2017 Audi Q3 Expert Review
Reviewed by Christian Seabaugh
The 2017 Audi Q3 gets a new entry-level trim called the Premium, an updated Sport Plus package with more content, and a new Black Optics package that adds black window surrounds, black roof rails, and a black grille.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2017 Audi Q3 is the entry-level premium crossover slotting below the larger Q5. It's available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
Q3 Premium: The base trim of the Q3 comes well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, as well as front and rear parking sensors.
Q3 Premium Plus: Moving up to the Premium Plus grade adds full LED headlights, heated front seats, keyless entry/start, and a power tailgate.
Q3 Prestige: Rounding out the Q3 lineup is the Prestige trim, which adds a navigation system with a 7.0-inch screen, a Bose premium audio system, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Notable options include the Sport package, which adds a three-spoke steering wheel, front sport seats, gloss black exterior trim and Audi's Drive Select system.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2017 Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission—EPA fuel economy ratings for both front- and all-wheel drive variants are 20/28 mpg city/highway.
Safety
In IIHS evaluations, the 2017 Q3 received a Good score on all crashworthiness tests except the passenger side front small overlap impact where it hasn't been tested yet and the headlights test where it received a Poor rating (Good is the highest possible score. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available on higher trim levels.
Utility
Behind the split-folding rear seats, there's 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space and it can be expanded to 50.3 cubic feet. When properly equipped, the 2017 Q3 can tow up to 2,200 pounds.
What We Think
In a 2012 First Drive, we said that the 2.0-liter turbo-four offers plenty of power on tap. The interior, on the other hand, has no sign of cost cutting with high-quality materials all around including real aluminum trim. Understeer is minimal but the Q3 isn't as fun to drive as a sporty compact car due in part to the lack of steering feel. On the highway, the cabin stays quiet and the ride remains comfortable thanks to tires with taller sidewalls.
Key Competitors
