The Audi Q3 was introduced into Audi’s lineup as a subcompact luxury crossover SUV in 2015 and remains available through today. The Q3 is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of an Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 has a towing capacity of 1,499 pounds to 2,200 pounds depending on the model year.
There’s a bit more to know about Audi Q3 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2023 Audi Q3 can tow 1,499 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2023 Audi Q3 Premium can pull 1,499 pounds.
A 2023 Audi Q3 Premium Plus can pull 1,499 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Premium | 1,499 lbs / 680kg |
| Premium Plus | 1,499 lbs / 680kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Audi Q3 Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Audi Q3 Braked Tow Capacity: 1,499 lbs (2019-2023), 2,200 lbs (2015-2018)
Audi Q3 Unbraked Tow Capacity: 1,499 lbs (2019-2023), 1,650 lbs (2015-2018)
Audi Q3 Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Audi Q3 tow capacity.
Model Year
The Q3’s tow capability varied a little bit by year and generation.
The early model years had a max towing capability up to 2,200 pounds, while the models from 2019 on could only tow 1,499 to 1,500 pounds.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Audi Q3, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Audi Q3 Tow Package Info
Does The Audi Q3 Have A Tow Package?
Audi does not offer a towing package for the Q3, so you’ll need to install it yourself.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Audi Q3?
If you plan on towing anything with your Audi Q3, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Audi Q3 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Audi Q3 uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Audi Q3 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Audi Q3 and Q3 Quattro
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Q3:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Audi Q3 Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Audi Q3 trailer hitch installation:
Audi Q3 Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Q3, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Audi Q3?
The Audi Q3 stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.
How Do I Know If My Audi Q3 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Q3 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Q3.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2022 Audi Q3 can tow 1,499 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2022 Audi Q3 Premium can pull 1,499 pounds.
A 2022 Audi Q3 Premium Plus can pull 1,499 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Premium | 1,499 lbs / 680kg |
| Premium Plus | 1,499 lbs / 680kg |
2021 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2021 Audi Q3 can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
A 2021 Audi Q3 Premium can pull 1,500 pounds.
A 2021 Audi Q3 Premium Plus can pull 1,500 pounds.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680kg |
| Premium Plus | 1,500 lbs / 680kg |
2020 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2020 Audi Q3 can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2020 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Premium | 1,500 lbs / 680kg |
| Premium Plus | 1,500 lbs / 680kg |
2019 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2019 Audi Q3 can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2019 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680kg |
2018 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2018 Audi Q3 can tow 2,200 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2018 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,200 lbs / 1,000kg |
2017 Audi Q3 Towing Capacity
The 2017 Audi Q3 can tow 2,200 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2017 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,200 lbs / 1,000kg |
2016 Audi Q3 Tow Capacity
The 2016 Audi Q3 can tow 2,200 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2016 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,200 lbs / 1,000kg |
2015 Audi Q3 Tow Capacity
The 2015 Audi Q3 can tow 2,200 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.
Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2015 Audi Q3 can tow.
| Audi Q3 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 2,200 lbs / 1,000kg |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Audi Q3 Owner’s Manuals on Audi’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Audi Q3.
