2021 Toyota Sienna 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 interiors caught up in design.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to change the minivan's image with a more SUV-like appearance. It had a wide grille, sleek LED headlamp arrays, and an assertive stance. The sliding side doors were sculpted with a body line that swooped up from the rocker panels, and alloy wheels filled the arches. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, a higher seating position, and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, and the center console was designed for convenience with ample storage.

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 had nimble handling and a comfortable ride, with Audi's Drive Select offering Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes. The base engine had some turbo lag, but the more powerful S-Line engine provided a lively performance.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which delivered power smoothly but blunted throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy, with FWD models rated at 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

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 comfortable front seats and impressive rear seat headroom and legroom. It could seat five, but four passengers could take a road trip in comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with a third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches. The cabin had 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood inside with the tailgate closed. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, adding family-friendly convenience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system had 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. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came with a nine-inch touchscreen standard in all grades, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the driver enjoyed a color multi-information display and an optional 10-inch Head-Up Display.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with 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, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System was also standard, along with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors. A rear-seat reminder system and tire pressure monitoring system were standard. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, and the 2021 model was expected to perform similarly.