2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline-powered counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, it shared the same 19-inch alloy wheels and interior layout, including the 7-inch infotainment screen and multi-function center console. The hybrid model featured subtle distinctions such as blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badging, a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper, and LED fog lights on EX models and above. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed to adjust brake regeneration.

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a bold design with a massive corporate grille that complemented its chunky styling, emphasizing utility and dynamic handling. The interior echoed this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the redesigned Q3 debuted in 2019, its interior was a standout, but newer Volkswagen models had started to catch up. Despite this, the Q3's cabin remained modern and refined. The 2021 Q3 was available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with the latter adding features like remote start, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Technology Package offered a larger touchscreen, premium stereo, and digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric generator/starter motor, and a propulsion motor, delivering a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This setup eliminated the need for a conventional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead. The hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, significantly better than the gasoline model's 27/32/29 mpg. However, it ranked third in fuel efficiency compared to the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid offered a smooth ride and responsive handling, with AWD kicking in as needed. The EV mode was limited to short distances, and the brake-regen adjustments provided some driving customization.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with 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 powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's performance was lively, with solid power for passing and engaging driving dynamics, especially in Sport mode. Audi's Drive Select system provided Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, with the latter suitable for light dirt trails. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, but the overall handling was nimble and the ride comfortable, striking a balance between engagement and refinement.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity due to the battery pack beneath the cargo floor, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with them folded. This was less than the non-hybrid's 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet but still more than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered slightly more cargo space. The CR-V Hybrid featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and maintained passenger comfort with more overall space than its competitors. The configurable center console bin provided additional storage, though the armrest's adjustability was too loose.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with them folded, which was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV but subpar for the class. However, the Q3 excelled in passenger space, with comfortable front seats and ample headroom and legroom in the rear. It could seat five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on longer trips, provided they packed light.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims added a 7-inch touchscreen, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM, HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top Touring trim offered navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's lack of haptic feedback and complicated menu navigation were drawbacks.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features were wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, which included automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.