2021 Audi Q3 — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Audi Q3 is an SUV powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. It returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Audi Q3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Audi Q3: Fuel economy improves from 26 to 28 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 84 cu ft (2,379 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 17 cu ft (481 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 24 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 20 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 239 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2021 Audi Q3, all with the 2L 4-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 239 | $2,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 17 cubic feet (about 481 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Audi Q3
Running Costs: 2021 Audi Q3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Audi Q3 at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Audi Q3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Audi Q3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Steering — campaign 26V590000, reported 11 September 2026. Risk: A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 22V673000, reported 8 September 2022. Risk: A damaged vent pipe may allow fuel to spill out of the filler neck when the fuel cap is opened, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Seat belts — campaign 21V606000, reported 5 August 2021. Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Audi Q3. The most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (4), Electrical system (3), Engine (3). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 16 complaints across the 12 Audi Q3 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Audi Q3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 4 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Steering (1 recall campaign) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Seat belts (1 recall campaign) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Electrical system (3 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Audi Q3 compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 239 g/km CO₂ figure is 14 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 28 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 27 mpg average for Audi models in our database. Its 239 g/km CO₂ figure is 12 g/km lower than the 251 g/km Audi average.
Of the 12 Audi Q3 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (28 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Audi Q3 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Audi Q3
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Audi Q3 have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s8) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi Q3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2021 Audi Q3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Audi Q3 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Audi Q3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Audi Q3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Audi Q3?
Among the 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (4 complaints), Electrical system (3 complaints), Engine (3 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Audi Q3 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 84 cubic feet (about 2,379 litres) and luggage volume at 17 cubic feet (about 481 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Audi Q3's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.