2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru aimed for incremental improvements with the 2020 Outback, building on its established formula of utility, safety, and performance. The sixth-generation Outback featured a new Global Platform chassis, increasing structural rigidity by 70%. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly unchanged, had 90% new parts and offered 182 horsepower. Higher trims included a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent, providing more power. Exterior changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, while the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system, which used facial recognition for driver settings and safety alerts.

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and chunky design, emphasizing dynamic handling. The interior echoed this modern aesthetic, with a center touchscreen as a focal point. The Q3's cabin, though still refined, felt less special compared to newer Volkswagen interiors. The Q3 was available in Premium and Premium Plus trims, with standard features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim added remote start, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate, with additional features available through packages.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine allowed the Outback to reach 60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, reducing the typical CVT drawbacks. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. The Outback's approach, departure, and breakover angles were 18.6, 21.7, and 19.4 degrees, respectively, making it capable but not a Jeep.

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, with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Q3's Drive Select system included Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, enhancing its versatility. The base engine had some turbo lag, but the S-Line's powertrain provided a lively and engaging driving experience. The Q3 balanced nimble handling with a comfortable ride, making it enjoyable without compromising refinement.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to the larger interior volume. The Outback provided ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers, and its low load height and center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk. Visibility was excellent, except for a rear-quarter blind spot, which could be mitigated with optional blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was subpar for its class. However, the Q3 excelled in passenger space, with comfortable front seats and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear. It could seat five, but four passengers would be more comfortable on longer trips.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and mostly user-friendly. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation, app usage, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system had potential if Subaru addressed the lag and resolution problems.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen running the MMI system, which was ergonomic and included Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with features like wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often triggered false alerts, detracting from its effectiveness. Subaru's EyeSight system, while standard, could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off unexpectedly.

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.