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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $33,490–$38,537 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Audi Q3 at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.2/10, while Safety 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 score reliability at 7.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.2/10. The Audi Q3 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Tech rates a reasonable 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $33,490–$38,537, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Audi Q3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Audi Q3 is a passable suv but not a standout one. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 →
The 2019 Audi Q3 ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,490 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 7%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Audi Q3 scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $33,490 | |
| 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 | 7.0/10 | $28,762 | Read review → |
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.
| Steering / Critical fasteners 27/01/2021 · 21V027000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2019 Audi Q3 vehicle. Production deviation in the belt pully can prevent the circlip from properly engaging the steering rack. |
|---|---|
| Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 13/05/2020 · 20V273000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q3 vehicles. The passenger air bag may not properly deploy through the instrument panel tear seam. |
| Tires / Pressure monitoring and regulating systems 31/10/2022 · 22V815000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2019 Audi Q3's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2019 Audi Q3 starts at $33,490 and ranges up to $38,537 across trims (MSRP when new). At 23 MPG, expect roughly $2,283/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
