Audi Q2 vs Audi Q3: Which is the Ideal Compact Audi SUV for You?

Another blog about SUVs, but when they continue to be popular, the more you know, the more knowledge you have in picking the right one for your lifestyle.

Audi makes some fine cars, and their SUV selection is as popular as expected. But is the Q2 merely the most compact and entry-level point into Audi SUV ownership? Or is there more than meets the eye? Or is the Q3 that little bit more complete due to its bigger offering?

When we pitched the Q3 against the Q5, surprises were made, so could there be more to this comparison too?

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

Unveiled in 2016, the Q2 (pictured above in Arrow Grey) became Audi's most compact SUV - its entry point into the SUV range. The Audi Q3 on the other hand, was the original entry-point into Audi SUV ownership, as it came along in 2011, but as with an ever-changing automotive market, manufacturers offered even more compact SUVs, and so to keep competitive, Audi offered the more compact Q2 later in 2016, becoming the newest entry-point.

Both the Q2 and the Q3 are typical Audis, offering neat and attractive styling, along with fine build quality. And, if you can achieve this in the more affordable models of the range, it is no wonder to see Audi has sold so many of both models.

The Q3 is now in its second generation, which came along in 2018, whilst the Audi Q2 is still in its first generation. The Q3 offers a more traditional SUV shape, whilst the Q2 looks a little more hatchback-like. Both are sophisticated and present a more upmarket feel than many compact SUVs.

It is also worth noting that the Q2 is available in one body style, whilst the Q3 is also available in a sleeker Sportback body style (pictured below in RS Q3 guise).

Versions and Performance

Naturally, there are several versions when looking at used Audi Q2 models and used Audi Q3 models. Regarding the Q2, there is an entry 1.0-litre petrol which offers 116bhp, a manual gearbox, and front wheel drive. 0 to 62mph takes 10.5 seconds. Do you Want your Q2 with added bite, then the 1.5-litre may be more to your liking, with power increased to 150bhp, dropping the 0 to 62mph time to 8.6 seconds, and is available with a manual or automatic transmission.

For those who want a seriously quick Q2, then the SQ2 is the hottest version you can get, packing 300bhp, dropping the 0 to 62mph time to 4.9 seconds, thanks to its automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.

Q3 engines offer similar power, albeit with diesel options, too. A 148bhp engine kicks off the range, with a manual transmission. It takes 9.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph. You can also have it with an automatic gearbox, which drops acceleration to 9.1 seconds, whilst the diesel version takes 9.3 seconds.

A more potent 187bhp engine, again available in petrol and diesel, but with an auto only, is also available. It takes 7.3 or 7.6 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, respectively. Wrapping up the engines for the Q3 is the black edition with 242bhp via an automatic petrol, it takes just 5.8 seconds to get from 0 to 62mph.

Unlike the Q2, there is no S version; instead, you can get an RS Q3 with 444bhp (pictured above in Sportback bodystyle), an automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. 0 to 62mph takes just 4.5 seconds.

Interior and Technology

Audi interiors are typically premium feeling, and nice places to spend time. Refinement is excellent, and the digital vibe of both interiors of the Q2 and Q3 have tied everything in the cabin up nicely.

The Q3's interior is a touch more modern, comprising the sharp virtual cockpit in a classic coved dashboard, with a complementing integrated infotainment screen, which sits neatly in the body of the dashboard.

The Q2's interior (pictured above) is similar, as it too offers a digital instrument cluster - on later cars at least, whilst the infotainment is more on top of the dashboard, like older cars, which gives the Q2 and older feeling when compared to the newer Q3.

As for technology, as mentioned the virtual cockpit from Audi is their digital instrument cluster and houses all the technology you could want for an immersive experience.

There are also driving modes which give both Audi SUVs different driving characteristics, these are 'Comfort', 'Auto' and 'Dynamic'.

Practicality

Naturally, the Q3 (pictured above in Pulse Orange) is a bigger SUV than the Q2. The Q3 offers more interior space, and the larger proportions mean it is far easier to get comfortable.

The Q2 is more compact, and taller occupants will find it more challenging to get comfortable in the rear seats, especially in the middle rear seat - but these seats tend to be used by children, or perhaps an adult on a really short journey.

Boot size is night and day, as the Q2 can only muster 405 litres, whilst the Q3 has an extra 125 litres on offer, at a total of 530 litres. Fold the Q3's rear seats and there is 1,525 litres, whilst the rear seats folded flat in the Q2 gives 1,050 litres when the rear seats are folded.

In simple terms, the Audi Q3 is a traditional SUV that punches above its weight (see it compared against the Q5 here), offering incredible practicality, multiple models, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q2, however, is more of a fashionable SUV, it is not as practical, and unlike the Q3, it is not impressive off-road - although the SQ2 is great if you want the SUV looks, with impressive pace on-road.

Value and Final Thoughts

On this occasion, the Audi Q3 is the larger and more practical car. But then again, as we saw in a previous comparison blog, the Q3 offers more boot space than the 'larger' Q5.

The Q3 is therefore a great buy if you want a large SUV, but one that is also uncanny in also being compact. Sure, the Q2 (pictured above in range-topping SQ2 trim) is a great alternative if you do not need space, and just want an entry-level SUV with a higher driving position, chunky looks, and of course, the quality and refinement that an Audi offers.

Put simply, the Q3 is an impressive traditional SUV that presents itself as just that. The Q2 is more in keeping with the trendy SUV stereotype, offering chunky looks, a higher driving position and typical Audi refinement.

Find your perfect used Audi at Stratstone

Whether you are after a used Audi Q2 or a used Audi Q3, or perhaps you would like to check out other used cars from other manufacturers, Stratstone has a comprehensive selection of new and used car offers for you to browse online. We also have brand-new Audi offers, too.

Alternatively, if you enjoyed this article, check out more like it in our dedicated blog.