The Car Guide’s 2020 Best Buys: Audi Q3
Every year, The Car Guide publishes its Best Buys in nearly 30 different vehicle categories. Today we continue our review of the 2020 winners with a look at subcompact luxury SUVs, where a new leader has emerged.
The Audi Q3 (MSRP from $38,900) wins our Best Buy award this year thanks to a redesigned, second-generation model sporting a very dynamic appearance—similar to the large, coupe-style Audi Q8—and offering many outstanding attributes.
- Also: Audi Q3 Sportback Unveiled as Yet Another Coupe-like SUV
- Also: 2019 Audi Q3: Premium Class, Compact Size
First, there’s a spirited 2.0-litre turbo-four engine under the hood that produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. AWD comes standard and does a great job in any condition. The drive is stable, comfortable and generally pleasant.
![](https://i.gaw.to/content/photos/41/98/419836-meilleurs-achats-2020-du-guide-de-l-auto-audi-q3.jpg?1024x640)
The Q3 is also loaded with modern technology and its cabin is unmatched for refinement in this segment. The design of the dashboard mirrors that of the Q8 with a big, driver-oriented colour touchscreen with haptic feedback for the infotainment system, while Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit display features on the Q3 as well.
All of this comes at a pretty competitive price, too.
Second place in the subcompact luxury SUV segment this year goes to the Volvo XC40 (MSRP from $39,750), which stands out with its unique exterior design and nicely crafted cockpit, generous rear-seat accommodations and fairly spacious cargo area. In addition, the 248-horsepower XC40 delivers solid yet refined performance along with a comfortable ride.
As for third place, we find the BMW X1 and X2 (MSRP from $42,100), which share the same architecture, but differ with their distinct exterior styling. The X1 is roomier and more versatile. A 228-horsepower engine is on duty as the base powerplant in both cases, while the sportier X2 can also be specified with a 302-horsepower mill. Obviously, these two little SUVs earn lots of points with their sharp driving dynamics, too.
The Car Guide’s 2020 Scores
- Audi Q3 – 82%
- Volvo XC40 – 80%
- BMW X1/X2 – 76%
![](https://i.gaw.to/content/photos/41/98/419835-meilleurs-achats-2020-du-guide-de-l-auto-audi-q3.jpg?1024x640)