2016 Audi Q3 Review - DETAILED in 4K

What's the best handling compact luxury crossover? It's not the 2016 BMW X1 and it's not the Mercedes GLA either.
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[@jonathanreaney8598]

Owned a Q3 for nearly 3 years now, love it

[@br1almeida]

Could you talk about maintenance cost? Is it too expensive? Did u have any major problem? thanks

[@meherbhatti2681]

I second the below comment, did you have any issues with maintenance or repairs so far?

[@elliottzaagman3849]

As someone who has been car shopping over the past few weeks, I love your videos, Alex. So in-depth.

[@timneufeld489]

This was a most excellent video... I'm watching in 2022 and considering a 2016 or 2018 Q3, and found your review extremely helpful. Kudos.

[@mclaren855]

Alex you reviews are great, absolutely love them. Do you have an engineering back ground because the stuff you explain like dual clutch, front rear balance, solid axles etc etc etc is what is so much informative and keeps your reviews very different, thanks

[@robbiefisher1]

The rear differential blow up at 55,000 miles on my Q3 it destroyed the axel boot as well. I was 5,000 miles passed the warranty. Luckily Audi payed the 7k to get it repaired. They saw that all maintenance was done on time and at the dealer. Battery died at 40,000 which cost $450 to fix at the dealer. Overall I liked the Q3, I didn’t love it. I would have to stop for gas constantly. Not sure of the size of the gas tank but it is small. Drives as incredible as you’d expect from Audi. Interior lacks modern tech such as USB ports, wireless charging, apple car play although I think they did add some of that. I had a 2016 Q3 Quattro.

[@Doug5524]

2016 Here in the UK, I have an Audi Q3 2.0L petrol 4WD and it has a 7-speed auto gearbox and I love it and so does the wife

[@adityasundar324]

It is a bit shocking to see that the Quattro system was not mentioned in the comparison. That'd be a deal breaker for many considering the fact that Q3, X1 and GLA are marketed as SUV's but the latter two don't offer AWD.

[@neutralman]

Audi Q3 is awesome, get it in Quattro

[@almeladze]

Dear Alex, I like your reviews quite a bit. Great job! You have Q3 quite high on your list and score it above X1 and GLA. However, this is not the case for an overwhelming majority of reviewers here. I bought the Q3 about a month ago but have been researching the issue since then non-stop and I am not sure if I made the right choice because objectively the X1 is more economical, has better acceleration, bigger trunk, adjustable rear seats and more technology (standard drive select and connected drive services) available. I hear you about the leather interior and tires but let's face it - tares can be swapped out on the bimmer for larger, non-run-flat variety and one of your concerns would be addressed. When you did your Q3 review you were comparing it to a previous gen X1. And while in your review of the current X1 you reference Q3, it's not a full head on comparison. So the question is 2 years after your respective reviews of the Q3 and X1 do you still think that the X1 is inferior to Q3. If yes, why do you think that the overwhelming majority of reviewers here (and so called "experts" from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, etc) have an opposite opinion. Thank you in advance for your response! (Alex from NYC)

[@cargo4441]

7.7 0 to 60 is faster than 99% of most cars on the road today. Plus at 38 k this car is a good deal. Well done Alex.

[@future62]

+Ted Roberts Not really. That's slower than a base Camry and Accord by about half a second. It's average. Still quick though.

[@cargo4441]

I was talking about the way most cars on the road drive. The Audi or Camry will blast away from most cars seen on the road today except V-8 pony cars.

[@future62]

Ted Roberts My Civic runs in the low 7s to 60. Those cars are not blasting by anything.

[@bokkey45]

+Ted Roberts Wtf are you smoking? This car is SLOWER than 99% of cars on the road today. An Accord, Camry, Legacy, Sonata, Altima, Fusion, or any other midsize family sedan with the base 4 cylinder engine will run 0-60 in the 7-8 second range. The same applies to any midsize, mainstream crossover such as the Pilot, Highlander, Explorer, etc., these cars average around 7.5 seconds as well. These cars are not designed to be fast or sporty either, just basic mainstream people-haulers. Even the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango (with the Hemi) or even the Chevy Equinox with the V6 will be faster than this. The average entry-level sport sedan (3 series, C-class, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50) will run to 60 in 5-6 seconds. Even the new Nissan Maxima can probably get to 60 in the 5-6 second range. 7.7 seconds is not in the least bit quick. There are a PLETHORA of other vehicles that can get to 60 mph significantly faster than this one. And V8 pony cars? What century are you living in?

[@future62]

And what about all the automatic Corollas and Civics, the pickup trucks, and the small crossovers like the CR-V and RAV-4? All much slower than mid 7s to 60, all top 10 sellers. Faster than 99% is a silly exaggeration, but no less silly than slower. This is faster than the average car on the road today for sure.

[@theredheadsaidNYC]

what a nice thorough review. You're really helping me become knowledgeable in this segment (luxury crossovers).

[@mountainhobo]

Needs a TDI for better fuel economy.

[@tyranelewis6936]

Alex I love your honesty and thorough reviews. always a help. My fiance and i were shopping the Evoque and the Q3. you have helped us come to the decision of getting the Q3 model that you tested. As of the lack of Acceleration and under power in this class. My Associates at APR Tuning LLC will up the power from 200 HP / 207 TQ to 261 HP / 299 TQ by applying Stage 1 (Low Torgue) 93 Octane ECU upgrade. That will give the chassis the power it should have received from the factory

[@chardt]

Tyrane Lewis I'm curious, how much something like that cost?

[@tomconway5684]

Best car reviewer.

[@trealNoOne]

Beautiful colour for q3 .

[@flymetothem00n96]

Alex, great review as always. I was quite surprised at how different the center console is in this compared to all the other Audis. I understand this is based off the last generation A3/Golf platform, when do you suspect they will bring a new generation based on the current generation A3/Golf MQB platform?

[@theorangeguyna6762]

Very good and thorough review with excellent production values. You are good enough to be on TV for sure

[@chardt]

Hi Alex! Can you please do a review on the new 2017 Audi Q3? I'm possibly in the market for one...thanks! Huge fan! Great job on ur reviews keep em going very detailed

[@Treizez34]

We have one and we love it. People who are focusing on Horsepower are missing the point (although it is important to have a good power plant).

[@ivanronin8209]

Thank you Alex . You are the best . Good detailed reviews as always .

[@Nestle245]

This car has some really great standard features compared to its competitors.

[@becayeh]

Really enjoy your videos Alex. Quality, well-thought out and value added. Keep up the great work.

[@michael0765]

My 2016 Q3 has 7 gears, you mentioned that 'a difference is that all the competition have 7' implying that the Q3 has less than 7. Australian version.

[@damilolaakanni]

Compared with other USDM competitors.

[@joedoe7236]

Oh boy! Alex is a pro. This video made me get one.

[@Arvitravelvlogs]

@Alex - I own a 2015 X1 2.0L RWD and you have failed to include its crucial advantages over Q3 like following 1. Free 4 year or 48k free maintenance (including brakes and other items) 2. Has significant power advantage even in base 4 cyl motor - 240hp and 260 lb torque and 6.2sec 0-60mph (vs q3 which is slow and less powered) 3. Deep discounts we get in buying 15 model currently (around $4 to $5k off MSRP) overall definitely better option to this Q3 in my opinion and how can you dismiss the 2016 model X1 and choose Q3? even before driving a minute? both will be front wheel based (or biased) and BMW should be better than Audi and Mercedes in handling any day. other than these - you reviews are very detailed and very helpful.

[@dealzguyYT]

Aravind Rajamanickam no more, BMW did away with that for all MY2017 X1, you may find few left over 2016 at the dealers still...

[@mt-vs2oc]

11:17 Thanks for clearing that up.

[@michaellui74]

excellent review Alex. One of the best reviews out there-👍👍👍Alex is this car reliable?? I am planning to trade in my 2011 lexus rx300 for audi q3. thank you.

[@schynam]

How can a 2016 vehicle not have a USB port? The Navigation is optional. But they should make it easier to activate if needed in the future. It's becoming rocket science to get Navigation in my 2016 Q3 Premium +.

[@berndog3]

Great job as always. I believe your reviews are the most thorough, accurate and detailed available. However, i would like to opine that your use of "fast" is not always used in its most precise manner. When talking about acceleration, the more accurate word would be "quick," whereas top speed would be "fast." In many cases the words can be used interchangeably but a car can be fast but not quick (high top speed but slow acceleration) and vice versa. If someone were to ask me "how fast is your car?", i would respond with its top speed. "How quick is your car?" would be answered with acceleration times. A small but, i believe, important distinction.

[@brucec43]

+berndog3 What would you say if they asked you what pedantic means?

[@berndog3]

+Bruno TaTa As i wrote, i believe the distinction is important. While it is a minor detail, the quality of Alex's commentary deserves just that extra measure of precision. Although, i have noticed, in subsequent videos, that Alex has either not read my comment or disregarded it. In my line of work, words are precise, have specific meanings and are all-important. Too much "sloppy language" being accepted these days.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+berndog3 it's impossible to reply to every comment when hundreds roll in daily.

[@berndog3]

+Alex on Autos Thanks Alex. I wasn't looking for a direct response; i just meant that it appeared that you are still (maybe not) using quick and fast interchangeably. Keep up the good work. :-)

[@dealzguyYT]

berndog3 - Good differentiation , but you are nitpicking small stuff...

[@Treizez34]

I wonder why the MPG's aren't as good considering that a jetta with the 2.0 motor gets up to 34 mpg and it's only 2000 lbs less?

[@emjayay]

Please stop calling knee room legroom. Legroom is like your inseam. Knee room is the clearance between your knee and the back of the front seat.

[@bart8202]

Very good review .

[@joeantonio2669]

3:30 I suppose that really bothered you lol

[@AllroyAllroy]

As always a great in depth review!

[@devisbetrisey5730]

Why in the US the Q3 (and many others VW products) have a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of the 7-speed dual clutch that we have here in Europe?

[@christianribeiro8014]

+Devis Bétrisey I wanna know the answer to this question as well.

[@mac291988]

+AlexonAutos: Thank you for such a detailed review. I also watched your review for 2016 Mazda CX 5. And now I am really confused between the CX 5 and Q3. If we compare the top and fully equipped trims of both cars, the Audi Q3 is almost $8000 expensive with the same equipment and options. Can you recommend which one is better? Thanks in advance.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Himanshu Babaria Well it all really depends on how much value you put on the brand.

[@redboatandrew]

+Alex on Autos I have exactly the same question. A "blindfold test" that compares Audi Q3 and Mazda CX 5 - and neglects the status factor - would be very interesting.

[@imtheonehero9305]

Cx 5 competes with he q5 though. Even if the q3 is very expensive,its still better than the cx 3, its main competitor

[@edkelly145]

Nice job as always.

[@ravs05]

So much equipment is standard on the us version.. We have to pay about 1700 dollars for sun roof, 500 dollars for auto tail gate, 1500 for leather.. On top of the 20% tax!!! They bleed us dry here!!!

[@jaxxonthehealer6607]

ravs05 Idk, the mrsp on the website is not what the dealers are actually charging. I've been and brand new the lowest i seen for the audi q3 is $38k then i seen the top trim for $43k. So what they say it cost is not every they are actually being sold for. . .

[@bobSmith-tu2fs]

Hi Alex, It would be greatly appreciated if we could get a GL350/450 review if possible. Thanks and keep up the good work :)

[@heyitsme939]

i feel like this car would be nice if it had a little bit more exterior styling. it looks very plain. it is packed with great features though.

[@AwesomePossumAndrew]

Please, whenever you can get your hands on a Jaguar F-Pace please review it!

[@michaellui74]

excellent review. just subscribed😊👍👍

[@JJ2Styles]

Hi Alex, I am very big fan of your car review ! great job in all the reviews. I have question what would be the best for young couple SUV Q3/ GLA/ X1? so many choices T_T please need ur suggestion..

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+Jimmy Yang Liang I prefer the Q3 and X1 to the GLA.

[@tomconway6780]

very good review. Thanks

[@308_Negra_Arroyo_Lane]

Does this come with the Haldex (Fake) Quattro AWD system?

[@sic22l]

+Walter Black Yes, it's Haldex AWD system.

[@Ken-ru8et]

@@sic22l works to in my 2016 RSQ3.. love it

[@Alezander333]

usb connection?

[@kilove1]

Great review.

[@SKubric]

Really much better than GLA ?

[@stephenmaturin2]

this would be desirable...on the MQB with more advanced safety tech! And some fun colors.

[@sic22l]

+Henry Grimm Next gen will be based on MQB platform.

[@John-zj4fw]

I really like this car but too bad it doesn't have Advanced Safety Systems as options.

[@zelda8]

can someone please explain again to me about the fuel economy for the Q3? Thankyou

[@mikee6220]

At what speed do you rate cabin noise?

[@brucec43]

I wonder why Audi hamstrung this vehicle with a low power version of their 2.0t.

[@ChrisAcheson]

The Rally King

[@stevenrodriguez2882]

can you do golf clubs in the trunk? thanks

[@yaffyjack9055]

No mention of the new GLC? Great video otherwise.

[@Lucky8s]

This 2.0L turbo engine feels very under-powered compared to Ford's 2.0L Ecoboost which gets 240 hp and 270 torque. How is the difference that big?

[@bobhope4288]

+WuWei Xu For the same reason the golf R's 2.0T makes 292hp, boost. More psi = more power = less fuel.

[@sic22l]

+WuWei Xu INot everything is about the power. Also it uses pretty old version of this engine.

[@Lucky8s]

sic22l Of course not, but I'm questioning the huge difference in power between engines that offer the same displacement.

[@sic22l]

WuWei Xu They're just different engines designed for different cars, in different stages of tune. PS. They can be different even within the VW Group. I think today's 2.0TSI engine is 4th generation which has nothing to do with any of its predecessors (except the displacement and similar power numbers).

[@Lucky8s]

sic22l Not really. Go read Bob Hope's reply. The answer was quite obvious, didn't think about it that's all.

[@brianmjmario]

Most people are saying that Audi went cheap with interior idk....

[@mclaren855]

+Brian Vtec seats were not good or comfortable (I have back problems) and interior did not look the best to be honest. Recently tested a Q5, ended up buying a Cayenne. The driving dynamics on the audi were pretty good though.

[@sic22l]

+mclaren855 5 is a pretty old car, no wonder you liked Cayenne better.

[@yuntaowu8260]

Does q3 have a diff lock ?

[@myvillageandcityvlogs7839]

in my country its price is 60 thousnd doller.just look at this

[@PaulPushkarov]

Does it have full-time AWD as other Quattros or slip and grip?

[@jaxxon4972]

I think full time which is why the EPA is so different than the fwd

[@musicloveranthony]

those wheel openings are too big for even those huge wheels

[@bryantangeles3183]

Good review please Share us the new mazda cx-3

[@MrJPablo10]

Can you get the Virtual Cockpit with this car?

[@dealzguyYT]

JPabloCN Nope, not even on the 2017. They get it across the pond and elsewhere.... not in US. Also this model will now switch to MQB platform with optional virtual cockpit

[@shaunoneil1897]

This car goes for $41k I don't know any dealer thats selling this car for less than $36k...

[@brucec43]

Edmunds.com fails again and claims the Q3 has tons of body roll and bad handling.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'm really not sure where they got that from. They may have had the only Q3 without the tire upgrade

[@dealzguyYT]

Alex on Autos - stopped believing on Edmunds anymore...phony site... inexperienced drivers, unless they see a badge cant tell a difference between Kia and BMW blindfolded..

[@kaibowes]

In person, I feel this looks like a Chevrolet Trax for some reason..

[@denny8548]

Audi just took 2005 VW Touareg and slap the 4 rings signature on and call it 2016 Q3. Bullshit.

[@vtube1100]

Great review. The X1 is ugly

[@yshao1]

Following on your Twitter done, thanks

[@dygardion9130]

Such poor mpg

[@jaxxonthehealer6607]

dygardion 91 i agree. the bmw x1 gets way better and it has more hp and torque

[@dcuccia]

RQ3

[@dcuccia]

+David Cuccia Ah @ 18:34 - RSQ3, excellent

[@juliush7685]

AUDI Q5 2018 please!!

[@nimab8935]

The main problem is that the exterior is too boring. It has too conservative style it looks dated. Have all designers left Audi?!

[@MrBritdog2]

+Nima Bahrehdar what i have seen hundreds of the they are better looking than anything show me a pic of this next to what you think is attractive

[@berndog3]

+Nima Bahrehdar Actually, the lead designer for the Audi design language we've seen for the last several years is now employed by Kia. That's why the new Kias are looking so good, IMO.

[@nimab8935]

And that's Audi doesn't have new designs anymore!

[@candidcomment]

In terms of your review its very thorough but with your dissemination of information you are so far up in the red that the info is confusing and not really relevant to the average Car buyer. If you trimmed your delivery to 50% , the overlaid of information would be much more palatable . Its my opinion and I don't mean to offend .

[@CheapRick]

Who washed that car! They did a horrible job the paint is all scratched as well as the plastic on the headlamps!

[@myvillageandcityvlogs7839]

at 30,000 doller we can only buy honda civic with bad Quality as compair to an other country.

[@jaxxon4972]

That's probably because your dollar is worth less than other countries so prices are adjusted so? I'm guessing.

[@myvillageandcityvlogs7839]

Jaxxon no Bro we have to pay more tex got it porsche 911 price in Pakistan is two hundread and fifty thousand doller but in Us its only price is 98 thousand doller

[@myvillageandcityvlogs7839]

Jaxxon you can google it

[@niavim-9231]

Tiguan R-Line clone.

[@MordFustang1966]

Why is this Volkswagen so expensive?

[@MordFustang1966]

Yu Peng hahahaha

[@yuntaowu8260]

+Yu Peng Hahahaha

[@Robertking1996]

jhahahhahhahhahhahaha

[@shaunoneil1897]

OMG so true!!!!

[@youcansendme-a-letter]

The Volkswagen Tiguan costs less than the Audi Q3.

[@mageshm6169]

%.

[@xiaozhang9883]

this little toy car can easily cost $45k

[@dealzguyYT]

Xiao Zhang - Wrong...a fully loaded version tops out at 43.5K and dealers often discount upto $3.5 K , Picked up one with 12 miles on odo, prestige trim for 38K . Incredible deals going on as the new MQB model will be out in 2017 as MY 2018....

[@BLUEBEVERLY123]

Your last name is funny lol

[@omgitsme435]

It already looks dated for a 2016..

[@imtheonehero9305]

No it doesnt... the new audi has similar headlights and taillights.

[@Ken-vl4wk]

Who is going to buy a vehicle like this ? I prefer the new Hyundai Tucson.

[@kingm1156]

+Andre N In what world does a Hyundai Tucson compete with an Audi? You're comparing apples to oranges....

[@Ken-vl4wk]

+kingm1156 Audio Q3 is for people who doesn't have money but wants people to think they do. A stupid false status. They are willing to pay more, have less features as long as they can show the Audi logo. Audi and Hyundai are not on the same league when comes to luxury cars but Q3 for me is not a luxury car. Between an Q7 and a Hyundai Santa Fe I would pick the Q7 though. It would just make sense. But for low entry, no way.

[@brucec43]

+Andre N Those who want better handling at the expense of utility and features.

[@dealzguyYT]

Andre N really? Say you cant afford one instead of calling it sour grapes dude... for all those guys saying Audi is a VW, the same applies to a Bentley as well... so every Bentley owner thinks they drive a VW...

[@yegutierrez87]

I absolutely agree with you, "sour grapes", Automaker charge price for a reason, but many people dnt want to investigate the reason why behind those prices, they think only themselves are smart enough to see through "marketing tricks", hey "smarties", just think of one thing, how much does it cost to Audi to produce a Q3 and how much for Hyundai to produce a Tucson? For some reason, Audi is a "LUXURY BRAND" and Hyundai isnt.

[@Nestle245]

People who can't afford the Q5 will buy this.

[@andrewyang9095]

And people who can't afford a Q7 buy a Q5....

[@lramos982]

No, I have an A5 cabriolet and I'm interested in this. I can afford a Q7 if I want. It's called spending below your means and not being a slave to the banks you dumbazz.

[@andrewyang9095]

If you were spending below your means, you would be buying a Kia Optima....

[@Nestle245]

lramos982 This vehicle is pretty much useless. Theirs no backseat legroom for anyone above 5 7. The Q5 Is better in every way. This vehicle right here Is just to say you have an Audi idiot.

[@andrewyang9095]

Ness Rosenbrad I'm not arguing about that, but the Q5 is the same. Before the Q3 and A3, the two cars that took that spot were the A4 and Q5.

[@ledeves5160]

Thanks for saying "pound feet" and not "foot pounds". Adds credibility imho. Fantastic review. Incredibly comprehensive. I rarely sub, but you get one.

[@jonathanradler3824]

foot pound and pound feet are exactly the same thing lol

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Oddly enough, they aren't. pound feet is a measure of torque and foot pound is a measure of energy (like horsepower). You can read more here about it. It is odd that they are so similar sounding however: www.macsmotorcitygarage.com/2013/10/24/foot-pounds-and-pound-feet-whats-the-difference/

[@TechCrazy]

Alex, you are my go to guy for Car Reviews. clear, concise, no mincing words and detailed!. Given how hard it is to find good review videos as most of them seem to walk to their nearest dealer with a cell phone and post reviews of a standing vehicle!

[@ProGamer-fj2fl]

Is the sunroof is big?

[@plexipo]

Great video! Keep on the good work!

[@harleyzheng]

I SAW A DIPSTICK!

[@yegutierrez87]

Hi Alex how r u? Im a big fun of ur videos, hope u can still still see my comment after so long time. Im highly interested in this car, but I know that its platform is a much older MK5, I wonder if Q3 has disadvantages (except for interior space) by still building on older platforms over, say, the new X1? because its hard for me to understand why this Q3 can still handle better than newer products like the GLA. Another question is about the Quattro on the Q3, how capable is it? Is it a "cheap downscale quattro" compares to the Q5s Quattro? Thank you very much!

[@AlexGarcia-ke3qq]

Im going to get this exact model in 3 months..

[@花泽类-q4u]

hi Alex, could you do the review for GMC SUV someday?

[@furiousdestroyer6419]

Raven it's not a volswagon

[@BullzeyeOnTheGo]

No usb?

[@jsiszero]

nice camera work

[@Makaylawhite01]

Range Rover!!!!!

[@HelloMyNamesNino]

Very good review!

[@ThatWasherNerd]

Audi Q7 or SQ5?

[@JonMcG]

Alex , even though the car is great , both my wife and i thought you came across as boring , so boring you almost talked us out of buying the Q3 . perhaps be alittle ore excited about what you are selling ?