Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

2026 Audi Q3 Brings Luxury, Tech

Audi sets pricing for the all-new 2026 Q3 as the redesigned compact SUV heads to U.S. dealers in early 2026.

Green 2026 Audi Q3 compact SUV driving on a city street past a modern building in daylight.

The redesigned 2026 Audi Q3 will arrive at U.S. retailers in the first quarter of 2026, with a starting MSRP of $43,700.

Photo: Audi

4 min to read


Audi of America announced pricing and full specifications for the redesigned 2026 Q3. The entry SUV, now in its third generation, adds updated styling, new infotainment and driver-assistance features, and a revised 2.0-liter turbo engine paired with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive.

The 2026 Q3 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers in the first quarter of 2026 with a starting MSRP of $43,700, plus $1,295 destination and delivery.

Ad Loading...

Exterior and Lighting Updates

The 2026 Q3 adopts Audi’s newer design language, with a higher-positioned Singleframe grille and slim headlights integrated into an aerodynamic front-end design. All U.S. models come standard with an S line exterior, including an S-style grille in Phantom Black, S line bumpers, and exterior trim elements finished in Selenite Silver and matte black.

LED headlights and LED taillights are standard. The headlights include digital daytime running lights with 23 segments per side and three selectable light signatures through the MMI. At the rear, LED taillights include dynamic turn signals and animated coming-home/leaving-home sequences, along with a continuous LED light strip and illuminated Audi rings. A Technology Package adds digital OLED taillights with three selectable signatures.

Audi also added dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows as standard equipment, aimed at reducing wind and road noise.

Available exterior colors include Arkona White, Arrow Gray, Mythos Black, Malpelo Blue, Daytona Gray, Progressive Red, Glacier White, Navarra Blue (pearl effect), and Sage Green (new).

Cabin, Displays, and Infotainment

Inside, the Q3 adds Audi’s “Digital Stage” layout with an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI touch display. The model also introduces a revised user experience, including maps in the virtual cockpit.

Ad Loading...

A new steering wheel control unit moves the gear selector to a right-side steering-column lever, with a left lever handling lighting functions and wipers. Audi says the change improves center-console storage and packaging. The console includes two cup holders, a cooled wireless charging pad with 15 watts of charging power, and two USB-C ports, with two additional USB-C charging ports in the rear.

Standard LED interior lighting plus adds marker lighting and ambient illumination elements. A SONOS premium sound system is available, with 12 speakers and a 420-watt amplifier, plus selectable sound profiles.

The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS, with third-party apps available through the Audi Application Store. Audi also includes its voice-controlled Audi assistant with an on-screen avatar, and the system can display recognized inputs in the instrument display.

Cargo Space and Towing

The second-row seat slides fore and aft and reclines as standard. Audi lists 25 cu. ft. of trunk space, expanding to 29 cu. ft. with the rear bench slid forward and upright. With the second row folded, cargo space increases to up to 50 cu. ft.

The Q3 has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lb. and comes pre-wired for a trailer hitch, which can be added as an accessory.

Ad Loading...

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

The 2026 Q3 is powered by an updated 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI gas engine rated at 255 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a new seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi lists 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 5.5 seconds. The model also uses a revised standard steel suspension and refined progressive steering. The Audi drive select system replaces “auto” with a “balanced” mode that activates at startup, with the option to set “offroad plus” as the default through the MMI.

Driver Assistance Features

Standard driver-assistance and safety features include:

  • Parking system plus with distance display

  • Adaptive cruise control

  • Lane departure warning with emergency assist

  • Traffic sign recognition

  • Attention and fatigue warning

  • Active front assist with emergency brake assist, swerve assist, front turn assist, and front cross-traffic assist

  • Audi side assist and rear cross-traffic assist

An optional Driver assistance package adds:

Ad Loading...
  • Adaptive cruise assist

  • Top view camera

  • Park assist plus

  • Trained parking

  • Heated steering wheel

With trained parking, the Q3 can store up to five learned parking maneuvers up to 164 feet (50 meters) each, and can repeat them when activated while the driver monitors. A reverse assistant can back the vehicle along a previously traveled path at low speeds, with Audi stating the function operates below 22 mph and reverses at about 6 mph.

Traffic sign recognition also adds certain warning-sign displays, including construction zones, pedestrian crossings, animal crossings, and railroad crossings.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Audi Q3 is expected to reach U.S. retailers in the first quarter of 2026. Pricing starts at $43,700 for the 2026 Q3 S line quattro, plus $1,295 destination and delivery.

More Vehicle Research

a Ram 1500 on the road
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 18, 2026

Stellantis Recalls Nearly 849,000 Vehicles for Rearview Camera Issue

Nearly 849,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles are affected by a software issue that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing. Stellantis plans to address the issue through an over-the-air software update.

Read More →
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 18, 2026

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Adds Upland, Trailhawk and Overland Trims

The 2027 Grand Cherokee lineup adds new trim options, updated standard technology and a choice of V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.

Read More →
AF news recap
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 14, 2026

The Tools Are Smarter, but Are Your Fleet Strategies? | AF News Recap

From a fleet manager’s critical first 90 days to why more technology doesn’t automatically mean better safety, this week is all about turning tools into results.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
City of Carlsbad public works superintendent sits across from publisher for Automotive Fleet Chris Brown
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 14, 2026

Beyond the Hype: How AI Can Make Fleets More Productive

How can AI actually make fleets more efficient?

Read More →
A blue and white AF news recap thumbnail on Ram recalls and hands-on AI
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 10, 2026

From a Major Ram Recall to Hands-On AI | AF News Recap

A massive Ram recall, new maintenance cost comparisons, the retirement of a longtime fleet industry leader, and hands-on AI are all making headlines. Here’s what fleet professionals need to know this week.

Read More →
commercial fleet sales chart, January through July 2026
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownAugust 9, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Rise 7.1% Through July 2026

Commercial fleet sales were the primary source of growth across the commercial, government and rental segments during the first seven months of 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.
SponsoredAugust 7, 2026

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Read More →
Arrival feature app on a map
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 6, 2026

What Comes Next for Auto Driveaway?

A new Auto Driveaway feature called Arrive provides recipients with live location updates and ETAs during the final hour of a vehicle move, while fleet customers continue to have end-to-end shipment visibility through the company's customer portal.

Read More →
Graphic titled "Fleet Hacks" featuring three fleet professionals and highlighting AI-generated fuel-saving posters, field team feedback loops, and time management tips for fleet managers.
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 5, 2026

Fleet Hacks: AI-Generated Posters, Fleet Sounding Boards, and Managing Your Time

The new Fleet Hacks series highlights the seemingly small, simple ideas that save fleet managers time, money, and headaches.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
a Promaster City preview thumbnail
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownAugust 4, 2026

First Look at the Returning 2027 Ram ProMaster City

The Ram ProMaster City returns for 2027 as a midsize cargo and passenger van with a 2,175-pound payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity, and more than 9 feet of cargo-floor length.

Read More →