2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a bold design with its massive corporate grille, which complemented its stout and chunky styling. This design approach aimed to present an idea of utility and dynamic handling, primarily delivering on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen prominently. When this interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's interiors had caught up, making the Q3's cabin feel modern and refined, though not as special.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the front seats. The driving position was sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat added convenience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came 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 (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which quickened throttle response and altered transmission mapping for harder acceleration. The Q3 also featured Audi's Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the latter was best suited for light dirt trails.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for more responsive performance. All CX-5s came standard with AWD, and the EPA rated this powertrain at 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged engine with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The Turbo also featured the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved, with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning for a quieter and smoother ride.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 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 subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for this with its passenger space, offering comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive rear seat headroom and legroom. It could seat five, but four passengers could take a road trip in comfort if they packed light.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its front seats with new furnishings that provided better comfort and support. The driving position was sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat added convenience. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, as the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with small bins and wireless smartphone charging. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which compared favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but was unimpressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features included 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 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional available features included a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).