2015 Audi Q3 — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2015 Audi Q3

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $28,762–$34,812
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr

Key Specifications — 2015 Audi Q3

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG20 / 28 MPG
Combined MPG23 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,550
CO₂ Emissions391 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$28,762–$34,812

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2015 Audi Q3

With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2015 Audi Q3 earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Audi Q3's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.9/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.9/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.

Priced from $28,762–$34,812, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Audi Q3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.6/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2015 Audi Q3, but it needs the right buyer. and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2015 Audi Q3 ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,762 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 20%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Q3 Year Should You Buy?

Across the Q3 model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.6/10$40,582 Read review →
2025 7.6/10$40,582 Read review →
2024 7.5/10$39,400 Read review →
2023 7.5/10$38,218 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$37,036 Read review →
2021 7.4/10$35,854 Read review →
2020 7.4/10$34,672 Read review →
2019 7.3/10$33,490 Read review →
2018 7.2/10$32,308 Read review →
2017 7.2/10$31,126 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$29,944 Read review →
2015 (this review) 7.0/10$28,762

Pros & Cons — 2015 Audi Q3

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2015 Audi Q3 (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Electrical system / Software
06/09/2016 · 16V642000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 TT roadster, A3 cabriolet, A3 sedan and A3 e-tron, 2016-2017 TT coupe, 2017 A4 sedan and Q7 and 2015-2017 Q3 vehicles. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with…
Visibility / Sun/moon roof assembly
03/04/2015 · 15V200000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Audi Q3 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2014, to November 5, 2014. If the vehicle is turned off while the sunroof is closing, the sunroof may continue to close instead of…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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