2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a modern, postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and stout, chunky design. This design emphasized dynamic handling while maintaining an aesthetic of utility. Inside, the Q3's cabin echoed this mechanical, modern look, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen prominently. Although the interior design was a standout when it debuted in 2019, newer Volkswagen interiors have caught up, making the Q3's cabin feel less unique but still refined and modern.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460's styling reflected its long tenure on the market, retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's exterior maintained a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Despite standard leather upholstery, the overall feel was dated.

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 all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select with various modes, including Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road. The base engine, while still capable, exhibited more turbo lag, particularly under hard acceleration.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 kept it simple with a single 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was a throwback, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight impacted higher-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and several off-road driver aids.

The 2021 Audi 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 seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the total cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear seats. It could seat five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on a road trip.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics revealed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position felt bus-like. Despite these issues, the GX offered excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile and low side glass. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and minimal space with the third row up.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the MMI system, standard Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a customizable digital instrument cluster, was also available.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, offering standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a user-friendly interface despite the primitive tech.

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.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard, featuring forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.