2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. The cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. However, the Q3's interior, while still modern and refined, felt less special as Volkswagen's newer interiors caught up in design.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. Despite its new Black Line treatment, the GX looked old, with a design reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin featured high-quality materials and a quiet environment, but the overall design themes remained similar to the original GX.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble, and it provided a comfortable ride, making it engaging and enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its high drag coefficient and ponderous curb weight, the GX returned 16.8 mpg during testing. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while providing a stable and secure ride on pavement.

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 the class, the Q3 made up for it with comfortable front seats and impressive rear-seat headroom and legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. However, the rear seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was inhospitable for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 46.7 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded.

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. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, 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 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, including 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, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, featured Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies available in competitors.