This is a strictly unscientific and purely anecdotal observation, but it does bear mentioning: I see these things everywhere. I was in this 2025 Audi Q3 at a red light, when I realized I was sharing it with two other Q3s, and another went by us going the opposite direction. The littlest Audi crossover is a simple, well-established recipe—but just like a proper carbonara pasta, the beauty lies in that very simplicity and the execution of its details. [And bacon? —Ed.]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

I think the most appealing thing about this Q3 is that it’s perhaps the least outwardly tech-forward amongst most of its rivals, like the BMW X1. Everything about it, from the powertrain, to the exterior design; from the fit-and-finish to the interior ergonomics, are instantly familiar to any Audi customer of the last decade and perhaps beyond. To be abundantly clear: this is not an insult or at all meant to imply the Q3 is dated and behind the times.

It has been around for quite a long time, but the Q3’s implementation of technology is so well thought-out and effective that it doesn’t show its age. The 10.1-inch centre touchscreen is neatly integrated into the dashboard and easy to reach, rather than parked on top like a far-away tombstone. Unlike some other Audi models, climate controls aren’t relegated to a second screen. Instead, they’re handled by a line of easy-to-understand switches and dials. Again, it’s a simple recipe executed well.

Similarly, the digital gauge cluster is easy to make sense of, and it’s straightforward to configure to suit your needs. There’s no frustrating moments of wondering how you’re supposed to handle basic functions. It does the balancing act of functioning like a modern system and feeling easy to live with like a classic system quite well. If you’re coming out of an older Audi, it’ll feel instantly intuitive, despite losing the MMI knob—which isn’t even a bad thing in this application).

How does the old-but-new Q3 drive?

That sense of familiarity extends to the powertrain. It’s still the same EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as before and shared with countless other models in the VW empire, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission available is an eight-speed automatic, which is lovely and generally imperceptible in its operation. It’s also miles better to live with than the hesitant DSG in the previous Volkswagen Taos, for example. This powertrain combination may not be the absolute best on the market, but it’s a well-proven entity that’s a pretty smooth operator and easy on fuel. I observed 9.2 L/100 km in my time with the Q3, beating Audi’s own estimate of 10.1 L/100 km combined.

It’s not exactly what I’d call sporty, but the Q3 is athletic enough and capable of pretty effortless acceleration and passing power all the time. Similarly, if you’re expecting your premium subcompact SUV to be a canyon-carving demon, you might be a little let down, but if you have reasonable expectations of what is essentially a tall GTI with all-wheel-drive and nicer build quality, you’ll probably be pleased with how it goes about its business. It’s easy to get acquainted with and it handles itself well.

The Q3 easy to live with, too, not just for its intuitive tech and well-dialed driver assists, but for its intrinsic layout, too. The ride, even on this big-wheel’d S-Line model is inoffensive no matter what you throw at it, and it’s quiet and well-insulated. Sight lines, sound insulation, and general interior space are surprisingly good. It effectively straddles the boundary of being tiny and easy to park, while also having healthy rear seat room and decent cargo space.

Is the Q3 worth it?

Our 2025 Audi Q3 tester is the fully loaded Technik trim. With its pearl white paint, the S-Line package package with 20-inch wheels and embossed sport seats, the Black Optics package, and all the accoutrements that come with a top-trim Audis, it works out to $54,640 as-tested. Compared to what else is available in this space of the market, it’s a pretty excellent value proposition, and I look forward to seeing how Audi updates it—which should be happening imminently. If you like this simpler approach, get on it now.