2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Acura RDX

Back in 2021, Audi continued to be a leader in the realm of automotive design with their Q3, successfully blending robust utility vibes with dynamic handling cues. Audi's eye-catching corporate grille made a significant impression, accentuating the vehicle's chunky, stout silhouette. This design epitomized the "idea" of utility while primarily excelling in delivering stellar road performance.

Inside, the Q3 carried forward its modern, mechanical aesthetic. The dashboard design prominently displayed the center touchscreen, underscoring one of the car's standout features. When the Q3's interior was redesigned for the 2019 model year, it was a trailblazer. However, by 2021, competitors like Volkswagen started catching up with similar, though less premium, interior looks. Despite the improvements from Volkswagen, the Q3’s cabin continued to feel refined and luxurious, though not as unparalleled as it once was.

The 2021 Q3 was available in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus. The Premium trim came with leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other features included a power liftgate, four USB ports, and several advanced driver assistance features, with additional conveniences available in the optional Convenience Package.

The Q3 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power was transmitted via an eight-speed automatic transmission to the standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Opting for the S-Line trim upgraded the same engine to 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This upgrade cost an additional $2,000 but was worth it given the base MSRP had been adjusted down by $2,000.

The more powerful engine provided a lively response, especially when engaging the "S" or Sport mode which improved throttle response and gear shifts. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select with modes like Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road. Though not transforming the Q3 into an off-road beast, the Off-Road mode was adequate for light dirt trails.

The lower-powered engine had some noticeable turbo lag, particularly during hard acceleration or highway passing maneuvers. In terms of handling, the Q3 balanced nimbleness with a comfortable ride quality, offering an engaging driving experience without sacrificing refinement.

The 2021 RDX housed a more potent 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine generating 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and came standard with front-wheel-drive, but Acura's SH-AWD system was a noteworthy add-on, particularly for improved handling and performance.

Drivers could switch between different modes—Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—using the Integrated Dynamics System. This tuned the RDX’s powertrain, steering, and suspension characteristics, adapting the vehicle for various driving conditions.

The A-Spec’s 20-inch alloy wheels and lower-profile tires contributed to slightly better handling, although the absence of adaptive dampers, which were part of the Advance Package, meant the vehicle sometimes struggled with body motion on uneven roads. While the 10-speed transmission didn't match revs during paddle-shifting, the RDX's performance was still robust with responsive, predictable handling.

The Q3 offered 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 rear seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the total cargo capacity with seats folded fell short compared to its rivals.

However, the Q3 compensated with its comfortable and spacious passenger seating. The front seats provided deep cargo pockets and ample comfort, while the rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom, making it suitable for up to four adults on longer journeys, provided they packed light.

In 2021, the Acura RDX stood out with its exceptional passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. Front seats were comfortable and supportive, featuring 12-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, hindered by a low cushion and excessive seatback recline that led to a lack of leg support.

Despite this, the RDX excelled in cargo accommodations, offering 29.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. Additional storage solutions included a deep well in the trunk, perfect for delicate items, and three storage compartments under the cargo floor. When the rear seats were folded, the SUV provided up to 58.9 cubic feet of space, although Acura’s quoted maximum of 79.8 cubic feet was based on moving the front seats far forward, a less practical measurement method.

In 2021, the Acura RDX's A-Spec Package turned heads for its subtly sporty yet sophisticated look that remained practical for everyday driving. Unlike other SUVs that added unnecessary off-roading features, the RDX's styling changes, like blacked-out trims, were understated but significant in conveying a sporty appeal.

Inside, the RDX A-Spec was all about sports-inspired aesthetics, featuring front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, a black headliner, dark brushed aluminum trim, sport pedals, red exposed stitching, and ambient lighting. Despite some critiques regarding gauge readability, the RDX interior offered a distinctive departure from typical compact crossover cabins.

The 2021 Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system operating on Audi’s MMI platform. The system featured logical menu navigation and included standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded version with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system was also available.

Additionally, the Q3 offered the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the conventional instrument cluster. This allowed for different customization options, including a nearly full-screen navigation map.

The Acura RDX's True Touchpad Interface (TTI) was a significant aspect of its technology suite. Unlike conventional touchscreens, the TTI required drivers to navigate using a touchpad on the center console—a method meant to mirror the screen’s position but which demanded a learning curve.

Despite not being a touchscreen, the TTI was augmented by separate physical controls for stereo and climate functions, smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a voice command system. The A-Spec trim also included a superior 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system.