2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. The cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. However, the Q3's interior, while still modern and refined, felt less special as Volkswagen's newer interiors caught up in design.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof. The interior was luxurious with perforated leather upholstery and sumptuous seating. However, the center console design was criticized for being bland and dated, sticking with traditional illuminated buttons and charcoal plastic, unlike the more modern designs of its competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped 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 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble, and it provided a comfortable ride, with Audi's Drive Select offering various driving modes, including Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp. The RX offered a comfortable ride with targeted steering, though it experienced some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements.

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 cargo space was subpar for the class, the Q3 made up for it with ample passenger space, offering comfortable front seats and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear seats.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered various seating configurations, with the two-row models seating five and the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid seating six or seven. The front and second-row seats provided plenty of space, but the third row was tight. The RX had 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Upgrades included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Lexus RX featured standard technology including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. However, the Lexus infotainment system was not the easiest to use, and the touchpad controller took up valuable center console space.

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 RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and scored well in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked the advanced hands-off piloting software found in some competitors.