2019 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Audi Q3 featured a bold design with its large octagonal grille and signature headlights, reminiscent of its larger siblings, the A5 and Q5. Buyers could choose between the standard Quattro equipment or the sportier Quattro S Line, which included unique bumper designs and larger wheels. Inside, the Q3's cabin combined futuristic elements with traditional design, offering a range of trims from Premium to Prestige, each adding more luxury and technology. The Prestige trim, in particular, stood out with its advanced tech features and customizable LED interior lighting.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its classic Jeep aesthetic with a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, appealing to a broad audience. Despite its age, the design remained attractive, offering a range of trims from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit. The Limited X trim, tested at $53,275, featured a sport-themed design with a ventilated hood and 20-inch wheels. However, the interior materials, especially in higher-priced models, were criticized for their overuse of hard plastics, detracting from the overall premium feel.

The 2019 Audi Q3 was powered by a 2-liter turbocharged I4 engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, provided solid acceleration and a dynamic driving experience. The Q3 offered multiple drive modes, including Dynamic for sportier performance and Off-Road for trail use. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride, though some drivers might prefer the more precise handling of competitors like the Volvo XC40 or BMW X1. The Q3 achieved an EPA-rated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, with real-world tests showing 23.3 mpg.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering satisfying acceleration and a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 options were available, including the 707-horsepower supercharged V8 in the Trackhawk model. The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, especially in the Trailhawk trim, with its advanced 4WD systems and Selec-Terrain traction control. However, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements and average steering and braking performance.

The 2019 Audi Q3 offered a spacious cabin with 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The backseat was designed to accommodate full-size adults comfortably, with innovative ceiling panels for extra headroom. Up front, the driver and passenger enjoyed ample space and practical storage solutions. The MMI touchscreen system was user-friendly, with physical climate controls and a convenient volume knob accessible to both driver and passenger.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided seating for five and 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front seats were heated and power-adjustable, though ventilation was not available in the Limited X trim. Rear passengers, including children, found the space comfortable, with adequate legroom and amenities like air vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with thoughtful touches like grocery bag hooks on the seatbacks.

The 2019 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch version in the Prestige trim. The MMI system was intuitive, with large icons and a responsive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless charging and connectivity available in higher trims. The Prestige trim also offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and the advanced Audi Virtual Cockpit, making it a tech-savvy choice for enthusiasts.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was known for its speed and ease of use, though the ride quality could make touchscreen interactions challenging. The Limited X trim included an 8.4-inch display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. An optional 9-speaker Alpine sound system was available, though not as impressive as the Harman Kardon system in other trims. Unique to Jeep, the Off-Road Pages app provided valuable information for off-road adventures.

The 2019 Audi Q3 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Standard driver-assistance systems included forward-collision warning, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Prestige trim added advanced features like a surround-view camera system, offering precise and responsive assistance.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with ProTech I standard across all trims. ProTech II and Advanced ProTech II added features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous parking assist. Despite these offerings, the Grand Cherokee's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and mixed results from IIHS.