2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille, which complemented its stout and chunky design. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin mirrored this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. When the interior was first introduced in 2019, it stood out, but by 2021, Volkswagen's similar designs had caught up, making the Q3's interior feel less unique, though still refined. The Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus, with features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof standard on the Premium. The Premium Plus added conveniences like remote start and wireless device charging, with additional options available through packages.

The 2022 Acura MDX, a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, was built on a new dedicated platform, enhancing its proportions with a longer wheelbase and wider body. The exterior design was sportier and more assertive, featuring standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Built in Ohio, the MDX boasted high craftsmanship. Inside, the cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard and authentic materials like natural wood and real leather. The center console housed unique controls, including a fighter jet-inspired gear selector. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for safety. The MDX offered comfortable seating, especially in the front row, and a variety of exterior and interior color options.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was 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 powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine option was previously standard but became a $2,000 option, with the base MSRP reduced by the same amount. The Q3's performance was lively, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. It featured Audi’s Drive Select with multiple modes, including Off-Road for light trails. The base engine had some turbo lag, noticeable during hard acceleration or highway passing. The Q3 balanced nimble handling with a comfortable ride, offering an engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on base and Tech trims, with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. SH-AWD enhanced cornering with torque vectoring, sending up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% to either side during turns. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone front setup and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving handling and ride quality. The MDX's body stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, eliminating squeaks and rattles. The 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering five drive modes for tailored performance. The MDX impressed during test drives, feeling competitive with luxury rivals.

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 below average for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable front seats and impressive rear headroom and legroom. It seated five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on longer trips, provided they packed light.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, excelled in versatility. It featured comfortable seating for the first two rows, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and a second row with a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, balancing legroom for all passengers. The third row was best for smaller passengers, but the MDX offered flexible cargo capacity. It provided 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured "Grab ‘N Go" and hands-free access, enhancing convenience. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to suit different moods.

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 features like wireless device charging and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was an optional digital display that replaced the conventional instrument cluster, offering customization and a full-screen navigation map.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts, available on A-Spec and Advance Packages. The base MDX had a nine-speaker system, while the Tech Package offered a 12-speaker setup. All MDX models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa was integrated, allowing home-to-car functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with wireless device charging. The A-Spec and Advance trims included CabinTalk, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also standard.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with 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. Additional options included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 model received high marks, and Acura aimed for even better ratings in 2022. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, with low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite was standard, including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.