The 2018 BMW X3 ventures into M territory, but doesn’t lose sight of its SUV duties.
Pros Nimble, sedan-like handling Excellent interior space and storage Great turbo-6 powertrain Standard all-wheel drive M40i a blast to drive
Cons Base 6.5-inch infotainment display Forward-collision warnings an option World’s most expensive Apple CarPlay Off-road? More all-weather
Though it has sporty handling, powerful engines, and roomy seats, the fully redesigned 2018 BMW X3 is only a midpack luxury compact SUV. Its drawbacks include a higher-than-average starting price and fewer standard features than the competition.
Pros Agile handling Strong engine lineup Spacious cargo area and cabin Premium interior
Cons Above-average starting price Minimal standard luxury features
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
