10 best Audi Q3 alternatives in 2024

If you’re in the market for a small premium SUV, the Audi Q3 is likely to be on your shopping list. It’s a handsome-looking thing with a lovely cabin, loads of interior space and plenty of standard equipment. There’s also an all-new Q3 on the way in the next few months which promises to be even better.

But what if the Q3 doesn’t float your boat? Maybe you’re after something more fun to drive, better value for money or perhaps you’re ready to make the switch to an EV instead? Well there are plenty of alternatives to consider, and we’re going to go over 10 of the best.

The 10 best Audi Q3 alternatives in 2024

1. BMW X1
2. Mini Countryman
3. Audi Q4 e-tron
4. Mercedes GLA
5. Volvo EX40
6. Peugeot 3008
7. Range Rover Evoque
8. Volkswagen T-Roc R
9. Lexus NX
10. Used Audi SQ5

1. BMW X1

The latest BMW X1 is a small SUV which is fantastic to drive. Not only is it a comfortable cruiser, it’s also pretty fun to fling down a back road. You get a pretty spacious interior as well with a big boot and generous rear legroom.

It is annoying that all of the climate controls are operated through the touchscreen, and the X1 is a bit pricey for a small SUV. It does feel expensive inside though, with plenty of plush materials and really solid build quality.

2. Mini Countryman

You might not guess by looking at it, but the new Mini Countryman is actually pretty much identical to the BMW X1 under the skin. This means you get the same range of punchy engines, but wrapped up in a more interesting-looking bodyshell.

The Countryman isn’t quite as comfortable as the X1, but it does have a much more funky interior. The dashboard and door cards are wrapped in a cool fabric, and the circular infotainment screen looks great as well.

3. Audi Q4 e-tron

If you’re ready to make the switch to an electric car, but want to stick with the Audi brand, the Q4 e-tron is a great choice. It has all the positive traits of the Q3, including a spacious and well-made interior, just with zero tailpipe emissions.

It doesn’t have the longest range in this class, and the fiddly touch-sensitive interior controls can be annoying, but the Q4 e-tron is really relaxing to drive and it’s loaded with kit. You can also get a Sportback version with a sloping coupe roofline.

4. Mercedes GLA

For some people, style matters above all else. If this applies to you, then the Mercedes GLA is worth considering. It’s a great-looking SUV, especially compared to the handsome but conservative Q3, and this design flair is continued inside.

The cabin may not be as well-made as the Audi’s, but the dashboard has a really cool layout and the infotainment system is top-notch. There’s loads of space in the back seats as well, although this does result in quite a small boot.

5. Volvo EX40

Now for another electric SUV, what about the Volvo EX40? This stylish Scandinavian EV has a lot going for it, including a really spacious cabin and loads of safety kit. It’s also available with a 408hp dual-motor setup, so it’s blisteringly fast.

Sadly the handling doesn’t live up to the rapid turn of speed – it’s not as fun to drive as a BMW X1 – but with up to 341 miles of range you shouldn’t have to worry about range anxiety, and the EX40 is more comfortable to drive than an Audi Q3.

6. Peugeot 3008

If you’re after something a bit left-field, the Peugeot 3008 has really distinctive styling and an interior which can almost match the Q3’s in terms of quality, and beats it on the design front with its multi-layered dashboard and funky-looking fabrics.

It may not have a posh German badge on the nose, but the 3008 is bound to turn heads and it’s really well-equipped as standard. As well as a choice of petrol and hybrid models, there is also an all-electric version on offer.

7. Range Rover Evoque

There are few brands with more kudos than Range Rover, and the Evoque is effortlessly cool thanks to its drop-dead gorgeous styling. The interior feels suitably posh as well with loads of leather and soft-touch plastic.

The rear seats are pretty cramped compared to the Q3, and the boot is quite as big either, but you might be willing to look past these downfalls because it’s great to drive, and it performs really well off-road as well if you need to leave the beaten track.

8. Volkswagen T-Roc R

Maybe you’re looking for an SUV which can deliver hot hatch thrills. Well the Volkswagen T-Roc R fits the bill. It’s essentially a VW Golf R on stilts, so you get the same 2.0-litre engine with 300hp, and it has all-wheel drive so it has loads of grip through the corners.

The interior is a bit of a let down on a car of this price thanks to the abundance of hard, scratchy plastics, but the T-Roc R makes up for this with its long list of standard equipment. You can get an uprated exhaust as well to make it sound even more sporty.

9. Lexus NX

The Lexus NX is a great-looking SUV with a choice of two efficient hybrid engines. The plug-in version will do 47 miles on electric power alone, and the electric motors add plenty of punch so it feels pretty nippy when you put your foot down.

The CVT automatic gearbox is a bit noisy under acceleration, but once you’re up to speed the NX is smooth, quiet and comfortable for cruising. The seats are especially comfortable, and the interior is a lovely place to spend time.

10. Used Audi SQ5

For the same price as a brand new Audi Q3, you could get yourself a used Audi SQ5. It’s the more sporty version of the larger Q5 SUV, meaning it’s more spacious than the Q3 and it also has more standard equipment.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 347hp, and 0-60mph is dealt with in just 5.1 seconds. For between £40,000 and £45,000 you can get a four-year-old example with pretty low miles, just make sure any potential purchase has been looked after and has a good service history.

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