2019 GMC Acadia vs 2019 Audi Q3

Shoppers have many options when they want a family vehicle, but most look to the 3-row midsize SUV, rather than the minivan, as the de facto family hauler. But not all 3-row SUVs are created equal, and that’s a good thing because families have different needs.

Old-school, full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe might be overkill for getting the kids to soccer practice, but they're ideal when it comes to towing a boat or camper trailer while on a road trip. On the other end of the spectrum, a compact SUV such as the Volkswagen Tiguan is far more practical for cities and has an optional third row. For many families, that third row won’t always be occupied, so it shouldn't detract from other areas of the vehicle, cut into cargo space, or break the bank.

General Motors enjoys the luxury of multiple, somewhat overlapping brands and utilizes this overlap to offer two kinds of 3-row SUVs. The Chevrolet Traverse is one example; it feels like a stretched-out midsize SUV, almost like a downsized Tahoe.

The 2019 GMC Acadia rides on the same platform as the Traverse but feels like a completely different vehicle. It has a shorter wheelbase and a more upscale cabin, resulting in a midsize SUV that feels less like a family hauler and more like something special and unique.

But 3-row midsize SUVs compete in an extremely crowded segment against some of the most popular vehicles on the market, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and Subaru Ascent, just to name a few. So how does the Acadia stack up when it comes to balancing 3-row seating capacity and overall usability? Read on to find out and learn which trim of the Acadia CarGurus recommends.

If you’ve spent any time on our site or you follow the car industry in general, you’ll know that small SUVs and crossovers are kings right now, and it’s easy to see why. Consider vehicles like the Volvo XC40, BMW X1, or Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (if you’re not into the whole brevity thing). While these vehicles might excel at different things, nearly every vehicle in the subcompact luxury SUV market aims for the same balance of comfortable interiors, composed handling, and the latest infotainment and safety technologies.

But these vehicles all typically suffer in the same areas: a lack of cargo and backseat space, and less-than-thrilling performance. While they won’t be as spacious as a larger SUV or even some station wagons, they all have enough space for some weekend bags, groceries, or all the kid’s gear for school or practice.

The all-new Audi Q3 feels larger than before. It also feels like Audi made fewer compromises than it did with the last Q3. As a result, the 2019 Q3 is one of the most compelling entries in the subcompact SUV market.