“Love it! It's the perfect size, not too big but still an SUV. It's got all you need inside, seat heaters, navigation and all the Bluetooth connects.”
2016 Audi Q3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Audi Q3 gets a light exterior refresh, its first update since the model’s U.S. launch. It also gains more standard parking equipment, but its engine and basic structure carry over.
About the 2016 Audi Q3
1st gen Q3 (U.S. 2015-2018), second U.S. model year and light refresh year.
Audi positioned the Q3 as a premium compact SUV that brings the design, cabin finish, and technology feel of its larger SUVs into a smaller, easier-to-park package. The main draw is upscale styling, a polished interior, and everyday comfort rather than maximum cargo space or class-leading speed. For many shoppers, the Q3 serves as the entry point to Audi SUV ownership, with available quattro traction and a more city-friendly footprint than the larger Q5.
Audi positioned the Premium Plus as the well-equipped core model, with a panoramic sunroof, heated leather seats, keyless access, and a rearview camera with parking sensors. The upper Prestige trim adds built-in navigation, Bose audio, blind-spot monitoring, a power tailgate, full LED lighting, and sport-styled exterior trim.
What changed, by category
Styling
Audi revised the grille, headlights, front and rear bumpers, side sills, and rear light design. Prestige models also gained full LED headlights, dynamic rear turn signals, and sport-styled exterior trim.
Safety
Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera became standard across the lineup. Prestige also gained blind-spot monitoring.
Tech
The cabin received new aluminum-look controls for the infotainment system.
2016 Audi Q3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.2 cu-ft | 48.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.1 in | 31.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Audi Q3 a full redesign?
No. The 2016 Audi Q3 is a light mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation model, with revised exterior details and added equipment rather than a new platform or body.
What changed on the 2016 Audi Q3 compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 Audi Q3 received a revised grille, headlights, bumpers, side sills, and rear lighting. Parking sensors and a rearview camera became standard throughout the range, and the cabin gained updated aluminum-look infotainment controls.
Did the 2016 Audi Q3 get a new engine?
No. The 2016 Q3 carries over the 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission.
Does every 2016 Audi Q3 have a rearview camera and parking sensors?
Yes. Front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are standard across the 2016 Audi Q3 lineup.
What was added to the 2016 Audi Q3 Prestige?
The 2016 Q3 Prestige added full LED headlights, dynamic rear turn signals, blind-spot monitoring, and sport-styled exterior trim. It also has navigation, Bose audio, and a power tailgate.
2016 Audi Q3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi Q3.
4.3
2016 Audi Q3
(237 reviews)
“Great Car! You can feel the quality and effort it took to do it right the first time.”
“Great little car. Fun to drive. Smells good. Always happy when I get into my wife's Audi Q3.”