2026 vs 2025 Audi Q3 Comparison
| 2026 Audi Q3 | 2025 Audi Q3 |
Engine | |
| 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 2.0L Turbo I-4 |
Horsepower | |
| 255 hp | 228 hp |
MPG (City/Highway) | |
| 22/29 * | 22/29 * |
0 to 60 Miles Per Hour | |
| 5.5 seconds ** | 7.1 seconds ** |
Max Cargo Space | |
| 50.0 cubic feet | 48.0 cubic feet |
Standard Infotainment Display | |
| 12.8-inch touchscreen | 8.8-inch touchscreen |
What Makes the 2026 Audi Q3 Different for Drivers in Chantilly, VA?
Serving Chantilly, VA
The 2026 Audi Q3 brings a meaningful step forward for drivers across Chantilly, Fairfax County, and the Northern Virginia region. The new generation improves performance, sharpens the exterior, and upgrades the digital experience. While the 2025 Audi Q3 already delivered strong capability and refinement, the 2026 model increases its appeal with a redesigned powertrain, enhanced suspension tuning, and a modernized cabin suited for daily drives along Route 28, Centreville Road, or the Dulles area. For 2026, the Q3 is offered exclusively in the S Line Quattro trim, giving Chantilly drivers a focused combination of luxury and athletic character.
How Does Performance Compare Between the 2026 and 2025 Audi Q3?
The 2026 Audi Q3 includes a reengineered 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This marks a clear increase over the 2025 model. It connects to a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, a valuable feature for rain, snow, and mixed seasonal weather across Northern Virginia. The updated suspension improves road feel and stability, and the 2026 Q3 reaches sixty miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds. This creates a more responsive, sport-minded experience than the 2025 Q3.
How Does the Exterior Design Change from 2025 to 2026?
The 2026 Audi Q3 introduces a refreshed design that stands out in Chantilly, Fairfax, and the surrounding Northern Virginia suburbs. The roofline tapers into a sleeker rear liftgate, while a slender LED light bar spans the back end for a more modern finish. The updated front end features sharp LED headlights with geometric detailing and a redesigned grille with a mesh pattern that complements the larger air inlets. Sculpted contour lines along the doors create a cleaner and more athletic stance. A black optic package is available with darkened wheels, grille accents, mirror caps, and badging. These refinements make the 2026 Q3 visually more contemporary than the 2025 model.
What Interior and Technology Updates Does the 2026 Q3 Offer?
Inside, the 2026 Audi Q3 uses a significantly updated layout with Audi’s new Digital Stage MMI system. The system spans two large displays that improve clarity and usability compared to the 2025 model. A heated steering wheel with revised controls and dual-pane acoustic glass work together to create a quieter cabin on the winding roads of Chantilly. Sliding and reclining rear seats, customizable ambient lighting, and refined trim materials build a premium atmosphere. Available upgrades include a head-up display, road sign recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats with memory settings, a panoramic sunroof, and Audi Connect CARE. These enhancements give the 2026 Q3 a stronger technology advantage over the 2025 interior.
Which Audi Q3 Model Is Better for Northern Virginia Drivers?
Both model years deliver luxury, capability, and daily comfort, but the 2026 Audi Q3 offers more power, more advanced technology, and a sharper design. Drivers in Chantilly who want the newest features and stronger overall performance will likely prefer the 2026 version. The 2025 Q3 remains a solid option for budget-minded shoppers, but the 2026 model represents a clear leap forward.
Where Can You Test Drive the Audi Q3 in Chantilly, VA?
Audi Chantilly is the local destination for comparing both Audi Q3 model years. Our team can walk you through the updates between the 2025 and 2026 Q3 and help you choose the model that best fits your everyday driving needs in Northern Virginia. Visit our showroom to explore both versions or schedule a test drive today.
Images are for illustration purposes only.
* EPA estimates. Your mileage and emissions will vary and depend on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details.
** Always obey all speed and traffic laws.
