2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q3 exhibited a striking design that spoke to a phase of bold automotive styling. The prominent Audi corporate grille on its front was seamlessly integrated with its robust and compact design. This arrangement created an impression of utility and dynamic handling, with a distinct emphasis on the latter. The Q3's cabin continued this theme with a modern and mechanical aesthetic. The dashboard was designed to frame the central touchscreen, positioning one of the Q3’s most notable features prominently. When Audi first introduced this interior layout with the 2019 model, it stood out as an avant-garde design. However, with Volkswagen refining its interiors, the Q3's cabin began to feel sophisticated but less unique over time.

Trims for the 2021 Audi Q3 included the Premium and Premium Plus. The Premium trim offered leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. It also came with a power liftgate, four USB ports, and several high-tech driver-assistance features. Meanwhile, the Premium Plus trim added features like remote start, pushbutton start, keyless entry, wireless charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. Previously, the Prestige trim was the top tier, but its features were now available as optional packages in the 2021 lineup.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, showcased a sharp and stylish design that maintained Audi's design language while exuding its unique character. With LED headlights flanking the large Singleframe grille, the Q5 portrayed an expressive and broad appearance. Its body lines were crisp, and the rear featured bold, large taillights. The Q5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model stood out with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside the Q5, the design was equally sophisticated and modern. The arrangement of buttons, switches, and knobs was intuitive, ensuring a clutter-free environment. The materials used were upscale, including real wood and metal, which came together seamlessly. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly placed for easy driver access. The second row also offered standard leather seating, maintaining the luxurious feel of the cabin throughout.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The S-Line trim leveled up the same engine to deliver 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Although the more powerful powertrain was previously standard, its optional status came with a welcome reduction in the base MSRP by $2,000, with the engine option available for the same amount.

The higher-output engine provided a lively performance with a solid kick, especially noticeable in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for harder acceleration. Audi's Drive Select offered various modes such as Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road, with the latter best suited for light trails. The standard engine, while similar off the line, displayed more turbo lag during hard acceleration and passing maneuvers. Despite this, the Q3 managed to balance nimble handling with a comfortable ride excellently.

Conversely, the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took driving enjoyment a notch higher. It paired its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to achieve a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds and an impressive fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The 14.1-kWh battery offered up to 20 miles of electric-only range and could be recharged overnight on household current or in 2.4 hours using a Level 2 charger.

The Q5 utilized a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD. It allowed drivers to choose modes for battery-only driving, hybrid driving, or reserving battery power for later. Its driving dynamics were enhanced by speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension, providing a sporty yet comfortable ride with minimal body roll.

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 its rear-seat cargo space was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the overall cargo space was subpar compared to its class. However, the Q3 excelled in passenger space. The front seats were comfortable with ample deep cargo pockets, while the rear seats offered impressive legroom and headroom, making it suitable for up to four adults on longer trips.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 struck a balance of not being too large or too small, akin to the Goldilocks principle. Its smart packaging allowed it to house the battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. There were 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and an expansive 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. Passengers in the second row enjoyed 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, ensuring comfort for adults even on longer rides.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system. It featured logical and ergonomic menu navigation, standard Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. Additionally, the Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display, capable of showcasing the navigation map across nearly the entire screen.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV, meanwhile, boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a center-console touchpad that was user-friendly. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus featured a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster with various customizable views. The color and mood-adjustable LED ambient interior lights added another layer of customization to the cabin. The Navigation Package was included in the Prestige Package and optional on the Premium Plus trim but unavailable on the base model. Additionally, the Q5 featured the Integrated Toll Module (ITM), a built-in transponder compatible with most toll services in the U.S. The Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, with 19 speakers and a 755-watt amplifier, was available on the Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, incorporating features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available safety features comprised a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist for both parallel and perpendicular parking spots.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 gasoline-only model had received top ratings in most categories. The Q5 gasoline model was also rated five stars by NHTSA. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, and electronic stability control with off-road mode. Available driver assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, and a top-view camera system.