Introduced globally in July 2018, the second-generation Audi Q3 made its public U.S. debut at the 2019 New York Auto Show. The second-gen Q3, which replaces a dated eight-year old model, brings a sportier design, better tech, and a more powerful engine.

The Audi Q3 looks sharper than before

Already a familiar sight, the Q3 is a notable departure from its predecessor. Audi ditched the mild and boring design of the old crossover in a makeover that makes the regular Q3 look sportier the old RS Q3 model. The octagonal grille with vertical slats, the sharp headlamps, and the big bumper vents all make the Q3 look notably more aggressive.

The profile is more muscular too, with two arches integrated into the beltline just above the fenders. The thinner LED taillights, the sculpted tailgate, and the diffuser like element in the bumper add to the sporty look. The second-gen Q3 is also a bit larger than its predecessor. The crossover is 3.8 inches longer, 1.5 inches taller, and an inch wider. Audi also added new colors to the palette, including Turbo Blue, Chronos Grey metallic, and Pulse Orange.

The Audi Q3 has a neat, tech-packed interior

While the continuous air-vent design in the larger Audis still looks cool, the Q3 stands out thanks to a two-tier dashboard layout and a wide center stack with aluminum frame. The fact that you can order colored accents for the upper dash and door panels makes things even better. But the Q3 isn't just about the cool looks. It's also as modern as they get thanks to a big 10.25-inch instrument cluster (optional 12.3-inch unit) and the 8.8-inch infotainment display (optional 10.1-inch screen).

The Q3 also comes with heated seats with leather seating surfaces as standard, a feature you have to pay for with other brands. The panoramic sunroof is also standard, so you can enjoy natural light at no additional costs. The options list includes features like Alcantara inserts, sports seats with contrast stitching, customizable ambient lighting, and a Sport Interior Package. The latter adds the orange Alcantara inserts you can see here, sports seats in black or gray leather, and brushed, matte aluminum inlays. The trunk is now larger and more flexible thanks to an adjustable load floor.

The Audi Q3 has a more powerful turbo engine

Just like its predecessor, the second-generation Q3 remains true to Audi's turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. But this unit was thoroughly revised and delivers more oomph. Specifically, the four-banger is now good for 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of twist, a 28-horsepower and 51-pound-foot increase.

2019 Audi Q3 specifications

The mill mates to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, now standard on all trims. It also features electronic torque control for enhanced stability in all weather conditions and a redesigned five-link suspension in the front. The sprint to 60 mph takes seven seconds, a half-second improvement over the outgoing model.

Pricing for the Q3 starts from $34,700 for the base model, while the range-topping version retails from $42,900.

2019 Audi Q3 prices

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Audi Q3.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi Q3.