2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Elite trim, in particular, boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. Certain paint colors required an additional $395. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The 2021 Odyssey Elite aimed to be the Acura of minivans with its upscale interior and toned-down chrome.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive Audi corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. The cabin echoed this mechanical, modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted with the redesigned Q3 in 2019, it was a standout design, but Volkswagen's newer interiors had caught up, making the Q3's cabin feel modern and refined, though not as special.

The Q3 was available in Premium and Premium Plus trims. The Premium trim included leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium Plus trim added remote start, pushbutton start, remote keyless entry, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Technology Package, costing $2,700, added a larger touchscreen, a premium stereo, and a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management, a fuel-saving technology, and the EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with an observed average of 21.8 mpg during testing.

All-wheel drive was unavailable, putting the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, Honda added a new electronic brake booster for 2021, improving brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling qualities were pleasurable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. The 19-inch wheels on the Touring and Elite trims enhanced handling, though the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use in a heatwave.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came 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's engine was tuned to 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The base MSRP was $2,000 lower, with the 228-hp engine available as a $2,000 option.

The more potent powertrain provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which quickened throttle response and altered transmission mapping. Audi’s Drive Select offered Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes. The base engine had some turbo lag, noticeable under hard acceleration or during highway passing. The Q3's handling was nimble and engaging, with a comfortable ride quality, achieving a best-of-both-worlds dynamic.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. A 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

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 cargo space was subpar for the class, the Q3 made up for it with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable with deep cargo pockets, and the rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system featured 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 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to continue recommending the Odyssey as a Top Safety Pick.

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.