2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, was priced at $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a modern, postmodern automotive styling with a massive corporate grille that complemented its stout, chunky design. The cabin echoed this mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. The Q3’s interior, which debuted with the redesigned model in 2019, felt modern and refined, though not as special as newer Volkswagen interiors. The Q3 was available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with standard features including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium Plus trim added remote start, pushbutton start, remote keyless entry, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s powertrain was merely adequate. While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing slower vehicles, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg for FWD versions, but real-world testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the vehicle was not particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

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 all-wheel drive (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base MSRP was $2,000 lower, with the 228-hp engine available as a $2,000 option. The more powerful engine provided lively performance and solid power for passing, especially in Sport mode, which quickened throttle response and altered transmission mapping. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes. The base engine had some turbo lag, most noticeable under hard acceleration or when making passing moves on the highway. The Q3 offered nimble handling and a comfortable ride, striking a balance between engagement and refinement.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though somewhat undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs and Quick Comfort heating. However, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller drivers. The rear seats, on the other hand, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a great view, enhanced by the panoramic sunroof. Rear passengers also benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was a strong point, with 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, underfloor storage compartments, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the total cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for this with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable with deep cargo pockets, and the rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom. The Q3 could seat five, but four passengers could comfortably take a road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Depending on the trim level, upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. These services offered features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote engine starting, door lock operation, a car finder function, automatic collision notification, emergency SOS calling, and safe teen driver settings. However, the NissanConnect interface, with its 7-inch touchscreen, was outdated and slow to respond, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, which featured logical menu navigation, 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, an available feature, replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display that could present the navigation map across nearly the entire screen.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking for the front and rear, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and a Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features were a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and subpar ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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 driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features were a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist for parallel and perpendicular parking spots.