The Audi Q3 Beats Lexus, Benz, in One Key Area
The Audi Q3 certainly makes for a nice small premium SUV, but we know that when you buy one you’re not going to keep it forever. The Audi Q3 is Audi’s smallest and most affordable model in the company’s SUV portfolio. It comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, it’s fun to drive, has five seats, and a punchy 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. But it holds one significant advantage over competitors from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz: it has better resale value.
The Audi Q3 has a higher resale value
When it comes time to sell your SUV you want one that will hold its value. Compared to other SUVs in the small premium category, the 2022 Audi Q3 has the highest resale value rating according to J.D. Power. It ranks several points above the 2022 Lexus UX, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Volvo XC40.
Why does the Q3 hold its value?
What contributes to the Q3’s top score? Well, the Q3 combines a good driving experience with a good quality and reliability rating at J.D. Power. But there’s more to the Q3 than trouble-free miles. For 2022, Audi added some interior upgrades, eight-way power seats, and a Topview camera on the Premium Plus trim. It’s still the cheapest Audi SUV you can buy.
The second-generation Audi Q3 launched in 2019 in both Sportback and five-seat SUV versions and it still looks fresh. While it’s based on the VW Tiguan, it’s a lot sportier and has an upscale styling with Audi’s giant grille that was cribbed from the expensive Q8. For many who want to buy a used SUV like the Q3, having one that still looks just like the one you can still buy new is a bonus, and likely contributes to the SUV’s high resale value. Today, several are available on used car websites, many of which are off-lease Q3s that look new, and sell for almost-new prices.
What trim levels are available on the Q3?
You can order two versions of Q3, the Premium and Premium Plus, with two different model names. The 40 has the 184-horsepower version of the four-cylinder, while the 45 has 228 horsepower. The Premium is the base version and comes well equipped. But, the Premium Plus can be optioned with a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, LED interior lighting, and useful driver aids like traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic assist, and keyless start/stop.
The previously optional S line trim is standard on the Q3 45 TFSI.
Does the Audi Q3 have problems?
The Audi Q3 gets good reliability scores at J.D. Power. Its engine has some grunt, too. But when you sit in the back, it’s a bit cramped compared to its competitors. With the seats up, it holds just 24 cubic feet of stuff in the back, which puts it on par with many smaller hatchbacks, not SUVs.
If you’re looking for more room, turn to the BMW X1, which has similar performance but more room. But, when you’re looking for long-term value, stick with the Audi.
