“Gar has good performance, maneuverability, exterior and interior attractiveness, good workmanship, excellent reputation and resale value. It is a good balance between a higher price model or brand with all of the above characteristics.”
2018 Audi Q3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Audi Q3 is a lineup reshuffle: Sport Premium and Sport Premium Plus join the range, while Prestige is dropped. Every Q3 also gains S line exterior styling and heated front seats, but the engine and basic design carry over.
About the 2018 Audi Q3
1st generation Q3 (8U, U.S. 2015-2018), final year before the all-new 2019 redesign
Audi positioned the Q3 as its smallest SUV and a low-step entry into the brand: easy to park, upscale inside, and richer in standard comfort features than many rival small luxury crossovers. Its appeal was less about outright speed or cutting-edge tech and more about giving buyers Audi design, a premium cabin feel, useful cargo flexibility, and SUV seating height in a city-friendly package.
The 2018 Q3 ranges from the comfort-focused Premium to the more fully equipped Premium Plus, which adds a power liftgate, LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring. Sport Premium brings sport seats, selectable drive modes, a flat-bottom steering wheel and 19-inch wheels, while Sport Premium Plus combines those sport touches with the main Premium Plus upgrades. Every trim uses a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Lineup
Sport Premium and Sport Premium Plus join the lineup, while Prestige is dropped.
Styling
S line exterior styling becomes standard across the range. The new Sport trims add sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and other athletic design details.
Comfort
Heated front seats become standard on every 2018 Q3.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring becomes standard on Premium Plus and Sport Premium Plus.
Lighting
Premium Plus and Sport Premium Plus gain standard full LED headlights and LED taillights.
2018 Audi Q3 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 50.3 cu-ft | 50.3 cu-ft | 50.3 cu-ft | 50.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.1 in | 31.1 in | 31.1 in | 31.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi Q3 a redesigned model?
No. The 2018 Q3 is the final model year of the first-generation U.S. Q3, with a modest trim and equipment update rather than a redesign. The all-new second generation arrives for 2019.
Which trims were added or dropped for the 2018 Audi Q3?
Sport Premium and Sport Premium Plus were added for 2018, while Prestige was dropped. The two Sport trims pair a more athletic cabin and appearance with the Q3’s unchanged turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Did the 2018 Audi Q3 get a new engine or transmission?
No. Every 2018 Q3 keeps the 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission used previously. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depends on the vehicle’s configuration.
Which 2018 Audi Q3 trims have standard blind-spot monitoring?
Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the 2018 Q3 Premium Plus and Sport Premium Plus. It is not standard on Premium or Sport Premium.
Is the 2018 Audi Q3 meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
The differences are mainly trims and equipment, not the underlying vehicle. The 2018 model adds two Sport trims, drops Prestige, and makes S line styling and heated front seats standard across the lineup. Premium Plus and Sport Premium Plus also gain standard blind-spot monitoring and LED exterior lighting.
2018 Audi Q3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Audi Q3.
4.1
2018 Audi Q3
(219 reviews)
“Engine/performance is fantastic. Features and tech are subpar to less expensive brands”
“My Audi Q3 is fun and luxurious. It is the perfect size SUV. Not too big or small. It gives you a sense of pride and a sense of accomplishment all at the same time. It drives amazingly!”