2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that embraced the era of "postmodern automotive styling," with its massive corporate grille fitting well with the vehicle's stout and chunky styling. 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 prominently framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's similar designs had somewhat diminished its uniqueness. Despite this, the Q3's interior remained modern and refined, though not as distinctive as before.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX required a closer look to notice its styling changes, inspired by the larger MDX model. The updates included modifications to the grille surround, bumper styling, and new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included various trims, with the A-Spec Advance package offering high-quality materials and a quieter interior. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a flair for style, setting it apart from many rivals.

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 optional power unit was previously standard, but Audi lowered the base MSRP by $2,000, making the more potent engine a $2,000 option. The Q3's handling was nimble, with a comfortable ride, and Audi's Drive Select offered various driving modes, including Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the RDX offered front-wheel drive or Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) provided distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension offered a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's cabin was quieter than before, thanks to sound-deadening measures.

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 overall cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable front seats and impressive rear headroom and legroom. It could seat five, but four passengers could travel comfortably on a road trip.

The 2022 Acura RDX, a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position, though the control layout required some acclimation. The RDX's back seat was less comfortable, with a flat design to ensure a flat cargo load floor. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring standard 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 replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the TTI infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display with a touchpad controller. The system required a learning curve, as it offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard, with optional features like 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 RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the AcuraWatch suite, adding pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.