Audi recently unveiled a new Q3 for 2026 but don’t cross out the current 2025 model from your shopping list just yet. While its design and powertrain have been around for almost seven years—a lifetime in the automotive industry—it has aged well and is backed by an ergonomically designed interior, premium materials, and one of the lowest MSRPs in the ultra-competitive field of compact luxury SUVs.

Much of its appeal stems from the interior. It’s a proper throwback to user-friendly interfaces and simple functionality. If you have grown to despise the overreliance on digital screens, and prefer knobs and switches over the haptic touch sensors in Lexus and Mercedes, then this Audi will make you feel right at home. Its layout just makes sense. Instead of a dedicated button to sync the cabin zone temps, simply hold the Auto button and it will sync it for you. Its dual purpose reduces clutter and unnecessary buttons, and we’re not sure why other manufacturers don’t follow suit. Even the temperature goes up in intervals of 0.5 for fine-tuning, whereas others stick with whole numbers. And if you’re the type of person who appreciates a dedicated seat warmer button in 2025, this car is for you.

Pictures don’t do the Q3 any justice. The cabin appears dark, spartan, and devoid of colour with too many black plastics mucking about but up close in person, the switchgear feels top-shelf, and embarrasses the cheap window switches found in the triple-the-price BMW G90 M5. The materials are matched with a solidity and sturdiness that defined the last generation of Audi and Volkswagen products, and is the kind we enjoy using the most. The buttons register with a satisfying click, the dials are knurled for better grip, and there’s an actual gear lever with a push-start button conveniently located right above it, so you can push it right after you slot it into Park. 

The thin-rimmed steering wheel is pleasant to hold, especially after coming from the overly thick wheels found in BMWs and MINIs. Devoid of paddle shifters, the rim is flat on the edges, making it easy to grip and reach the integrated buttons. We haven’t driven a new Audi for a few months but every time we do, we recall how much we enjoy using the Virtual Cockpit. With a low learning curve, crisp graphics, and lag-free responses, it’s one of our favoured systems. It’s also the first time we’ve seen a SONOS sound system in a car. Available on the top-trim Technik model, it produces high-fidelity notes with decent surround sound and bass. We’d put it a peg above the rivalling Bose and Harmon Kardon systems. But when was the last time you saw a 2025 vehicle that comes with a flip key? It’s one of the only parts of the Q3 that ages it back to the last decade. That, and the lack of an auto brake-hold function. 

The Q3 is a significant step-up in quality and amenities over your basic Corolla or Civic, somewhat justifying the entrance fee. The Q3 starts at $42,500 with the base 40 TFSI engine, but comes with generous standard features, including a power tailgate, heated steering wheel and front seats, leather seating surfaces with 4-way driver’s lumbar support, a panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch wheels. You will need to upgrade to the Progressiv ($47,600) or our test vehicle’s Technik ($51,700) to get the latest cabin tech like the 12.3″ Audi virtual cockpit or SONOS sound system. Notably, the prices on the Audi Canada online configurator already include auxiliary fees such as Freight, PDI, and Air Conditioner Excise Tax. Its relatively low starting price gives it an advantage. The BMW X1 has an MSRP of $48,300, while the MINI Countryman S starts at $45,990, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 at $51,500, and the Volvo XC40 at $46,900. 

The Q3 is a pleasant companion on the road too. Equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the uprated 45 TFSI trim produces 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, enough to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. The engine is responsive to pedal input with proportional acceleration that makes you feel confident and connected to the vehicle. The steering is light but numb and overboosted; however, it’s easy to get used to, and the car feels agile around corners. 

By design, the ride is tuned to be more comfortable than the sport-focused BMW X1 and MINI Countryman, and we found it more cushioning and absorbent over rough roads than even the GLA 250. While that means the Q3 does feel detached from the road, it gains compliance in return, demonstrating rock-solid stability even when barreling down at highway speeds. There’s a moderate amount of body roll but we prefer that as it lets us know how much mechanical grip is available. 

The Audi Q3 may be in the final stages of its lengthy tenure but it continues to be a viable and attractive option for those who prioritize quality, ergonomics, and user functionality. The Q3 hardly shows its age with effortless driver interactions, premium touchpoints, and a coddling ride that makes it an amiable daily driver, one that values ergonomics and comfort, automotive ingredients that seem to have gone astray in recent years. 

Specifications:

Model: 2025 Audi Q3 Technik 45 TFSI quattro
Paint Type: Glacier White
Base Price: $51,700
Price as Tested: $54,290
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 228 hp
Torque: 251 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Economy (L/100km): 10.0
Tires: 255/40R20; Bridgestone Potenza