2026 Audi Q3 is Massively Overhauled and More Powerful
One year after the best-selling Q5, it's now the Audi Q3 subcompact SUV’s turn to give birth to a third generation. The German luxury brand's second most popular vehicle has undergone a major transformation both inside and out while also adding more power under the hood and even a plug-in hybrid variant.
Aesthetically, the new 2026 Q3 appears more aggressive with a redesigned and wider grille. The micro-LED headlamps and daytime running lights now occupy separate housings, the latter comprising 23 segments on each side to create distinctive light signatures. New 18- to 20-inch wheels sitting under more muscular fenders can be found all around.
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The rear section is adorned with optional digital OLED taillamps, complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated rings—a first for the Q3. The rear window above is even more angled forward than before for a dynamic profile, while the significantly revised bumper below adds a sportier touch. By the way, 11 body colours are available including new Sage Green and Madeira Brown.
Digital Stage
In the cabin, unsurprisingly, Audi has taken the Digital Stage concept from its most recent models. The 11.9-inch digital instrument panel pairs with a driver-oriented 12.8-inch central touchscreen, the latter powered by Android Automotive OS. Third-party apps such as YouTube can be added through the Audi App Store, and the AI-enabled voice assistant controls many of the vehicle's functions. An avatar even brings it to life on screen.
As part of the new steering wheel control unit, the lever on the left side acts as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers, while the new lever on the right serves as a gear selector, thus freeing up space on the centre console. The cooled inductive charging tray with 15 watts of charging power including two USB-C ports can be closed by a sliding cover if desired. Various ambient lighting packages can be specified, one of which includes 300 laser-cut locations in the door panels creating a beautiful constellation at night.
The interior environment is quieter thanks to optional acoustic glass for the front side windows. In the rear, the bench can be reclined for greater comfort or adjusted fore and aft to maximize either legroom or cargo volume. When folded down, it can fit slightly more gear than the outgoing Q3 with 1,386 litres available instead of 1,360.
More Power, PHEV Variant Coming to Canada
Two powertrain options will be offered with the 2026 Audi Q3 in Canada. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine returns, but with output increased from 228 to 261 hp and torque rising from 258 to 295 lb-ft. All of this is controlled by a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid system delivers just as much torque along with 268 hp combined. With its 25.7kWh battery (net capacity: 19.7 kWh), pure electric range is estimated at 92 km by North American standards, beating out the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC. It will even be able to charge up to 50 kW DC under ideal conditions.
Elsewhere, Audi engineers have reworked the Q3's suspension to improve handling, especially where the optional sport suspension is concerned. What’s more, the spread between comfort and sporty driving is more noticeable.
As for the arsenal of safety and driver assistance features, new additions include a camera to monitor driver attention and drowsiness, as well as an ultra-sophisticated parking assistant that can remember up to five different maneuvers. If your journey ends in a cul-de-sac, the new Q3 can remember a distance of around 50 metres and reverse independently at a speed of around 10 km/h. How about that?
On Sale Next Spring
Although the 2026 Audi Q3 enters production in the next few months, it won’t arrive in Canada until the spring of 2026. Prices will be announced in October of this year, but expect significant hikes following the example of the new Q5. The outgoing Q3 currently ranges from $42,500 to $51,700 (MSRP).
The Car Guide will get the opportunity to test drive the new Q3 sometime in September, so don’t miss our review.
