2022 Audi Q3 Review and Test Drive: All the Right Moves
Turbocharging, technology, and timeless styling come together in a small luxury SUV.
Sebastian Blanco
Article QuickTakes:
Smaller but just as enjoyable to drive as its larger Q5 and Q8 siblings, the 2022 Audi Q3 is a crossover that fits with the rest of the automaker's SUVs. Although outright acceleration and cargo space might fall short compared to some Q3 rivals, it's a stylish entry-level luxury crossover that provides premium quality, good comfort, decent fuel economy, and rewarding ride and handling traits.
Audi began selling the Q3 in the U.S. market in 2015. A redesigned second-generation version arrived in 2019, and the 2022 model isn't much different. The 2022 Q3 gets an infusion of new standard technology with a next-generation infotainment system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. In addition, Audi makes minor changes to trim and equipment for 2022, notably adding a surround-view camera system as standard equipment on the top trim level.
Sebastian Blanco
Audi could keep it simple with the 2022 Audi Q3 lineup, but it does not. The SUV comes in Premium and Premium Plus trim, each available with a sporty-looking S-line option package. In addition, every Q3 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. In Q3 40 TFSI specification, the engine makes 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful Q3 45 TFSI puts out 228 horses and 258 lb-ft.
The Q3 prices for 2022 range from the high $30,000s to the mid-$40,000s, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from the Györ, Hungary, factory that builds it to your local dealership. For this 2022 Audi Q3 review, I test-drove the S line 45 TFSI in Premium Plus trim. It came with extra-cost paint, 20-inch wheels, a Black Optic Sport package, and a Technology package. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the test vehicle was $48,740, including the $1,195 destination charge.
Audi provided the vehicle for this Q3 review, which I evaluated in Michigan and Illinois.
Sebastian Blanco
2022 Audi Q3: Room and Comfort for All, From Front to Back
As is typical with Audi models, the 2022 Q3's attractive but conservative styling is aging gracefully. This SUV is particularly appealing with its 20-inch wheels and Black Optic Sport styling details, making it an elegant but not showy small SUV. And while my test vehicle wore a relatively plain Glacier White metallic paint job, recent changes at the Györ factory mean it can build the Q3 with matte exterior finishes for the first time.
For 2022, Audi offers new interior colors and trim, including aluminum and wood inlays. Style-wise, I have few complaints with the Q3's cabin, but the numerous hard-plastic surfaces remind you that this is Audi's entry-level SUV.
Thanks to the test vehicle's optional Technology package, it had a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel paired with a nicely integrated 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Beneath the infotainment screen, traditional buttons and knobs control the three-zone automatic climate system.
Sebastian Blanco
If you're new to Audi, using the Q3 can be frustrating. For example, the automaker puzzlingly places the stereo volume control on the far right side of the center console instead of on the dashboard. At first, I adjusted the climate system when I meant to modify the speaker volume. Fortunately, you acclimate pretty quickly. If you don't, you can use the volume controls on the steering wheel.
Front-seat occupants can now take advantage of the Q3's available and deeply comfortable eight-way power-adjustable front seats as part of the new Convenience package. They were standard on my test car, and the miles slipped past almost unnoticed, thanks to the excellent support from the heated leather-wrapped driver's seat. There are numerous clever storage solutions, too, from a smartphone holder between the center cupholders to convenient door panel pockets.
Sebastian Blanco
Though the Q3 is a small SUV, the rear seats are comfortable, and there's enough space for adults back there — as long as you're not ferrying volleyball players. In addition, a panoramic sunroof is standard in every Q3, making it feel larger inside than it is.
Unfortunately, the rakish roofline affects how many things you can carry around. The Q3 has 48 cu-ft of maximum cargo capacity, significantly less than a Volvo XC40 (57.5 cu-ft). Even a Mercedes-Benz GLA can carry more than this Audi (50.5 cu-ft).
Sebastian Blanco
2022 Audi Q3 Filled With Fun and Useful Technology
Audi has a reputation for building technologically advanced vehicles, and this is where the automaker is trying to set the Q3 apart from its rivals. For 2022, every Q3 adds the latest Audi MIB 3 infotainment technology, with a standard 8.8-inch or, as in my test vehicle, an available 10.1-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system pairs with a standard 10.25-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation panel, and my test car had the upgraded 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display.
In standard form, the Audi Multi Media Interface infotainment system offers Bluetooth with audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and Audi Connect Care subscription services. With Premium Plus trim, the Q3 adds SiriusXM satellite radio. My test vehicle's Technology package equipped the SUV with a larger touchscreen, SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio, a navigation system, and Audi Connect Plus subscription services. It also added a Sonos premium sound system.
Connecting a phone to the Q3's Bluetooth is as straightforward as it is on most new cars. You can even plug the phone in once, and the system sets up a wireless connection for the next drive. The real fun lies in using the Q3's tech, whether tied to your phone or not.
Sebastian Blanco
Cycling through the options within the digital instrumentation was fun and even useful. I could adjust the display to emphasize critical information while minimizing other data. When using the infotainment screen, I found the column of shortcut icons on the left side of the display tremendously helpful, making it easy to access main menus for music or navigation. Thanks to the embedded Amazon Alexa Auto technology, the system snappily responded to most of my voice commands.
Audi also enhances the Q3's safety features for the 2022 model year. Side Assist is now standard, installing a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. In addition, every Q3 gets Parking System Plus, a fancy name for the front and rear parking sensors. Premium Plus trim gains a newly standard surround-view camera system this year.
These improvements join a list of advanced driving assistance systems that includes Audi Pre Sense Front (forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking) and a lane-departure warning system. The 2022 Q3 also has Audi Pre Sense Basic, which can sense when a collision is about to occur and prepare the interior and occupants for impact. In addition, the Q3 Premium Plus has adaptive cruise control with lane guidance, which ensures the SUV maintains a safe following distance to vehicles ahead while remaining centered within its lane.
On a trip from Michigan to Chicago, the Q3's adaptive cruise control and lane guidance systems worked well, and the other safety features confidently provided alerts without being annoying in everyday driving. Many of these warnings are adjustable, too, so you can modify the detection sensitivity, reaction behavior, and audible warning levels.
Sebastian Blanco
The 2022 Audi Q3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but earned no better than a four-star rating for frontal-crash protection for the driver and passenger. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Q3 a Good rating in most categories. However, in newly updated and more challenging tests, the Q3 received a Marginal offset frontal-impact score and an Acceptable side-impact protection rating.
Sebastian Blanco
2022 Audi Q3: Sure-footed and Engaging to Drive
My 2022 Audi Q3 45 TFSI test vehicle had the more powerful version of the SUV's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Since the less powerful Q3 40 TFSI engine is infamous for turbo lag — the delay between stepping on the accelerator pedal and the vehicle responding with forward motion — I looked forward to a zippier driving experience.
Unfortunately, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI isn't terribly quick. I'm unconvinced this model's mediocre initial acceleration will bother the average driver, but it irritated me. At least I could have some fun thanks to the transmission paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
Sebastian Blanco
Every Q3 includes Quattro, which is Audi's all-wheel-drive system. The SUV never lost its footing on the winter streets, but Michigan also did not get a lot of snow during testing week. From what I did feel, typical winter situations should not pose a problem for the Q3.
Although the Q3 is somewhat sluggish to accelerate, its small size, light but accurate steering, and relatively firm ride help it to straddle the line between sportiness and comfort. Certainly, the test vehicle's optional 20-inch wheels and tires also contributed to its nimble and fun feel in corners, and maneuvering a Q3 in parking lots is incredibly easy. Switch into the Sport driving mode, and the powertrain holds lower gears longer while emphasizing transmission shifts. The added responsiveness is nice, but I didn't want Sport mode on constantly.
Sebastian Blanco
Where the Q3 shines brightest is on the highway. Once you're up to speed, Audi's little SUV proves especially comfortable, supplying an excellent blend of quiet, relaxation, and engagement. My test vehicle's low-profile tires allowed some of the larger bumps in the road to filter into the cabin, but I wouldn't want the Q3 tuned any softer.
Overall, the 2022 Audi Q3 is entertaining, easy to drive, and an excellent road-trip companion. It's reasonably fuel efficient as well. During my week with the SUV, it averaged 24.7 mpg. That's almost exactly in line with the vehicle's official EPA rating of 24 mpg. The base Q3 40 TFSI is slightly more efficient at 26 mpg.
Sebastian Blanco
Is the 2022 Audi Q3 a Good SUV?
The 2022 Audi Q3 could be the right choice for some small luxury SUV shoppers. It doesn't offer the most utility in its class, but there's more to life than practicality, like looking good while keeping a low profile. If you can get over the turbo lag and the somewhat cramped back seat and cargo area, the 2022 Q3 is a stylish and upscale SUV with desirable safety and technology features.
