Skip to main content

The 2022 Audi Q3 is a small luxury SUV that provides the refinement you would want at a $38,000 price point. It comes with a potent turbocharged engine, an upscale interior, and enough tech-savvy features to appease the most discerning buyer. However, some buyers may find the Q3 a little expensive for their tastes. In that case, here are three cheaper alternatives.

  • 2022 BMW X1 xDrive 28i — $38,600
  • 2022 Buick Encore — $27,295
  • 2022 Volvo XC40 — $36,350

The 2022 BMW X1 goes toe-to-toe with the Audi Q3 at a slightly cheaper price

Front angle view of orange 2023 BMW X1
2023 BMW X1 | BMW

The 2022 BMW X1 is considered the Audi Q3’s main rival. With a starting MSRP of $38,600, the BMW X1 xDrive28i comes in at only a hair under the Q3’s starting price of $38,700, but it provides just as much value. There’s technically only one trim level to choose from, making the X1 easy to shop for.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2022 X1 xDrive28i comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. Much like the Q3, the X1 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that routes its 228 hp through an automatic transmission and out through all four wheels.

As for tech, the X1 comes standard with a curved 10.7-inch infotainment screen connected to a 12.25-inch digital gauge cluster. It also comes standard with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, making it a formidable competitor to the Audi Q3.

The 2022 Buick Encore provides a far cheaper alternative to the Q3

2022 Buick Encore GX
2022 Buick Encore GX | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The 2022 Buick Encore may not be perceived as being in the same ballpark as the Audi Q3, but it’s playing the same game. The Encore comes with a lot of the amenities you would want in a small luxury crossover, including a leather interior, an 18-inch alloy wheel, active noise canceling, and power-adjustable seats.

There’s also a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system available, as well as a 6-speaker sound system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. With 155 hp, It could use a little more power to keep up with cars like the Audi Q3, but its $27,295 starting price more than makes up for it.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 is a unique competitor

Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 | Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

When shopping for an Audi Q3 competitor, you might not think of the 2022 Volvo XC40 right away. We don’t blame you, considering Volvo isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when it comes to luxury. However, you’ll likely be impressed with what the XC40 has to offer.

Some of its standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch driver display, leather seats with heat, and Apple Carplay/Android Auto. Keep in mind that it’s a Volvo, so safety is its forte.

The XC40’s standard safety features include a blind-spot information system with steering assist, a cross-traffic alert system, and rear parking sensors. Overall, that’s a lot of stuff for a starting price of $36,250.

Three cheaper Audi Q3 alternatives

There’s no denying that the 2022 Audi Q3 is an exceptional luxury crossover. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for a near-$40,000 price, then one of these three alternatives should work better for you.

Related

2022 Acura RDX vs. 2022 Audi Q3: Luxury SUV Showdown!