2026 Audi Q3 Sportback Review: Style Gains, Space Trade-Offs

Audi clearly believes there is space for one more, and the Q3 Sportback is its compact entry that adds a sleeker roof to a familiar package.

Versus the standard Q3, the Sportback drops the roofline by 1.1 inches (29 millimeters). It still looks and drives like a sport utility vehicle with four passenger doors, but the stance is lower and a bit more athletic. There is a trade-off: with the rear seats folded, maximum cargo space falls to 45.5 cubic feet (1,289 liters), which is down 3.4 cubic feet (96 liters) compared with the regular Q3. The smaller rear window area also trims outward visibility a touch, which you will notice when checking blind spots or backing out of tight spaces.

The cabin is familiar if you have sat in the newest Q3. You get the same column shifter mounted to the right of the steering wheel and a combined stalk for the windscreen wipers and turn signals on the left. The fully digital layout remains front and center with an 11.9 inch instrument display and a 12.8 inch infotainment screen. Climate functions now live in the touchscreen, so there are fewer hard keys. You can spec acoustic glass for the front side windows to calm road noise, and the optional 12 speaker, 420 watt Sonos audio system brings surprisingly big sound to a small crossover. Gloss black trim and capacitive touch pads are still here, and while Audi says material quality is improving in future models, this one feels solidly put together.

Outside, the Sportback is not just a roofline change. It rides on 18 inch wheels as standard rather than the Q3’s 17 inch set, and range toppers can move up to 20 inch alloys for a stronger stance. Under the hood, the lineup mirrors the regular Q3: 1.5 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engines, a 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel, and a plug in hybrid built around the smaller gasoline unit. All wheel drive, branded as Quattro, is standard only on the more powerful 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline version; the others send power to the front wheels. Expect Audi to add an S model and a RennSport model later, and those will almost certainly include all wheel drive.

On the road, the Sportback feels like the Q3 you already know: tidy size, easy to park, and comfortable over daily commutes. The lower roof does not steal headroom up front, but very tall rear passengers will notice the slope. If quiet is a priority, that acoustic glass option is worth circling. If style is the priority, the proportions look just right on the 20s.

Pricing in Germany starts at €46,450, which is €1,850 more than an equivalent Q3. Audi has not confirmed whether the Q3 Sportback is United States-bound, and the previous generation did not make the trip, so American shoppers may need to admire it from afar for now.