A Major Redesign, Now in America—But at a Higher Price
Audi already revealed the new-generation Q3 in Europe earlier this year, signaling a shift in styling, tech, and performance for its smallest SUV. The U.S. version now arrives for the 2026 model year, and it carries nearly all the same upgrades. The catch is simple: it’s pricier.
The outgoing 2025 Q3 started at $39,800. The redesigned 2026 model climbs to $43,700 before destination, putting roughly $4,000 between the two. The price gap grows if you include actual transaction discounts, since most 2025 units are currently selling well below sticker.
That leaves buyers with a choice. You can stretch for the sharper, quicker, more tech-heavy model, or you can move fast on a leftover 2025 while supplies last. Either way, timing plays a major role in how much value you actually get.
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What’s New for 2026?
Nearly everything. The new Audi Q3 adopts Audi’s updated design language with a higher-mounted Singleframe grille, slimmer headlights, and available digital OLED taillights. LED headlights with customizable DRLs come standard, and illuminated rings are now part of the package.
Inside, Audi drops the traditional gear selector and replaces it with a steering-column lever. This frees up console space and introduces a layout borrowed from newer high-end models. The Digital Stage MMI setup arrives with an 11.9-inch cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, plus the AI-enhanced Audi assistant.
The structure and refinement also improve, thanks to standard acoustic glass and a cabin design that leans more upscale. The sliding second-row seat remains, offering up to 29 cu. ft. of cargo space with the seats up.
A bigger step comes from under the hood. The updated 2.0-liter turbocharged mill now makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft, paired with a new 7-speed dual-clutch. That’s 27 hp and 22 lb-ft more than before. It’s good for a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds – nearly 2 seconds quicker than its predecessor or anything else in the segment, really – while the revised suspension and steering add precision without being too aggressive.
Unfortunately, the plug-in hybrid variant revealed with the Euro version hasn’t made its way stateside yet.
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Or Just Buy a Cheaper 2025?
Here’s the complication: there are still over 3,000 units of the 2025 Q3 listed on Cars.com. Discounts are meaningful. The 45 S Line Premium starts as low as $35,500 with average cuts around $4,000. The Premium Plus sits at $39,298 at the low end, also with similar discounting.
So while the 2026 model is better in most measurable ways, the value equation shifts if price drives your decision. Buyers who want the newest tech, better performance, and the redesigned cabin will gravitate naturally to the 2026 Q3. Everyone else may find the 2025 model to be the smarter, more attainable play while deals remain, especially with lease offers currently up for grabs.
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