most expensive trim.
Read More About Audi From Cars.com:
- 2025 Audi Q3 Gets Black Optic Plus Package, $38,995 Base Price
- 2024 Audi Q3 Gains Standard Adaptive Cruise Control, Starts at $38,195
- 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 Review: Bolder, Mostly Better
- 2024 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Now Incorporates Repair Visits, Ram Tops List
- More Audi News
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