2019 Audi Q3 is ready to be a contender

Even at the time of its initial announcement, the second-generation Q3 was sorely needed. 

Since the first generation's stateside debut in 2015, the Q3's segment has ballooned with some impressive offerings, many of which leapfrogged the older Audi in terms of luxury and tech. 

Consider the tables turned, though, as the new Q3 feels sharp, fresh and ready to once again lead a segment it helped pioneer.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Q3 is quite a bit different.

It's much bigger than it used to be, coming in 3.8 inches longer, 0.7 inches wider and 1.5 inches taller, although half an inch of that newfound height is solely for Yankee buyers, since we like our extra ride height.

Families will have an easier time at the grocery store, with the cargo area growing from 16.7 cubic feet to 18.7, or 23.7 with the adjustable load floor set to its most capacious setting. 

The 40/20/40 folding second row also gains tilting and sliding capability, the latter offering nearly 6 inches of movement.

The Q3 feels big for what it is, and occupants of all shapes and sizes should be plenty comfortable despite the still-small footprint.

A base price of $35,695 gets you a the Premium trim, which includes stuff like a panoramic moonroof, leather seats, LED headlights, a power tailgate, heated exterior mirrors, automatic climate control and a bunch of great tech.

Keep scrolling or clicking to check out even more pictures of the 2019 Audi Q3.