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2021 Audi Q3: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Audi Q3 is a reorganized trim lineup built around 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI names. Audi also drops the Prestige trim and spreads more comfort, safety, and convenience equipment across Premium and Premium Plus models.
About the 2021 Audi Q3
2nd generation (2019-2025), third model year, before the later mid-cycle update
Audi positions the Q3 as its compact entry luxury SUV: easy to park, upscale inside, and standard with quattro all-wheel drive. It is meant to give buyers the brand’s clean design, digital cabin feel, and premium finish in a smaller footprint than the Q5. For most shoppers, the Q3 is about getting a polished daily driver with useful tech and an Audi look and feel in a right-sized crossover.
The 40 TFSI Premium covers the essentials with standard AWD, a panoramic sunroof, heated power front seats, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium Plus models add everyday conveniences such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, LED headlights, and wireless phone charging. The 45 TFSI versions pair that equipment structure with sportier S line exterior styling.
What changed, by category
Lineup
Audi renames Premium and Premium Plus as 40 TFSI Premium and 40 TFSI Premium Plus. The S line versions become 45 TFSI S line Premium and 45 TFSI S line Premium Plus, while the S line Prestige trim is dropped.
Safety
Lane-departure warning is fitted more broadly across the lineup, and Premium Plus models gain standard adaptive cruise control.
Comfort and controls
Power front seats with lumbar support and steering-wheel shift paddles are added more broadly across the Q3 range.
Tech
Several higher-end infotainment and camera features previously associated with Prestige are repackaged into option bundles for Premium and Premium Plus models.
2021 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 | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 184 hp | 228 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48 cu-ft | 48 cu-ft | 48 cu-ft | 48 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Top View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Audi Q3 a redesign?
No. The 2021 Q3 keeps the same second-generation body, cabin layout, and basic structure; its main updates are renamed trims and reshuffled equipment.
What happened to the Audi Q3 Prestige trim for 2021?
Audi drops the S line Prestige trim for 2021. Several of its higher-end infotainment and camera features move into option bundles for Premium and Premium Plus models.
What do the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI names mean in the 2021 Q3 lineup?
For 2021, 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI become part of the Q3 trim names. The four trims covered here all have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD, while the 45 TFSI versions also carry S line exterior styling.
Does the 2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus have adaptive cruise control?
Yes. Adaptive cruise control becomes standard on both 2021 Q3 Premium Plus trims as part of the year’s equipment reshuffle.
Is the 2021 Audi Q3 meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
The difference is mostly in trim names and equipment rather than the vehicle’s basic design. The 2021 model is more appealing if broader lane-departure warning, power front seats, steering-wheel shift paddles, or standard adaptive cruise control on Premium Plus matter to you.
2021 Audi Q3 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Audi Q3.
4.2
2021 Audi Q3
(84 reviews)
“I love the luxury feel of my Q3. The infotainment system is easy to set up and use. The safety features can be set to a level that you are comfortable with. The car is extremely easy to drive and especially to park. The power/pick-up is not great, but enough for driving around town. Great gas mileage though.”
“There is not a lot of room in the second row if you are putting car seats in. I wish I had tried my car seats before buying it because it is extremely tight. The trunk does not have a large amount of cargo space.”