2020 Audi Q3 — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2020 Audi Q3

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $34,672–$45,514
Fuel Economy 24 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,188/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Audi Q3

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$34,672–$45,514

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

About the 2020 Audi Q3

The 2020 Audi Q3 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.4/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 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. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The Q3 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Few rivals match it for performance: 8.1/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $34,672–$45,514, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Audi Q3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.4/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2020 Audi Q3 sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

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 2020 Audi Q3 ranks #1166 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 53% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $34,672 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.

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

Which Q3 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Audi Q3 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.4 — 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.

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 (this review) 7.4/10$34,672
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 7.0/10$28,762 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Audi Q3

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2020 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic / Pedals and linkages
16/12/2020 · 20V786000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Audi Q3 vehicles. The brake pedal plate can bend or detach under the pressure applied during sudden stopping.
Seats
19/10/2020 · 20V644000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling one 2020 Audi Q3 vehicle. The driver's seat frame may have incorrectly been bolted to the seat rail.

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

More Audi Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.