2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a bold design with its massive corporate grille, complementing its stout and chunky styling. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the cabin echoed a modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, highlighting one of the Q3’s standout features. While initially a standout design, the Q3's interior began to feel less unique as Volkswagen's designs caught up, though it remained modern and refined.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant exterior styling revisions, including a new grille, headlights, and bumper, giving it a fresh look. The rear also saw updates with revised taillights and a new bumper. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard housing the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter boasting a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. The cabin offered a spacious and comfortable environment, enhanced by features like leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats.

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 with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3 provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, and featured Audi’s Drive Select with multiple driving modes. Despite some turbo lag in the base engine, the Q3 delivered nimble handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with higher outputs available in certain trims. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering rear-wheel drive or optional 4WD. The Expedition excelled in towing capacity, ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. While the engine provided addictive power, the fuel economy was less impressive, with observed figures around 16.2 mpg. The Expedition’s driving dynamics were generally smooth, though the sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition could result in a harsh ride.

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 subpar for its class, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable seating for up to five, with impressive headroom and legroom.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space, offering comfort levels unmatched by many vehicles. It featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped front seats and a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom. The Expedition provided 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for larger loads.

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 audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit offered a customizable digital display.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like SiriusXM radio and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Sync 4A offered advanced voice recognition and personal driver profiles. However, some quirks were noted, such as issues with Apple CarPlay and the voice-recognition system.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like Audi Pre Sense, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also introduced new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist.