The 2026 Audi Q3 Might Be The Weirdest Car I’ve Driven This Year - For Better And Worse

Every so often, an automaker tries to reinvent the basics when it comes to interior function. Usually, it involves the gearshift, and the Audi Q3 is no different.

There’s other oddities when it comes to user experience, and I wasn’t always happy with them (more on that below), but those issues can’t take away from the Q3’s better qualities.

On The Road With The 2026 Audi Q3

Let’s get the weird UX out of the way first. The shifter is sort of like a column shifter, and like column shifters, it’s mounted on the right side of the steering wheel as you face forward. Unlike most column shifters, however, it’s basically a small little lever you flip one up for reverse and down for drive, with a button for park.

It takes some getting used - and to be fair to Audi, it may be what we call in this business an “auto journalist problem.” What that means is that us car reviewers are in and out of new cars so much, design quirks stand out, especially when it comes to functions like shifting gears. Many of these quirks are things that someone who buys and owns the car will get used to within a few weeks of taking delivery. So perhaps I am being a bit harsh here - Q3 owners will get used to the shifter. Valets might struggle, but how often is that an issue? On the other hand, if someone in a household drives the Q3 almost exclusively and someone else in the household never does, it might cause confusion if the latter needs to borrow the former’s car. Confusion that could lead to the driver going the wrong way unintentionally.

I also, at one point, found myself befuddled - I was trying to put the Audi in gear and it wasn’t engaging. That’s because I had the “park” button pushed. Why was I pressing the button? Because some column shifters require you to press a button. But, again, that’s an auto-journalist problem - Q3 buyers would know that pressing the button keeps you in park.

That’s a lot of words, perhaps too many, to suggest that the quirky shifter has some real flaws, but also, those flaws fade once you spend enough time behind the Q3’s wheel.

Audi powers this Q3 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That odd shifter commands a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Q3 feels fairly sporty, although it’s not quite as spry as the Volkswagen GTI with which it shares the MQB platform. Steering feel is, like with the VW, on the light side, and the ride can occasionally be a tad too stiff, though most of the time it’s compliant enough.

Some engine noise sneaks in - the 2.0-liter sounds ready to play. Acceleration isn’t anything to write home about unless you kick the spurs - at that point, the Q3 comes alive.

The turn-signal stalk sits opposite of the lever-type shifter, and mounted next to that is a dial for windshield-wiper control. Like with the shifter, there’s a small learning curve here, as I experienced during a bit of a drizzle, but also like with the shifter, you should get used to it over time.

I did like the dual screens for gauges that integrate into one another, and the customizable gauge cluster is a cool use for tech. It’s not tech for tech’s sake, it’s actually useful. And, while there is a bit of a learning curve - I sense a theme - it’s not too difficult to learn to set up.

Compared to its platform-mate GTI, the Q3 feels more spacious, especially in the rear seat. As it should, the Q3 is positioned as a luxury-compact crossover while the GTI is a hot hatch. Oddly, the GTI has more headroom.

There was plenty of room behind the rear seats for a Costco run.

While there’s a heavy focus on tech, this is still an Audi, and most of the materials and switchgear felt appropriate for the price, though some dives into the VW parts bin are noticeable, and a few bits underwhelm.

Unfortunately, Audi has followed company flagship Volkswagen down the haptic-touch highway. Fortunately, the haptic-touch and touchscreen controls in the Q3 generally work better than what’s in VWs.

Fuel economy is listed at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

Features And Equipment For The 2026 Audi Q3

My test unit had a base price of $43,700. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, roof rails, keyless entry and starting, power tailgate, remote start, drive modes, navigation, Audi MMI infotainment, wireless cell-phone charger, paddle shifters, illuminated Audi badge, leather seats, LED headlights, LED interior lighting, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and tri-zone climate control.

Available advanced driver-aid systems included active front assist with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.

Options included 20-inch wheels and all-season tires, a driver-assistance package with adaptive cruise assist, heated steering wheel, park-assist plus, and a top-view camera. Other options included satellite radio, Sonos audio, USB, and black exterior accents.

With all the associated fees, the total came to $50,390.

Audi’s Q3 is a tech-heavy luxury crossover over with a dab of sportiness and some quirks that annoy at first - quirks owners will soon get over. It’s delightful to drive, can handle suburban chores, and the price isn’t too dear. If you’re tech-savvy, this small, upscale crossover will work for you.

About The Author

Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.