2019 Audi Q3 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are currently in the market for a new subcompact SUV, you have probably already heard talk of the new 2019 Audi Q3. There are a lot of vehicles that have made their way into this class over the last few years, but the Q3 still manages to hold its own against the competition.

For the price, you get a ton of features, even on the base trim. However, you can only choose between two trim levels - the Premium and Premium Plus. While most of Audi's other vehicles have at least three trim levels, the Q3 is kept to just these two. That means you will not have a ton of options for customizing your Q3. You are also going to have to put up with the rear seat being a bit too cramped for most adults to enjoy and acceleration and handling capabilities that are not quite on par with their competitors in this class.

Still, the 2019 Audi Q3 has some good things to offer you. The cabin is extremely quiet, even at higher speeds, since it has been well-insulated and designed by Audi. Also, the interior is adorned with a lot of high-quality materials, so expect a chic design that also packs in a ton of comfort. And the ride quality is quite cozy, too, even when you take the vehicle over rough road surfaces. There are also a lot of standard features that rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class leave as (rather pricey) options.

So, could the 2019 Audi Q3 be the right subcompact SUV for you? If so, which trim level presents you with the best deal? Let us get into those nitty-gritty details with this comparison review of the Premium and Premium Plus trim levels. By the end of this review, you should have a clearer concept as to which Q3 trim level is the best fit for your needs, or if you might need to look at an entirely different vehicle.

Compare the 2019 Audi Q3 Premium vs Premium Plus Trims. What is the difference?

With only two trim levels to choose from, the 2019 Audi Q3 is a very straightforward line-up. These subcompact SUVs are both powered by a standard 2.0-L (2.0 TFSI, as Audi calls it) turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine that is capable of generating 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The engine is accompanied by a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Together, these features work to get the Q3 from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which lags behind quite a few other subcompact SUVs. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but Audi's all-wheel drive system (known as the Quattro) is available as an optional upgrade. If you plan on taking the Q3 off-roading at all, the all-wheel drive system is definitely the way to go on both the Premium and Premium Plus. It is also recommended for those who live in locations where inclement weather constantly makes driving a bit hazardous.

Other mechanical features that you will find on both trim levels include an electromechanical power steering steering system with a 38.7 turning diameter and 16.4:1 ratio, a front MacPherson strut suspension, a four-link rear suspension, a 140A alternator, and a 280A/68Ah battery. The front has ventilated disc brakes while the rear has solid disc brakes. The Audi Q3 gets 23 mpg combined, with 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Unfortunately, these numbers fall behind what many of the Q3's competitors achieve this model year.

Measurements for the Audi are the same on both trim levels. The wheelbase measures in at 102.5 inches in length, and the vehicle has a total length of 172.8 inches. It is 62.6 inches in height, and, counting the side mirrors, measures 79.5 inches wide. It has a curb weight of 3,682 pounds. In the front of the cabin, there are 37.0 inches of head space, 40.0 inches of leg space, and 55.8 inches of shoulder space. In the rear (where things get a bit tight), there are 37.4 inches of head space, 31.1 inches of leg space, and 53.6 inches of shoulder space. This five-seater has a cargo space of 16.7 cubic feet with all seats in place. This number can be maximized to 50.3 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the rear seats down.

The biggest thing that sets the Premium and Premium Plus trim levels apart is the list of features that get included on each. As far as infotainment features go, the base Premium trim has quite the set-up. A 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3 compatibility, and voice recognition feature produces crystal-clear, concert-like audio. Also, there is a standard driver information system, a 90-day trial subscription to Sirius XM Satellite Radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free connectivity, an SD card slot that lets you play back MP3 files, cruise control, automatic headlights and windshield wipers with rain and light sensors, and parking sensors for the front and rear of the vehicle. There is also a rearview camera that comes standard.

With the Premium Plus, you get all of these infotainment features with the addition of Audi's advance key system. This includes keyless stop, start, and entry (for both the front doors and the tailgate).

Inside of the Premium trim, you get standard leather upholstery and front seats that are 12-way power-adjustable with four-way power lumbar support. The rear seats are 60/40 split-folding and have cupholders and an arm rest that are pass-through. Dual-zone automatic climate control helps to keep the cabin heated and cooled as needed, and there is a panoramic sunroof that comes equipped. Other interior features include 12-volt power outlets, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a three-spoke steering wheel with a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, chic micrometallic inlays, one-touch up/down power windows, ambient interior lighting, and a total of eight beverage holders (four for cups and four for bottles).

Interior features on the Premium Plus are pretty similar, save for the fact that you get upgraded to lovely aluminum satellite inlays. You also get an automatically-dimming rearview mirror with a built-in compass for navigational assistance.

On the outside, the Premium trim level has Audi's tell-tale Singleframe grille splashed across the front fascia. The body also features a tailgate spoiler, aluminum roof rails, dual exhaust pipes, rear fog lights, LED taillights and daytime running lights, automatic Xenon plus headlights, and power-adjustable heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. You also get privacy glass for the rear and windshield washer nozzles that are heated. The Premium rides atop 18-inch 5-arm-turbine wheels that come with all-season tires.

The Premium Plus gets a few upgrades to its exterior that help to distinguish it from the base Premium trim level. Unlike the Premium and its Xenon plus headlights, the Premium Plus gets a full array of LED lights, including the automatic headlights. You also will find that there is more aluminum detailing on the body of the Premium Plus, as evidenced by the aluminum trim that is wrapped around the outsides of the windows.

Safety features also come in abundance on the Premium trim level. Hill control descent, an electromechanical parking brake, a tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, electronic stability control with an Offroad mode, and an anti-theft system with an engine immobilizer are all included as standard safety features on the Premium. You can also find these safety features on the line-topping Premium Plus trim level, which adds the benefit of having blind spot monitoring equipped.

Keep in mind that you can get Sport variants of both the Premium and Premium Plus. However, there are not a ton of significant differences between these trims. You do get standard auto-dimming side mirrors. There just is not that much else that helps to set these trims apart from the standard Premium and Premium Plus trim levels.

Final Thoughts

As far as trim levels go, Audi makes it fairly easy to choose between the Q3's Premium and Premium Plus trims. While the Premium Plus has a few extra features that are pretty nice to have, they are not necessities and, therefore, do not add much to the value of the vehicle. To be quite honest, the base Premium trim level already comes with enough standard features to make it an attractive purchase. And, with how much money you will save, its price tag is highly justifiable.

Of course, if you can afford it, the Premium Plus does have the blind spot monitoring system, which is something that a lot of drivers are coming to appreciate having on their vehicles. With the Q3's thick roof pillars and tiny side mirrors, having the blind spot monitoring system can be beneficial. Of course, the standard rearview camera already helps with addressing some visibility issues.

The Premium really will be the trim level that buyers are attracted to at first, though, especially with its starting MSRP of just over $32,000. Keep in mind that, for a luxury subcompact SUV, this is a relatively affordable price, even though it is by no means an economy vehicle. You will get what you pay for with the 2019 Audi Q3.