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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $35,854–$45,726 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2021 Audi Q3 earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.6/10, 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 comes in at 7.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
The 8.6/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a suv you choose partly for the drive itself. 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 $35,854–$45,726, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Audi Q3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Audi Q3, but it needs the right buyer. Its safety and value and technology scores trail the class, 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 →
The 2021 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 $35,854 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 → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Audi Q3 scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021'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.
| 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $35,854 | |
| 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 | 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.
| Seat belts / Rear/other / Retractor 05/08/2021 · 21V606000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8,… |
|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline / Storage 08/09/2022 · 22V673000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Audi Q3 vehicles. The vent pipe within the fuel tank may have been damaged during fuel tank assembly. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Audi Q3's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
2 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 7.4/10 overall, ranking #1166 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 53% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Audi Q3 starts at $35,854 and ranges up to $45,726 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Audi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.