2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille, which paired well with its stout, chunky design. This design presented the idea of utility and dynamic handling, primarily delivering on the latter. Inside, the cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, a standout feature since its 2019 redesign. However, newer Volkswagen interiors began to catch up, making the Q3's interior feel modern and refined, but not as special as before.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly the Wilderness trim, emphasized function over form. Its exterior, with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, gave it a rugged look, though not necessarily appealing. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction and clarity of purpose, even if it felt somewhat inexpensive and dated.

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. 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 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and doubling the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester averaged 25.9 mpg during testing and felt adequately powerful at sea level, though it struggled at higher altitudes. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive for a more lively response. The Wilderness trim also included Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode system for better off-road performance and a re-tuned suspension for improved ride and handling.

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 headroom and legroom in the rear seats. It could seat five, but four passengers could comfortably take a road trip if they packed light.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and washable material on the rear seatbacks. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels in both front and back seats, with excellent visibility and practical storage solutions. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubes with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the MMI system, standard Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Other available features were 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 Subaru Forester, even in base trim, included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester also featured a PIN Code Access system for keyless entry during outdoor activities.

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 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 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system with twice the field of vision, making it more accurate and smoother. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.