2026 Audi Q3 First Look: Typical Small Luxury SUV Evolution—Wait, What’s Behind the Steering Wheel?!
Audi’s smallest, most affordable SUV is getting a significant update for 2026, sporting a buff new body that’s slightly bigger than before and adopting the handsome styling of its larger relatives, specifically the gas-fed Q5 compact SUV and that model’s de-facto all-electric sibling, the Q6 E-Tron. So far, the new 2026 Audi Q3 is being revealed for German customers, and although several U.S. market details remain up in the air, we’ve been able to glean plenty of insight into new Q3’s tech, interior, and styling ahead of its American rollout sometime next year.
Looks Bigger, Even If It’s Only Slightly Larger
Even if the 2026 Audi Q3’s length, width, and height were exactly the same as that of the 2025 model, we’d think the new one was bigger. That’s how much more substantial and grown-up the updated Q3 appears, thanks in part to the same split running-light-and-headlight treatment as the Q5 and Q6 E-Tron models, as well as a similar fender-bulge design (note the strong shoulder lines above each wheel opening). A new twist? The little downward teardrop-like element hanging off each corner of the taillights, a styling cue that’s evocative of the E-Tron GT electric sport sedan.
In fact, despite the changes, the larger-looking 2026 Q3 is only slightly bigger dimensionally than before. The wheelbase is effectively the same (105.6 inches to 105.5 inches last year), while overall length is up 1.8 inches, height rises by 0.1 inch, and width expands by a modest 0.4 inch. Cargo space figures look to be about the same as the present Q3’s U.S.-market numbers (23.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 48 cubic feet with them lowered). We suspect the 2026 model’s incrementally larger dimensions will lead to marginal cargo and passenger space improvements.
Four Powertrains for Thee, One For Me
Overseas, the Q3 will offer a plethora of engine options, starting with a “TFSI” turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 147 hp that includes cylinder deactivation (which shuts down two of the four cylinders to save fuel) and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Next up is a 2.0-liter TFSI turbo four, which delivers 262 hp and also benefits from mild hybridization, plus a TDI diesel that won’t be sold in America.
Finally, there’s the Q3 e-Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid boasting 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque between its gas engine and 114-hp, 243-lb-ft electric motor. It employs a 25.7-kWh lithium-ion battery (usable capacity is 19.7 kWh) said to help scoot the Q3 up to 75 miles on electric power alone—at least according to the highly optimistic WLTP test cycle. But even figuring some lower amount were the Q3 e-Hybrid to be tested using EPA standards, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Q3 could still be good for an impressive 50-some miles of EV-only range.
It’s too bad none of those powertrains, at least in their current forms, will be sold in America. Audi says Americans will continue to get the automaker’s turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 without mild-hybridization. In the 2025 Q3, this setup is good for 228 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. It isn’t yet clear whether that engine will carry over to the new model, or if Audi will pluck a newer 2.0-liter TFSI engine from its stable, potentially with more power. Either way, expect the same eight-speed automatic transmission utilized by today’s Q3 (and not the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found in the Euro model), along with optional Quattro all-wheel drive.
A Mostly Audi-Standard Interior, One Real Odd Breakthrough
By now, almost everyone knows that, generally speaking, Audi interiors blend modern minimalism with quality (if muted) materials. The 2026 Audi Q3 looks almost AI-generated, if your prompt was “design me a new Audi interior in 2026.” That’s no bad thing, of course, and we hope that the new Q3’s cabin materials are at least nicer than the somewhat basic wares employed by the present version, which like the similarly sized A3 compact sedan feels somewhat low-buck compared to larger Audis.
A pair of large screens lurk behind the 2026 Q3’s steering wheel and atop the center of the dashboard. Ahead of the driver is an 11.9-inch digitized gauge cluster, while a 12.8-inch touchscreen sits to its right. If you look at the center console, however, you might catch a hint that something weird is going on with the shifter—there isn’t one. Instead, there is a starter button, an electronic parking brake switch, and an audio control knob operating volume and track selection.
