2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that embraced the era of "postmodern automotive styling," with its massive corporate grille fitting well with the vehicle's stout and chunky styling. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin mirrored this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that prominently framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's similar designs had somewhat diminished its uniqueness. Despite this, the Q3's interior remained modern and refined, though not as distinctive as before.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, resembling more of a Jeep with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires. The Wilderness model featured unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, along with a new roof rack system capable of supporting a 700-pound static load. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. These modifications gave the Outback Wilderness a distinct personality, setting it apart from standard versions and adding a sense of purpose to its styling.

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 of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided a lively driving experience, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. The Q3's handling was nimble and engaging, offering a comfortable ride without compromising on dynamic performance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. While the engine was strong, the CVT's droning and simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience during hard acceleration. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, with its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and dual function X-Mode traction system. On pavement, it felt quick but was limited by its tires, making it more suited for off-road adventures.

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. The front seats were comfortable, and the rear seats provided impressive headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated and offered power adjustments, while the rear seats provided generous space for two adults or three children. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

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 a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit offered a customizable digital display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system. While physical knobs and buttons were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, but it featured PIN code entry technology for secure access without a key fob.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized the effectiveness of its EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.