2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a bold design with its massive corporate grille, fitting well with its chunky styling that suggested utility and dynamic handling. The interior echoed this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. Although initially a standout, the Q3's interior design began to feel less unique as Volkswagen's designs caught up. Despite this, the Q3 maintained a refined and modern feel.

The Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus. The Premium trim included features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The Premium Plus added conveniences such as remote start and wireless charging. The Technology Package, available for an additional cost, enhanced the infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and premium audio.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, historically conservative in design, had evolved significantly over the years. It transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to a focus on SUVs, reflecting market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022 with new styling elements and a unique Avenir trim.

Inside, the Enclave featured a restyled center console and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave came in Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with the Avenir showcasing exclusive design elements and comfort features. The interior was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably, with versatile seating and ample cargo space.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble, providing a comfortable ride with Audi’s Drive Select modes, including Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a smooth, quiet ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package with premium suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, and its AWD capability provided confidence on various terrains.

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 cargo space was limited, the passenger space was generous, with comfortable seating for up to five.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, with easy ingress and egress, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating for six adults. It offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Enclave's interior was versatile, with power-folding third-row seats and a well-designed center console.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen with the MMI system, offering Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with a Bang & Olufsen audio system and Audi Virtual Cockpit.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave also offered advanced safety features and a head-up display on higher trims.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like Audi Pre Sense, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic warning. Additional safety features were available on higher trims, with the Enclave receiving high safety ratings from IIHS.