Buying or leasing a subcompact premium crossover is a great way for you to own a top-tier luxury-branded vehicle without paying much money. But while these vehicles feature attractive starting prices, the price adds up quickly once you start tacking on expected luxury-oriented features such as leather seating or a sunroof. Luckily, somebody must have forgotten to tell Audi because the 2018 Q3 is feature-rich and much less expensive than its rivals.
Pros Lots of features at a price lower than rivals Interior is lined with high-quality materials Rides comfortably on rough roads Cabin is hushed at highway speeds
Cons Handling and acceleration lag behind class rivals Backseat is a tight fit for adults Ranks at the back of the pack for fuel economy Infotainment controller is awkwardly placed, and no USB interface
The 2018 Audi Q3 ranked #6 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Audi Q3 has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Comfortable ride quality Upscale cabin
Cons Underpowered on the highway Few standard features
The 2018 Audi Q3 offers a fun-to-drive alternative to the entry compact luxury car, but with more utility. Versus its rivals, it delivers more ride comfort and interior refinement, but less fuel efficiency.
Pros Smart packaging for tight spaces Frisky turbocharged engine Great control interface, maps Excellent ride quality Pert handling
Cons Tight rear seat More a hatchback than an SUV Lackluster gas mileage No manual here No forward crash prevention system
New 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides more power.More standard driver assist features on automatic-equipped Crosstreks.Part of the second Crosstrek generation introduced for 2018.
Pros High ground clearance for enhanced off-road capability Spacious seating for a hatchback of its size Comfortable ride quality Easy to see out of
Cons Slow acceleration on the highway with base engine Mediocre cargo space Handling isn't as precise as that of some rivals
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek flexes a more potent available powertrain but still prioritizes safety and capability.
Pros Excellent CVT Off-road capable, rugged looks Standard AWD New Sport trim Standard safety tech
Cons Cramped USB ports Limited-release hybrid Manual transmission omits more than it adds Limited trim not a value
Along with a light visual refresh that includes new front bumper and grille designs, the 2021 Crosstrek gains a Sport model and a more powerful engine option. The new 2.5-liter flat-four has been lifted from the mid-size Legacy sedan and Outback station wagon and plopped under the hood of Sport and Limited models of the Crosstrek; the languid 2.0-liter engine is still in the mix, but relegated to the base and Premium models only. The new Sport trim comes with several unique features that won't be offered on other Crosstreks, including Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for the standard all-wheel-drive system.
