2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

In 2021, the Audi Q3 radiated a compelling blend of robust utility and sleek refinement, thanks largely to its pronounced Audi corporate grille and stout styling. The design suggested an aptitude for dynamic handling, though the primary focus was on delivering an engaging driving experience. On the inside, the Q3's cabin matched this modern aesthetic, centering on a touchscreen surrounded by a well-framed dash. Featuring leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, the Q3’s Premium trim epitomized luxury. An 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power liftgate, four USB ports, and several high-tech driver assistance features came as standard too. With the Premium Plus trim, buyers gained remote start, pushbutton start, wireless device charging, and more, along with optional packages like the $2,700 Technology Package, which added a larger touchscreen, premium stereo, and a digital instrument panel.

Conversely, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan’s exterior was marked by its clean lines and balanced proportions. While some might have considered its design understated, others saw a beauty in its timeless and conservative look. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, almost rivalling midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento in interior space. Inside, the Tiguan boasted a spacious and comfortable layout, capable of seating up to seven with its optional third-row seat, though this was best suited for children. The dash followed a practical, no-nonsense design, yet the engine start button's unusual placement next to the gear selector stood out. Despite the presence of hard plastic and slightly flimsy control stalks, the Tiguan's interior featured digital instrumentation and a flush touchscreen to enhance the overall feel. With trim levels ranging from the base S to the premium SEL Premium R-Line, prices varied from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding a $1,195 destination charge.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offering two variations: one producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and the other in the S-Line trim delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine transmitted power via an eight-speed automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive. The more potent engine provided a lively drive, especially in Sport mode, which sharpened throttle response and modified transmission mapping for better acceleration. The Audi Drive Select system further customized the drive experience with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the latter was more suited for light trails than serious off-roading.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive were standard, with the 4Motion AWD available as a $1,400 option. The Tiguan’s engine was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, making quick acceleration or passing maneuvers feel somewhat lethargic, particularly due to its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. It achieved 25 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD according to EPA estimates, though real-world tests yielded 22.6 mpg for the AWD model. The Tiguan’s driving experience was marked by light and responsive steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking. However, its suspension struggled with sharper bumps, and its tires lacked grip during enthusiastic driving.

Audi’s Q3 provided 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While the space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the maximum cargo capacity was less impressive compared to competitors. Passenger comfort was a strong point, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows, making it suitable for four passengers on longer trips.

The Volkswagen Tiguan, meanwhile, excelled in comfort and spaciousness. Large doors and high seating positions made ingress and egress easy, and the front seats offered excellent visibility and ample adjustments. The rear seats provided generous legroom, and the optional third row expanded seating to seven. However, this third row was best left for children. Cargo capacity varied based on the seating configuration: between 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, significantly more than the Q3. Practical storage options, such as roomy side wells in the cargo area and levers for folding the rear seatbacks, further emphasized the Tiguan’s functionality.

The standard technology in the 2021 Audi Q3 included an 8.8-inch touchscreen running the MMI system with logical menu navigation, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgrade to a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system was available. Audi Virtual Cockpit, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display, also stood out as a notable tech feature.

For the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, the SE trim and above featured the next-generation MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and enhanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the system's user interface had some quirks, and its voice recognition wasn’t entirely reliable. The six-speaker sound system in lower trims struggled with bass-heavy music, unlike the nine-speaker Fender premium audio system in the SEL Premium R-Line. Volkswagen Digital Cockpit provided a less flashy but effective digital infotainment display.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with standard advanced safety features like Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard, while options 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.

Volkswagen's 2021 Tiguan came with IQ Drive, incorporating forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while higher trims included lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. SEL Premium R-Line offered parking sensors and a top-down surround-view camera. However, during testing, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist revealed some inconsistencies. Nevertheless, features like automatic post-collision braking and Car-Net connected services added to the safety suite. The IIHS awarded the 2021 Tiguan a “Top Safety Pick” rating in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, while NHTSA had not fully rated it.