2026 Audi Q3: Reserve Yours Here
Audi fully redesigned the Q3 for 2026. This is not a refresh. It’s a new generation with increased power and standard technology. The compact Audi SUV now sits closer to the Q5 in both feel and features. That shift also brings a higher starting price.
If you're considering the next Q3, this guide explains what changed, what it costs, and when you can get one. Ordering is now open through Audi Warrington, a Sloane Automotive dealership.
What’s Different About the 2026 Audi Q3
The biggest change is simple. The 2026 Q3 is an all-new generation. Audi did not update the styling and move on. The platform, proportions, and interior layout are new.
The outgoing Q3 felt like an entry point. The new one doesn't.
A full redesign
The body is more upright and athletic. The stance is wider. The shape looks cleaner and more confident. From the side and rear, the Q3 now looks more like Audi’s larger SUVs.
Exterior changes are subtle in photos, but more obvious in person.
A new digital interior
Audi replaced the older cockpit with a new dual-screen layout. The driver display and center screen are larger and sit higher in the driver’s line of sight. There are fewer buttons and more software-based controls.
The new dual-screen layout brings the Q3 in line with newer Audi models.
More power as standard
The 2026 Q3 uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 255 horsepower. Quattro all-wheel drive is now standard. There is no lower-output version to step up from.
Audi says the 2026 Q3 reaches 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. That's quick for its class.
A clear shift in positioning
Audi simplified the trim strategy and added more standard features. There's less separation between trims and fewer compromises at the entry point. That makes the Q3 easier to configure and understand.
It also explains why the price moved.
Pricing and Value
The 2026 Audi Q3 starts at $43,700*.
That's higher than the 2025 edition. But the price jump comes with real changes.
More power is standard. Quattro is standard. The interior technology is new. Features that were once optional are now included from the start.
- 255-hp turbocharged engine
- quattro all-wheel drive
- New dual-screen digital cockpit
Audi no longer positions the Q3 as its budget SUV. It's now a luxury SUV with better performance and technology.
Key Differences: 2025 Audi Q3 vs 2026 Audi Q3
Exterior Design
The 2026 Q3 is sharper, more confident. The grille is wider. The lighting is more precise. And the overall design feels less rounded and more intentional.
Updated lighting and cleaner surfaces give the Q3 a more premium presence.
In person, the difference is clear. The Q3 no longer looks solely like Audi's smallest SUV. It now looks like a respectable part of the lineup.
Interior and Technology
The interior changes affect daily driving the most.
The new digital cockpit combines the driver display and center screen into a cleaner layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The interface is faster and easier to use.
Materials feel more substantial. The cabin is quieter. The overall experience feels more premium without sacrificing usability.
While the 2026 Q3 is slightly larger overall, the bigger change is how the space is used. The redesigned dashboard creates a cabin that feels more open, especially up front.
The new screen layout is easier to see and easier to use.
Performance and Quattro
With 255 horsepower and standard quattro all-wheel drive, the 2026 Q3 is quicker than before. Acceleration is faster. Passing power is improved. The drivetrain fits the vehicle's size better.
The dual-clutch transmission shifts smoothly in daily driving and responds quickly when pushed. In poor weather, quattro adds confidence without driver effort.
Trims and Ordering
Audi simplified the Q3 lineup for 2026. More standard features are included, and optional packages focus on style and technology.
Because this is a new generation, early availability will be limited. Ordering allows you to choose colors and options instead of settling for what arrives first.
Availability
The 2026 Audi Q3 is expected to reach Audi Warrington, and other U.S. showrooms, by late February 2026. Timing can vary based on allocation and shipping. Initial availability will be limited, especially for popular configurations.
Placing a reservation early helps secure priority access when inventory begins to arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audi changing the Q3 in 2026?
Yes. The 2026 Q3 is a full redesign with new styling, more power, and a new interior.
How much will the 2026 Audi Q3 cost?
The starting MSRP is $43,700 before destination and fees.
What are the specs of the 2026 Audi Q3?
It features a 255-horsepower turbocharged engine, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a new dual-screen digital cockpit.
Will the 2026 Q3 feel bigger inside?
The redesigned interior makes better use of space. The cabin feels more open, especially up front.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Audi Q3 is not trying to be the cheapest luxury SUV anymore. It's geared towards drivers wanting compact size with genuine Audi performance, technology, and design. The price is higher, but so is the level of refinement.
If the 2025 Q3 felt like a compromise, this one won't.
Reserve the 2026 Audi Q3
*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, registration, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Pricing and availability subject to change.
