2022 Audi Q3 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Want to own an Audi without draining your bank account? The 2022 Audi Q3 might be just the option for you. Its cost places it at the entry level, but there is nothing basic at all about the Q3. In fact, this year, the Q3 benefits from a brand new infotainment system and the standardization of certain core safety features.

The Q3 is loaded to the brim with modern marvels of technology, from standard smartphone app connectivity to the wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity on the Technology. You can take your pick from the trim levels, but each one is pretty well stocked with technological gadgetry.

And the cabin? It is adorned with some seriously chic and high-quality materials. Its build quality is sound inside and out, and the little touches Audi gives the Q3 really make it stand out from other vehicles in this segment.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to note before you go test driving the Q3. The fuel economy is its biggest downfall. It only gets about 22 miles per gallon combined, which puts it right at the bottom of this segment's barrel. Most rivals rank somewhere in the mid- to high-20s, but the Q3 falls short whether in city or highway driving scenarios.

Another pitfall is the lack of space in both the rear seats and the cargo area. There is a clear lack of cargo volume that will prevent you from storing bulky items back there. And rear seat occupants will struggle to find head and leg room if they are on the taller side. Overall, available space could be a little more generous.

Although the 2022 Audi Q3 might not be the most fun to drive, it has a lot of perks in terms of build quality and technology. But which trim is the best one for the average buyer? There are only two to choose from: the Premium and Premium Plus. But you also can select from two optional packages: the Convenience Package and the Technology Package. Which combination is going to work best for you? Read on to find out.

Compare the Premium vs Premium Plus Trims. What is the difference?

Let us start by analyzing the base Premium trim level against the line-topping Premium Plus. Both are equipped with the standard 40 TFSI quattro Tiptronic powertrain - a 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine that creates a power output of 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It has a 16-valve DOHC valvetrain and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.6 seconds. The eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system come standard.

There is a more powerful engine option available though. The 45 TFSI also comes with the 8-speed and quattro AWD, but this 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine amps things up with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its valvetrain is complete with the Audi valvelift system and variable valve timing. This engine helps the Q3 accelerate to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat - a huge upgrade over the 40 TFSI. You also get ventilated discs on the front and rear brakes. Of course, the 45 TFSI drags the fuel economy down by a few mpg, and the higher curb weight contributes to this.

Now, let us take a look at the standard safety features that come on the Audi Q3. This vehicle comes with electronic stability program (ESP) that includes an off-road mode. You also get an electromechanical parking brake, electronic rear child locks on the doors, a system for monitoring tire pressure, an advanced airbag protection system, easy-to-use anchors and tethers for the LATCH child car safety seat system, and progressive steering. The Premium has traditional cruise control while the Premium Plus is upgraded to adaptive cruise control with a traffic jam assist function. That trim level also includes the HomeLink universal transceiver (which can control your home's lights and garage door) and Audi advanced key (which features keyless start, stop, and entry).

On the outside, both trim levels have provisions set up for a towing bracket. Both have power-adjustable, heated exterior side mirrors, but the Premium Plus gets a memory function for them. Aluminum roof rails adorn the top of the Q3, and there is a tailgate roof spoiler. The Premium has LED headlights, but the Premium Plus gets the full array of LEDs. Rear fog lights are standard, as are LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. The window surrounds are done in aluminum. The Premium rides atop silver 18-inch 5-arm wheels while the Premium Plus gets a 5-V-spoke design. It also comes with dynamic automatic headlight leveling.

Inside of the cabin, you with find a lot of similarities: leatherette armrests, a power tailgate, numerous storage areas, alu-optic interior elements, and a power panoramic sunroof. But, while the Premium sticks with regular door sills, the Premium Plus equips illuminated S line aluminum door sills. Both vehicles have a black cloth headliner, tri-zone automatic climate control, a center armrest for the front seat occupants, breathable leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, aluminum spectrum inlays, and a rear seatback that is 40/20/40-split folding.

The Premium Plus adds a frameless, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a built-in digital compass. This trim level also upgrades you to a multi-color Contour/Ambient LED interior lighting package and three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with shift paddles mounted to it.

How do these trim levels stack up infotainment-wise? The Premium starts you off with standard Audi pre sense front, hill descent control, and smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On top of that, you get Audi drive select, high beam assist, a rear-view camera, a standard Audi sound system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen display for the MMI touch system, voice recognition, a lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert with Audi side assist, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Whew, that is definitely a lot of features.

Of course, the Premium Plus adds onto that foundation rather well. This trim level gives you a 360-degree surround-view camera system so you can see a top-down view of what is around the Q3. Also, you can benefit from having a 90-day all-access trial to SiriusXM and wireless charging on the Audi Phone Box.

Compare the Convenience Package vs Technology Package. What is the difference?

Before we jump into the Convenience and Technology packages, we have to quickly mention the Black Optic Sport Package. This is mostly an appearance package, but it has a few nice upgrades. It equips 19-inch 5-double-arm wheels done in titanium, all-season tires, S line sport seats, and the Black optic exterior kit and roof rails. It basically just makes the Q3 come off as a little bit sportier in terms of appearance, but not in terms of how the vehicle actually performs.

Now, let us go over the Convenience Package and what it has to offer. You can get it put onto the Premium trim level if you want its features. The Convenience Package comes with the hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, memory settings for the driver's seat, and side mirrors that are auto-dimming and power-folding. These features do get all wrapped in as standard issue on the Premium Plus.

If you want an even greater abundance of technology equipped on your Premium Plus, you can select the Technology Package. This package adds on a 6-month trial subscription to Audi connect PRIME and PLUS. MMI Navigation plus comes standard, as does a 12.3-inch display with the Audi virtual cockpit. The MMI touch response infotainment system gains a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, and you get integration via Amazon Alexa tacked on for good measure. Apple CarPlay has a wireless function, and you get to use a traffic sign recognition feature while driving. On top of that, you can rock out to the SONOS premium sound system with 3D sound built in.

The only other options that get left over are side airbags for the rear seats passengers and matte inlays for the dash done in a chic brown-gray natural wood tone. Other than that, everything is wrapped into the trim levels or comes in one of the three available packages. Customization options are considerably slim, but they also are not really that necessary since you already get so much packed into the Q3 trim level of your choice.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what comes on the 2022 Audi Q3's two trim levels (and what you can get from the available package options), you should have a clearer idea as to whether or not the Q3 is the right small luxury SUV for you.

The Q3's price point is hard to resist. And for what you get bundled in tech-wise, the cost feels pretty justifiable. The abundance of standard technology is only enhanced by the fact that it is known to work well and provide users with a user-friendly experience.

But the fuel economy is definitely a detracting factor that could keep you from buying the Audi Q3. The 45 TFSI variants have a lot of added curb weight, but even the 40 TFSI's fuel economy is considerably sub par for this segment. These days, buying a luxury vehicle does not necessarily mean making a huge sacrifice in terms of efficiency. Most manufacturers strive to hit the mid-20s or higher in miles per gallon within this segment. The fact that Audi has not engineered an engine that matches those numbers for the Q3 is somewhat disappointing.

That being said, we do think that the 45 TFSI is the way to go if you plan on buying the Audi Q3. It gives more passing power thanks to its enhanced power output. The 40 TFSI feels far too sluggish in terms of its acceleration. If you need to shop within a somewhat restricted budget, go for the base Premium trim level but equip the Convenience Package on it. This tacks on a minimal extra cost but delivers on the comfort front, giving you all the gadgets you could possibly want in a luxury SUV.

However, if your budget is more relaxed, we recommend getting the Premium Plus with the 45 TFSI equipped. In all honesty, it does not cost that much more than the 40 TFSI Premium trim level, and it gives you everything from the Convenience Package and more as standard. If you really want to go all out, add the Technology package. It maximizes your line-up of gadgetry and gives you the crisp sound delivery from the SONOS premium audio system.

All in all, the 2022 Audi Q3 makes for a gadget-packed - albeit a bit sluggish and fuel-guzzling - entry into the world of luxury SUVs. Its build quality is superior, and the materials used definitely look and feel expensive. Comfort abounds inside of this vehicle, so kick back, relax, and enjoy a nice, long ride inside the 2022 Audi Q3.