Used 2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus for sale 

Audi, for 2021, has taken the minimalist approach and limited the Q3 to only 2 trims. The previously range-topping Prestige trim has been eliminated for 2021, and only two trims are available for the 2021 Q3 - Premium and Premium Plus. 

However, these two trims are available with two states of engine tune - 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI, which is also called S Line. Apart from that, both the trims get Audi's Quattro AWD as standard. 

The Audi Q3 starts with the Premium trim now. It gets new standard features which make it quite an attractive option now. Power adjustable front seats, lane departure warning and shift paddles on the steering wheel make for interesting additions to the base Q3. Both trims come standard with the S Line exterior package which used to be optional before, which includes 19in wheels and S line branded door sill inlays.

The buying decision for the Audi Q3 becomes easier in 2021 as the trims have decreased. Our recommendation is to get the Premium S Line trim with the Technology Package. This will not only give you features like adaptive cruise control and Park assist but with the Technology Package, you also get a Bang & Olufsen stereo system along with an improved gauge cluster and infotainment display.

"The Q3 is more energetic from a handling standpoint. It has responsive steering and stays composed when driving through high-speed curves." - Edmunds

The 2021 Audi Q3 does not witness any changes on the powertrain front and carries on with the same 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine as the 2020 Audi Q3. The 2.0L turbo 4-pot engine of 2021 Q3 can be availed in 2 tunes- 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI, also called S Line. The base 40 TFSI cranks out 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Whereas elevating to the 45 TFSI tune takes the power figures up to 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

The engine provides incredible low and mid-range torque, which helps this vehicle feel extremely quick and helps it shoot forward with the same zeal through any gear. Regardless of the engine tune you go for, the 2021 Q3's transmission duties are handled by a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission routing all the grunt to all 4 wheels of the SUV. Yes, the 2021 Q3 gets Audi's Quattro AWD drivetrain as standard. 

All the rivals in this segment are more or less in the same ballpark when it comes to power figures. However, the Audi Q3 is the least expensive and makes considerable power for the price. The Cadillac XT4's 2.0L engine makes the most power while also costing the most. Meanwhile, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250's 221 hp makes it the least powerful rival in here. 

Having horsepower doesn't always mean having a good performance. To see how a vehicle performs, metrics like acceleration and braking are taken into account. Speaking of acceleration, the 2021 Audi Q3 goes from 0-60 in 7 seconds flat, while clocking the quarter-mile lap in 15.7 seconds. Flat out, the 2021 Audi Q3 can attain a top speed of 130 MPH. 

View 2021 Audi Q3 Performance>>

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The 2021 Audi Q3's performance was quite impressive, however, the same cannot be said for the SUV's fuel efficiency. The 2021 Audi Q3 45 TFSI can roll for 23 miles in the city or can cruise through 28 miles on the highway for every gallon of gasoline. Sum up these figures, and the 2021 Audi Q3 is good for a combined 20 mpg.

As mentioned, these are the figures for the more powerful 45 TFSI state of tune. The 2021 Audi Q3 40 TFSI returns city/highway/combined mpg of 25/30/22. The 2021 Audi Q3 gets a fuel tank capacity of 15.9-gallons which though is at par with the segment standard. Yet, due to the poor mpg figures, the 2021 Audi Q3's range suffers as well. 

The GLA 250 manages to be the most efficient one with a combined 28 MPG and this can be hugely credited to its lowest curb weight and being the least powerful also adds to the fact. The Lexus NX 300's mpg figures and Cadillac XT4's mpg figures tie in between with a combined 24 MPG. Again, all these figures are for the AWD variants of each car mentioned here. 

View 2021 Audi Q3 Fuel Economy and Range>>

"The Q3's cabin addresses all of our complaints about that of the outgoing model, with a much improved driving position, a user-friendly layout of its controls, and finer materials." - Car and Driver

The interiors of the 2021 Audi Q3 manage to feel way more engaging than last year. Things like power-adjustable seats and steering-mounted paddle shifters all are standard now. These new additions do attract a lot of attention. 

The one issue plaguing the Q3 was limited rear row seating space. This issue seems to have been resolved. The seating space in the rear row of the 2021 Q3 is ample with good thigh support. Front seats never had any complaints. The driving position is very engaging and no issues with visibility. Both the front and rear provide a clear view of the road. In spite of the huge structure, there are minimum blind spots as compared to its competition, and you are seated higher. It provides a better view of the terrain ahead. The dashboard is cleanly laid out with minimum buttons which makes it less clustered.

There seems to be a slight issue of in-cabin storage spaces though. However, the 2021 Audi Q3's Cargo capacity of 23.7 cubic inches is on point with making it the class leader. Compared to the class, the Q3 does have slightly less seating room. However, it isn’t something that is a deal-breaker. The Q3’s cargo capacity is the best in the class, which we believe will be of more interest to potential customers.

The Audi Connect system provided in Q3 is very capable. It is coupled with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen and linked to the 10.3 in gauge cluster screen. The Technology package lets you upgrade to a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3 in gauge cluster screen. This also includes the Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

The ad on the Navigation package adds Audi’s Virtual cockpit which replaces the cluster with a 12.3-inch display. It makes way for an immersive experience. It incorporates the tachometer functionality with information on music tracks and Audi connect services, giving a comprehensive outlook for the driver. Some of the most prominent infotainment features of the 2021 Audi Q3 are as follows:

• Smartphone Interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Two front USB ports (USB A and USB C)
• Two rear USB ports (USB C)
• 3D Sound System with 20 speakers, 6-channel amplifier, and 18 W
• HD Radio 
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio

View 2021 Audi Q3 Interior>>

Also Read:

• Click here to read the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA's interior review.
• How spacious is the Cadillac XT4?

"The exterior is crisp and clean, not too many bad angles at all—even though there aren’t many angles anyway. We like the Q3’s big grille and bigger wheels to fill the arches, which helps give the bulky SUV some athleticism." - TheCarConnection

With the S line exterior package as standard now, the exteriors of the Q3  feel a lot more engaging than before. 19-inch wheels and S line branded door sill inlays are features you get as standard which you didn’t before. For 2021, the Q3 gets the S-Line styling pack as standard with the 45 TFSI powertrain which gives it a sharper look. 

The tall shoulder lines give it a muscular look. The steep D-pillar complements the whole design concept and makes it a wholesome car. If we just talk about the exterior of the Q3, we feel it is rather superior to the others in its class. The Q3 strikes a balance between sporty and wholesome. It urges you to do some spirited driving but also makes it seem normal to have countryside trim with your family. 

All the vehicles in this class are beautifully proportioned. As far as looks are concerned, we like the Q3 and the GLA 250 better than the rest in the class. The 2021 Audi Q3 offers the best in class ground clearance which lends it an edge for tackling some mild off-roading ventures. However, the Q3's dimensions such as wheelbase, width, and height are less than some rivals, translating into a comparatively less spacious cabin. Some of the most notable exterior features of the 2021 Audi Q3 are:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Q-design Singleframe grille
• Full LED headlights with signature DRL
• LED taillights with dynamic indicators
• High gloss aluminum window surrounds
• Aluminum optic roof rails
• Rear privacy glass
• Power tailgate

View 2021 Audi Q3 Gallery>>

The 2021 Audi Q3 has secured a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) including four stars for front- and rollover crash safety. However, the 2021 Audi Q3, unlike its last iteration, failed to bag the Top Safety Pick from IIHS. 

Speaking of safety features, the 2021 Audi Q3 is impressively loaded with a wide array of safety and active driver-assist features as standard. Some of the most notable safety features aboard the 2021 Audi Q3 are:

• Hill Descent Assist
• High Beam Assist
• Advanced Airbag Protection with 8 airbags
• Electronic Brake pressure Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist
• Rear View Camera with top view
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Adaptive Cruise Controls
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Assist
• Electric rear child locks

View 2021 Audi Q3 Safety Features and Ratings>>

2021 Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA 250

The GLA 250 is a worthy opponent. With great interior and exterior styling, a fantastic engine, and an impressive collection of features. Both the Audi Q3 and GLA 250 get a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine belting out quite similar power figures. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 triumphs over the Q3 in terms of acceleration as well as fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Q3 bounces back by offering better interior and cargo space than the Merc.

2021 Audi Q3 vs Lexus NX 300

The NX 300 has sharp lines on the outside and a punchy engine on the inside. Even though it makes more power than the Q3, it doesn't perform any better than it. The Q3 and NX 300 post similar acceleration figures, however, the NX 300 is a bit more efficient than the Q3. On the other hand, the Q3 strengthens its case with a more spacious and luxurious interior. In our opinion, the Q3, with its subtle styling and lower price makes for a better choice between the two.

2021 Audi Q3 vs Cadillac XT4

With a starting price of $36,690, the Cadillac XT4 is a bit on the costlier side as compared to the Audi Q3 which comes at a starting price of $34,000. The Cadillac XT4 is slightly more powerful than the Q3 with 237 hp. However, at the same time its also heavier, hence exhibits slower acceleration performance. The XT4 costs more but performs worse than the Q3. It does have a decent collection of features, but it isn't something the Q3 doesn't offer. Overall, here, Q3 comes on top.

The 2021 Q3 has some surprising but welcome additions which increase the value of the vehicle as a whole. The Q3 has always been a very enticing vehicle. It managed to make itself, even more, engaging this time around. It trumps its competitors and provides the best in almost every category and with a starting price of just $34,000, the Q3 is without a doubt one of the best premium compact crossovers in the market. 

Great discounts on brand new 2021 Audi Q3 for sale near you>>