2026 Audi Q3
Fuel Economy Overview
The 2026 Audi Q3 achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (am-s7), this small sport utility vehicle 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.
In terms of environmental impact, the 2026 Q3 produces approximately 362 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Q3 performs better than the national average in this regard.
The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,400, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.
Energy DNA
Green Scorecard
Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy
Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.
The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty
EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Recall Intelligence
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2026 Q3 vehicles. Incorrect software may allow remote sunroof closing from a distance that prevents the operator from clearly seeing the sunroof. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: Closing the sunroof without the ability to see it can increase the risk of injury to occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will update the sunroof control module software and the owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 57KS. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 7, 2026.
Loading live complaint data...
Looking for comprehensive historical data?
NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Audi Q3 configurations.
Similar 2026 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD Alternatives
2026 Buick Envision AWD
2L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2026 GMC Terrain AWD
1.5L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2026 GMC Terrain AWD Denali/AT4
1.5L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2026 Kia Seltos AWD
1.6L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2026 Kia Sorento AWD
2.5L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2026 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4
2L 4-cyl All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Cost Analysis
Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.
Efficiency Breakdown
Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint
(Based on 200,000 miles driven)