2022 Audi Q3 S line Premium 45 TFSI quattro

The 2022 Q3 S Line Premium 45 TFSI continues Audi’s strong position in the compact SUV market. If ever the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” could apply to a compact crossover it would be the 2022 Audi Q3. Styling hasn’t changed much for Audi over the last several years and that’s okay. It’s still a great-looking SUV chock full of features, performance, and styling. 

Although there’s not been a major refresh of its styling in a few years, the 2022 Q3 still looks fresh and modern. Its bold lines, masculine front grille, and aggressive stance all help it continue to be a great seller for Audi. 

We still have the potent and proven, 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that’s turbocharged and produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and power is sent to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. We love Quattro’s power delivery management that provides a solid rear-wheel bias for normal driving but can quickly shift power to the front wheels when an extra grip is needed. 

This SUV comes standard with 18-inch wheels that have P235/55HR tires with four-wheel disc brakes. Our test vehicle, however, had the 20-inch matted titanium finish wheels that looked great. The EPA gave it an economy rating of up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 around town or 24mpg combined. Its curb weight is 3,913 pounds and has a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds. 

On the road, the Q3 S Line Premium 45 performs rather well. Ride quality is nowhere smooth as that of a Mercedes or Cadillac, in fact, it’s substantial. You’ll feel most of the bumps in the road. For those of us who love that kind of analog feedback, the Q3 S Line Premium 45 has it in spades. It’s a very driver-focused driving experience with a good weightedness to the steering wheel feel and very little body roll while doing aggressive cornering. 

Audi’s design team has done a solid, and functional design on the interior. Even though there’s quite a bit of hard plastic surface, it’s balanced with some soft-to-the-touch surfaces to make it feel a bit more upscale. However, we’d like to see Audi do a makeover inside of the Q3 S Line Premium 45. 

We still find Audi’s virtual cockpit 12.3-inch display across the instrument panel that provides a good deal of customization of what that driver would like to see in that location. 

Its infotainment system is controlled by way of a 10.1-inch touchscreen that a dial on the center console can also control. The audio quality of the Sonos system is good but not as good as other SUVs in this class offer. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Additionally, you have AM/FM/Satellite Radio and Bluetooth audio.

There’s a huge host of driver aids that the Premium Package offers, including adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, LED headlights, garage door opener, auto headlight dimming, a top-view camera system, LED interior lighting, a memory driver’s seat, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. 

The front seats are rather comfortable, and both are heated as well as provide full lumbar support. You’ll find there’s pretty good legroom in the rear seats and enough creature comforts back there to make it not a bad place to be. There’s plenty of cargo room, especially with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down. 

Its base price for the Q3 S Line Premium 45 TFSI Quattro is $38,200 but when fully optioned out like our test vehicle, that price skyrockets to $49,195, including the destination charge. Audi does include a 4-year / 50,000-mile warranty and a 12-year limited mileage warranty against corrosion perforation. Also, there is 4-year roadside assistance available.