Used 2018 Audi Q3 Premium Plus for sale 

The 2018 Audi Q3 is offered in two trim levels: Premium and Premium Plus. Audi has decided to drop the Prestige trim for this year and spread its exclusive features among the Premium and Premium Plus trims as standard or available packages. Both trims are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While FWD is standard, AWD, or as Audi calls it, Quattro, is available for a little over $2,000.

2018 Audi Q3 Buying Advice

If you are opting for the 2018 Audi Q3, the base Premium Trim, with the Convenience package is probably the best-optimized configuration to go for. The bundle adds lots of neat features, such as Keyless Entry and a Power Liftgate. However, having said that, upgrading to the Premium Plus Trim is our recommendation, as it adds the Convenience package features as well as additional goodies such as Blind-Spot Monitoring, LED Headlights, and an upgraded Exterior and Interior Trim. It sure is a respectable bargain, as there is a lot that Audi adds to the Premium Plus Trim for a small price bump. 

The 2018 Audi Q3 houses a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the four-pot engine manages to squeeze out only 200 horsepower, it comfortably pus down 207 lb-ft of torque. Under most conditions, the engine feels tardy, taking its own time to make power, while there seems to be an absence of torque at higher RPMs. The gearbox feels smooth and doesn't make the Q3 lurch forward under any given circumstance. However, the compact SUV doesn't remotely come close to being a performance SUV, and nothing of that sort can be expected of the gearbox either. The powertrain works well for daily driving, and if you're expecting some fun runs down the canyon roads, you might be in for some disappointment. 

The 2018 Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, and the BMW X1 compete in a similar price bracket, with $500 increments in that order. All offer turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4 engines, but Audi’s power unit doesn't quite live up to the league of its competitor's engines. While BW X1’s engine justifies its higher price tag with additional horsepower and torque, the GLA 250’s engine matches the X1’s torque numbers and offers just a little bit more horsepower than the Q3. Surprisingly, the QX30 costs nearly $3,000 less than the Q3 but still manages to put down the same amount of torque as the BWW X1, and the same amount of horsepower as the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. In the case of the 2018 Q3, Audi may have focused more on luxury and comfort, but power was definitely not their primary objective.

2018 Audi Q3 Acceleration and Braking

With barely 200 horsepower on the tap, the 2018 Audi Q3 doesn't quite shine as a competitive, sporty compact SUV. With the engine putting down a respectable but modest 207 lb-ft of twists at low RPMs, the 2018 Audi Q3 manages to launch itself from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in a severely disappointing 8.2 seconds. At the drag strip, the Q3 also manages to get outperformed by all of its competitors, where it manages to cross the finish line that a rather embarrassing 16.1 seconds.

The Q3's underwhelming performance is further dragged down by its curb weight of 3494 pounds, where it comes as one of the heavier vehicles in the lot. When you'd think that the SUV's performance couldn't embarrass itself more, the Q3 manages to come to a complete halt from a speed of 60 miles an hour in a tardy 120 feet. 

Even if we forget Audi’s luxury appeal, the Q3 stands underpowered even by compact SUV standards. It takes 8.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour, which is a full second slower than the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250. The Infiniti QX30 takes just 6.3 seconds to get to 60 miles an hour. At the quarter-mile mark, the QX30 maintains its lead, finishing the sprint in a fairly impressive 14.9 seconds. Although the GLA 250 finishes 0.6 seconds behind the BMW X1 in the 0-60 launch, it almost catches up at the quarter-mile, being just a millisecond behind the former. On the flipside, the Audi trails behind by almost a second.

The 2018 Audi Q3 doesn't quite deliver what you'd expect from a compact family SUV of this segment. The Q3 only manages to return a modest 20 miles per gallon in the city and delivers 28 miles to the gallon on highways. The result is a combined MPG figure of 23, which is significantly less than that of its competitors. However, the German manufacturer did fit the Q3 with a fairly large 16.9-gallon fuel tank to offset the SUV's underwhelming mileage. Thankfully, the 2018 Audi Q3 manages to traverse as much as 473 miles on the highway without refueling. 

With a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG, the 2018 Audi Q3’s thirsty engine is at the bottom of the efficiency barrel. The Q3 may be Audi’s cheapest SUV, but it sure will cost you in the long run in terms of hefty gas bills. The rest of the pack puts up competitive numbers, completely putting the underperforming Q3 to shame in the gas mileage department. The 2018 Infiniti QX30 and Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 both return impressive City and Highway MPG figures, taking the top spots in the fuel economy game. The BMW also trails closely behind, while offering competitive mileage figures. 

Entering the 2018 Audi Q3's cabin would take you back to Audi's older design language, indicating that the SUV is in dire need of an interior overhaul. However, this does act as a point in the SUV's favor, as the theme of the interior goes consistently well with the Q3's comfort factor. The seats feel plush and well-bolstered, and with heating offered as standard in the 2018 model year, things do start to look up when the SUV's interior is taken into account. The front row comes fitted with 12-way power-adjustable seats, featuring 4-way lumbar support. The Sport Package also adds thigh extensions, which is nice if you're seeking further comfort options with your Q3. The Premium Plus Trim also adds 3-stage heated seats, perfect for cold climates. The Q3 also fashions excellent ergonomics, with all buttons and controls well within the driver's reach.

The SUV's supple ride works in tandem with the cabin's impressive acoustic cancellation to offer a quiet, pleasing driving experience. Although the instrument cluster looks good in the dated interior theme, we still miss Audi’s virtual cockpit. The Q3's center console is deep and felt-lined. Even at the rear, the armrest has a storage space that is felt-lined. It also contains Audi’s proprietary connections, so you need a special cable to use the same. While the gear selector is traditional, paddle shifters are only added to the Sports Package. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, but you'll have to deal with dated toggles to adjust the temperature. A panoramic moonroof comes standard, which certainly is a plus. All in all, the 2018 Audi Q3's interior does show promise, and it's safe to say that it nearly manages to make up for the lost bits of performance and sporty appeal. 

Comparing the competition, the 2018 Audi Q3 offers a fairly impressive package and comfortably stands in line with its competitors. The Infiniti QX30 offers the most passenger volume, while the BMW X1 comes with the least. All the four compact SUVs in the lot manage to seat up to 5 occupants. At the front row, the BMW X1 offers the most headroom, while the Audi Q3 has the most shoulder space to offer. The Infiniti QX30 offers the most legroom at the front, being ideally suited for taller passengers. At the back row, the BMW X1 again has the most headroom to offer, while also having the greatest shoulder space. Impressively enough, the QX30 offers the most legroom at the back, and that too by a significant margin over its competitors. Some major interior features offered with the 2018 Audi Q3 include:

• Dual-Zone Climate Control.
• Panoramic Moonroof.
• Rearview Camera.
• 12-way Power Adjustable Seats.
• Optional 3-Stage Heating.
• Standard Heated Seats.
• Leather Steering Wheel.
• Illuminated Locking Glove Box.

2018 Audi Q3 Infotainment

The 2018 Audi Q3 comes with Audi's MMI Infotainment System, featuring a dashboard-mounted 8.8-inch touchscreen. While the screen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the MMI system itself feels smooth and good to use. The old system can be a little tricky to get used to, but offers a wide variety of options and settings to play around with.

The infotainment also comes with a SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial subscription. The sound system works well, and while it stands nothing close to what is offered with fancier Audi models, it does manage to keep you and your passengers entertained. Bluetooth Audio Steaming is available, and the infotainment also provides support for USB and Aux Input. While the overall infotainment situation is not quite up to date, it does manage to offer decent value while offering fairly updated technology. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2018 Audi Q3 are as follows:

• 8.8-inch Infotainment Display.
• MMI Infotainment System.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming.
• Voice Control and Activation.
• USB and Aux Support.

2018 Audi Q3 Cargo Space

Although the 2018 Audi Q3 is not the most luggage accommodating vehicle out there, the cargo storage is satisfactory, given the list of problems Q3 has in other departments. The cargo space with all seats up is not impressive, but once the 2^nd row is folded, the Q3 provides more storage than some key rivals. The overall practicality inside the cabin isn't too bad either, with the SUV offering a fair amount of space under the central armrest. The glove box is decently sized and can accommodate small to medium items for storage. Audi also offers the Q3 with two sizable front cupholders, along with large door bins. 

The 2018 BMW X1 is the king in the cargo department, with a maximum capacity of 58.7 cubic feet and 27.1 cubic feet when seats are up. The Mercedes-Benz provides a little more storage than the Q3 when its seats are up, but lags behind when seats are folded. Overall, the Q3 manages to offer a fair deal of value in terms of cargo space as well, offering a compelling 48.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The BMW X1 offers the most trunk volume, beating its closest competitor by a significant margin. The Q3's trunk offerings are modest, but still manage to add a good amount of value to its cargo space situation. 

The 2018 Audi Q3 maintains the design cues from its bigger cousins, the Q5 and the Q7. With compact yet elegant proportions, and sharp folds wrapping around the bodywork, the Q3 certainly stands out as a lively-looking compact SUV.

The Q3 also enjoys Audi's high-tech lighting equipment, which definitely makes the SUV's front and rear stand out from its competition. The sloping rear windshield adds a sporty touch to the Q3's aesthetics, adding to the work done by the blacked-out wheel arches. The overall silhouette is consistent with Audi's SUV design language, offering a fresh yet familiar feel to the vehicle's side profile. All in all, the Q3's visual appeal certainly has us talking about it, and it's safe to say that it is one of the better-looking SUVs in this segment. 

Comparing the competition, the BMW X1 measures the longest in the lot, while the Infiniti QX30 flaunts the greatest width, offering the air of a larger SUV, despite being a compact in size. The Audi Q3 stands the tallest, measuring slightly taller than the BMW X1. Interstingly, the Mercedes-benz GLA 250 comes with the lowest ground clearance, measuring 6.6 inches off the ground. The X1 boasts the most ground clearance and establishes itself as a slightly more capable off the tarmac. The longest wheelbase figure is shared by the Infiniti and the Mercedes-Benz, both offering 106.3 inches of it. The Q3 has the shortest wheelbase, making it a little more maneuverable than is competitors. Some major exterior features offered with the 2018 Audi Q3 include:

• LED Headlights with Premium Plus Trim.
• Xenon HIDs with Premium Trim.
• Heated and Power Adjustable Side Mirrors.
• 19-inch 10-Spoke Titanium Alloy Wheels with the Sports Plus Package.
• Standard 18-inch Turbine Alloy Wheels.
• 19-inch off-road Design Wheels with the Sports Package.

The 2018 Audi Q3 can comfortably be classified as a fairly safe vehicle to be in. Audi offers the Q3 with all the essential safety aids, including dual-stage airbags and side curtain airbags. Basic electronic features such as ESC and Traction Control are also offered as standard. However, the Q3 does come missing with some essential driving aids such as Blind-Spot Monitoring, Cross-Traffic Assist, and Lane Departure Warning. This truly rigs up the game in the Q3's competitor's favor, as even companies such as Toyota offer these aids with their basic models. Nevertheless, the 2018 Audi Q3 was rated "Good" by the IIHS, which speaks volumes about the SUV's safety merit. Some key safety features offered with the 2018 Audi Q3 include:

• Electronic Stability Control.
• Traction Control System. 
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors. 
• Dual-Stage Frontal Airbags.
• Side Curtain Airbags. 
• Side-Impact Beams. 

2018 Audi Q3 vs 2018 BMW X1

The 2018 BMW X1 proves to be a better vehicle over the Audi Q3 for a variety of reasons. The X1 offers a more potent engine and a much more exciting driving experience, whereas the Audi feels far more laid back and lethargic.

The BMW also offers better cargo capacities in the segment, with almost 10 cubic feet more than the Audi. At the technology front, the X1 boasts better equipment, with the Q3's infotainment situation being slightly dated. The Audi does manage a better cabin experience overall, but on a more practical level, the BMW just does everything better. 

2018 Audi Q3 vs 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

As in the case with the BMW, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 stands superior to the Audi Q3 on several accounts. The GLA offers a good amount of practicality, including better gas mileage figures and better tech equipment than the Q3. The Mercedes-Benz's interior does feel good and somehow manages to compete with that of the Q3's.

Both SUVs offer a good amount of cargo space. In terms of performance, the Q3 gets outranked by the GLA 250, where the latter manages to put down higher power figures and outperform the Q3 at the drag strip. All in all, if you're willing to compromise on comfort a little, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is certainly a better choice. 

2018 Audi Q3 vs 2018 Infiniti QX30

At a slightly lower price point, the 2018 Infiniti QX30 offers nearly the same value as the Audi Q3 does. Housing a  similar 2.0L engine as the Q3, the QX30 manages to put down more power and outperform its German competitor at the drag strip.

The QX30 also offers better fuel economy, comes with equally good amounts of cargo space, and offers lots of extra legroom for the front and back seat passengers. The QX30 does lack a certain brand appeal, but  if that's not an issue for you, then there's no reason to not consider the capable Infiniti QX30 as an option. 

The Q3 is Audi’s least expensive SUV, so expecting a full-blown Audi experience is kind of a stretch in this case. Unfortunately, the 2018 Audi Q3 is severely underpowered and lags behind in a wide range of aspects compared to its competitors. The Q3’s mediocrity is enhanced by its parentage, which just makes things worse for the compact SUV. No matter what aspect you choose, there is a rival who provides a better experience in that aspect, and more. That is just the bitter truth in the case of the Audi Q3. However, we do stand impressed by the SUV's compelling cabin quality and overall interior experience. Cargo space and practicality get a big thumbs up too, which certainly adds a few points in the Q3's favor. There is simply not much to justify the 2018 Audi Q3's all-around below-average performance, especially in a segment that’s filled with excellent competitors. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250, the BMW X1, and the Infiniti QX30, and many others provide so much more at the same price. However, the Q3 still has Audi's pedigree and brand value to offer, and if that's the sort of thing you're looking for in a premium compact SUV, then you possibly should consider going for it.