2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, bridging the gap between Chevrolet and Cadillac. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, it shared powertrains and assembly origins in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The Acadia Denali trim, with its all-wheel drive and Satin Steel Metallic paint, aimed to convey upscale aspirations. The design updates were most evident in the front, featuring squared-off headlights and a boxier grille. Inside, changes were subtle, with new electronic transmission shift switches and open-pore wood trim in the Denali. Despite its premium positioning, the cabin mixed soft surfaces with hard plastics, lacking distinctive luxury elements beyond leather upholstery and wood trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and chunky design, suggesting utility and dynamic handling. The interior echoed this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. While initially a standout, the Q3's interior faced competition from Volkswagen's similar designs. The Q3 offered Premium and Premium Plus trims, with features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver assistance systems. The Premium Plus trim added conveniences like remote start and wireless charging, maintaining a refined yet modern cabin feel.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options. Lower trims featured a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the SLT came with a 230-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. The AT4 and Denali trims boasted a 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional, except for the AT4's exclusive dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 provided smooth power and a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, though its driving character was considered forgettable.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more potent 228-hp version. The Q3's powertrain felt lively, especially in Sport mode, enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping. Audi's Drive Select offered various modes, including Off-Road for light trails. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, noticeable during hard acceleration. The Q3 balanced nimble handling with a comfortable ride, providing an engaging driving experience.

The 2020 GMC Acadia accommodated five to seven passengers, with the Denali trim offering six-passenger seating via second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, ideal for long trips. Heated second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, with air vents and USB ports for rear passengers. Despite being smaller than previous models, the third-row seat offered decent space. Cargo volume was 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind them. While subpar for the class, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable with deep cargo pockets, and the rear seats provided impressive headroom and legroom. It seated five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on longer trips.

The 2020 GMC Acadia featured an infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered higher resolution and improved voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with additional tech upgrades like USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a high-definition surround-view camera. The rear camera mirror provided an unobstructed view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen running Audi’s MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless charging and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features like a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings were standard from the SL trim. Advanced features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking required higher trims and additional packages. The NHTSA gave it 5-star ratings in most tests, but the IIHS had incomplete data.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing its safety profile.