Is the new Q3’s biggest competition the old one?
For anyone climbing the corporate ladder and looking to trade in their trusty Civic or Camry for an entry-level luxury car with greater comfort and status, Audi has a few appealing options. The Q3 subcompact crossover is one of them. Audi’s most affordable SUV may sacrifice some power and space compared to its larger siblings, but it looks and feels like a quality product. The question is: Should you buy a 2025 or 2026 Audi Q3? These model years represent two different generations, but is the new one’s better tech worth the extra cost? Here’s a look at the differences between them.
Audi Q3 Design and Size
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Audi
Audi
Audi
In 2025, the Audi Q3’s redesign was introduced with the 2026 model. The 2025 Q3 is the last of the second generation, while the 2026 is the first third-generation model. The outgoing model has aged gracefully, with sharp lines and a tidy footprint that gives it quite a sporty appearance. The 2026 model is more grown-up and gets a larger grille, a new split-headlight design, and new lighting at the back, too. The new one is more expressive, which younger buyers will likely prefer. In size, the two Q3s are similar, but the new one is marginally bigger.
| 2025 Vs. 2026 Q3: Size Comparison | ||
| 2025 Audi Q3 | 2026 Audi Q3 | |
| Wheelbase | 105.5 inches | 105.6 inches |
| Length | 176.6 inches | 178.4 inches |
| Width (without mirrors) | 72.8 inches | 73.2 inches |
| Height | 62.9 inches | 64.1 inches |
The new Q3 is still quite compact, so should be perfect for commutes in the city or small garages. And, while it looks fresher, the previous model doesn’t look outdated.
Audi Q3 2025 Vs. 2026: Interior and Features
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Audi
There are more impactful updates inside the 2026 Q3, which gains Audi’s latest dashboard layout. The Audi Digital Stage MMI concept mirrors what you can find in larger Audis, combining an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.8-inch touchscreen. It’s quite a step up from the standard 8.8-inch touchscreen in the 2025 Q3, but the passenger-side screen found in bigger Audis isn’t available for the Q3. Here are a few other changes for the 2026 model:
- Standard dual-pane acoustic glass for front side windows
- New steering wheel with new column levers
- Gear selector moved to new steering wheel stalk
- Larger trunk with sliding rear seats
In our drive of the new Q3, we noted the materials feel richer than before, and there were no squeaks or rattles. However, the 2025 model had more physical controls for adjusting things like the climate control, which were preferable. The older model also had proper buttons on its steering wheel, which were easier to use.
In the 2026 model, there’s a more advanced voice recognition system with AI assistance, while maps have returned to Audi’s virtual cockpit. Although the rear seats can slide in the 2026 model, there’s a comparable amount of space in both Q3s. Smaller adults will be find at the back, but taller ones will prefer sitting in a Q5.
Audi Q3 2025 Vs. 2026 Powertrain Differences
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The 2025 Audi Q3 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. In the new one, an updated turbo-four delivers more power and the transmission is now a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both have standard quattro all-wheel drive.
| Audi Q3: 2025 Vs. 2026 Powertrains | ||
| 2025 Audi Q3 | 2026 Audi Q3 | |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 255 hp |
| Torque | 251 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
The 2026 Q3 is significantly quicker than the old one. The new DSG gearbox feels like a traditional automatic most of the time, and when combined with the extra power, the 2026 Q3 is more fun to drive than the old one. The ride/handling balance of both 2025 and 2026 models is good, so it’s primarily the newer Q3’s performance that stands out.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
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The 2025 Audi Q3 cost $39,800 when new, while the 2026 model starts at $43,700. With enough options, you can spend over $50,000 on a 2026 Q3. You can pick up a lightly used 2025 model for under $35,000, so there’s a potentially significant saving to be had by going that route.
Overall, the 2026 Audi Q3 is a step up in design, technology, and performance. It’s that last point that matters the most, as the upgraded powertrain is the single most significant improvement between the previous-gen model and the new one. If you can live with the 2025 Q3’s slower acceleration, it’s still a great luxury crossover, and it has the older-style Audi interface that some will find easier to use.
Both models show that Audi’s cheapest crossover fully deserves to wear that famous badge. It’s a classy, refined offering, just in a more accessible, downsized form.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog