2026 Audi Q3: Sleeker and More Advanced, With One Big Disappointment

It was about time the Audi Q3 got a makeover. You see, the vehicle hadn't changed since 2019—an eternity in the highly popular small luxury SUV segment. Then again, the outgoing model is still putting up a good fight, as evidenced by its sales figures, and proves more fun to drive than most rivals.

Audi will rightfully tell you that the Q3 is a key part of the brand’s success especially here in North America, a market that accounts for 46 percent of global Q3 sales. In Canada, approximately 7,000-8,000 units are sold every year, making it the most popular luxury subcompact SUV in the country and Audi's second best-selling model behind the Q5.

• Also: 2026 Audi Q3 Prices Jump Up to 22 Percent, Here’s Why
• Also: Would You Prefer the New 2026 Audi Q3 in a Sportback Body Style?

For this new generation, Audi has drawn inspiration from recent models like the A5, A6 and Q6 e-tron. Up front, the revised grille and significantly slimmer headlights immediately grab the attention. The latter can be equipped with optional OLED technology, incorporating an advanced system that projects information onto the road in front of the driver. More on that later.

At the other end, the taillights have also been revised. They’re now connected by a light bar and a red illuminated logo, in similar fashion to other vehicles from the Volkswagen Group. While we’re at it, you should know that a coupe-style Sportback variant will be available in other markets, but sadly not in Canada.

Even Sleeker Inside

Audi has built a solid reputation for designing refined, high-quality interiors, and the new 2026 Q3 is no exception. The materials are gorgeous, soft to the touch and impeccably put together. By the way, the vehicles we drove were pre-production units—the ones set to roll off the assembly line and land in Canada should be completely beyond reproach in this regard.

The Q3’s seats provide excellent comfort and adequate support without being too snug and offer. Finding a proper driving position is easy, and we liked the pleasantly sized steering wheel. Facing the driver is a large, curved digital panel powered by Audi's next-generation multimedia system.

The 11.9-inch instrument cluster on the left can display information in different ways by using the buttons on the steering wheel. You may choose to view only key vehicle data or the complete opposite, whichever you prefer. On the right, the 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen includes almost all driving-related controls. We found it quite intuitive to operate overall, although we would have preferred physical buttons for basic controls such as temperature, ventilation and the like. Sure, there are still a few buttons in the lower part of the dashboard and a volume knob on the centre console, but that’s not really enough.

As part of the new steering wheel control unit, the lever on the left side acts as a control element for the headlights, turn signals and windshield wipers, while the new lever on the right serves as a gear selector. It does free up space on the centre console, but simultaneously generates confusion for the driver. At times, we found ourselves activating the rear window wiper instead of a turn signal. Owners will hopefully get used to this interface. As far as we’re concerned, we don’t see how ergonomics are improved the way Audi claims.

One thing’s for certain, the redesigned cabin offers generous headroom and legroom in both rows. Meanwhile, total cargo capacity amounts to 1,386 litres with the rear seats folded down, which is an increase of 26 litres over the outgoing Q3. If you want more cargo space, the BMW X1 can pack up to 1,620 litres of gear.

Gas-Electric Q3 Not Coming After All

When the new 2026 Audi Q3 made its global debut a few months ago, much was written and said about the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant. The system combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and 25.7kWh battery for a total of 268 horsepower and up to 92 km of zero-emission range. Unfortunately, the company has since decided not to launch it in Canada.

We had the opportunity to drive this electrified Q3 for about 50 km at a recent media event, where it impressed with strong performance and quiet operation. Too bad Canadians won’t be able to get their hands on it.

Audi’s about-face means there will be only one powertrain available in Canada, namely a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This unit blesses the new Q3 with good acceleration and passing power, in line with the average competitor. Except when pushed to the limit, it remains mostly quiet.

On the other hand, fuel consumption is disappointing. The old Q3 was not known for efficiency, and its successor won’t change that. At the end of our test drive, which consisted in a mix of byroads and highways exclusively, we wound up with a combined score of 10.8 L/100 km. That’s not good, especially since we took it fairly easy on the throttle.

Poised and Balanced

On the road, the 2026 Q3 handles like a true Audi. Engineers have worked extensively on the chassis and suspension to deliver a sharper and more dynamic driving experience. Based on the short time we spent with the vehicle, there's no doubt that the German manufacturer has done its homework. The new Q3 showed beautiful poise and balance regardless of traffic and road conditions. We drove on fairly well-maintained pavement, sometimes wet from the rain, and the Q3 felt safe at all times.

We also appreciated its precise steering and the generous amount of feedback from the front axle. The brakes are powerful enough, although we found the pedal a bit spongy at first. Elsewhere, the turning circle seemed larger than the outgoing model’s, which could make U-turns in tight spots more difficult.

We wrapped up our test drive at night as Audi wanted us to experience the optional OLED headlights. Just like we mentioned earlier, the technology allows information to be projected onto the road. For example, if you start to deviate from your lane, an arrow will remind you which side to move to. Also, a snowflake will appear when there’s a chance the road surface is cold and slippery. Oh, and the light beam will widen to the left when you activate your turn signal to change lanes.

For sure, the system worked well and did a fantastic job of lighting dark roads, but we wouldn’t want to be an owner having to replace these high-tech headlights following an accident or failure.

Our Verdict

Ultimately, the 2026 Audi Q3 makes a pretty convincing statement with its dynamic handling, pleasant interior and solid performance. It’s a shame the company won’t offer an electrified powertrain or a juiced-up SQ3 in Canada. This could hurt sales while BMW has the X1/X2 duo including a sportier model.