2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

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. Despite the upscale design, the Q3's interior felt less special over time as Volkswagen's non-luxury models caught up in design.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 sported a rugged-looking exterior with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, contrasting sharply with previous generations. The interior had functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality didn't elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather but didn't offer real leather even on the top trims.

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 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble and comfortable, with various drive modes including Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road. The base engine had some turbo lag, but the overall driving experience was engaging and enjoyable.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level usually found in racing engines, but the transmission struggled to keep up. The steering was responsive but lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 excelled on the highway with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension. Off-road models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road had added ground clearance and all-terrain tires, but lacked the capabilities of traditional off-roaders.

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 passenger space was impressive, with comfortable front seats and ample headroom and legroom in the rear. It could seat five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on a road trip.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the center-console storage was limited.

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. 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 offered a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering an 8-inch or 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not flashy, and the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, including 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, and traffic-sign recognition. A 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist were available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist. A 360-degree camera system was also available.