2023 Audi Q3 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2023 Audi Q3

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,218–$47,002
Fuel Economy 27 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,944/yr
The 2023 Audi Q3 scores 7.5/10 at Carivo, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs, with 1 NHTSA recall on record and an estimated $1,944/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2023 Audi Q3

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG22 / 29 MPG
Combined MPG25 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,400
CO₂ Emissions361 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$38,218–$47,002

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

About the 2023 Audi Q3

The 2023 Audi Q3 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Value at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.6/10. The Q3 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.3/10 — 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: 8.2/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.0/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.

Priced from $38,218–$47,002, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Audi Q3 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.0/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 3 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.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2023 Audi Q3 will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

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 2023 Audi Q3 ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,218 starting price is about 6% above 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 →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2023 Audi Q3

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$9,720 ($1,944/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Q3 Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Audi Q3 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.5 — 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 (this review) 7.5/10$38,218
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 7.0/10$28,762 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 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
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Few standout weaknesses — review individual sub-scores for nuance
  • Some competing models offer a higher overall score at a similar price

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Audi Q3 (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger
03/04/2024 · 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024…

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

Own a 2023 Audi Q3 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2023 Audi Q3

Is the 2023 Audi Q3 reliable?

We rate the 2023 Audi Q3's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2023 Audi Q3 have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2023 Audi Q3 worth buying?

It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Audi Q3 cost?

The 2023 Audi Q3 starts at $38,218 and ranges up to $47,002 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Q3 years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Q3 years we've rated are 2015 (7.0/10), 2016 (7.1/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.6/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

What problems does the 2023 Audi Q3 have?

The documented issues for the 2023 Audi Q3 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Audi Q3

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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