Audi Q3 vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a testament to Cadillac's flair for exterior styling, boasting a street presence that was hard to ignore. Its design, reminiscent of the classic Seville, featured a long hood and low ground clearance, giving it the appearance of a sleek sedan rather than a typical SUV. The vertical light bars, nine LED headlights, and a solid grille with lighting effects added to its unique style. The interior was equally impressive, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that blended seamlessly into the cabin. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2026 Audi Q3 aimed for a more SUV-like appearance with its tall front end and elongated hood. While it achieved a rugged look, the design was cluttered with faux air intakes and textured plastic elements. The "UFO line" added a floating effect to the upper body, but the overall aesthetic was less refined than its competitors. Inside, the Q3 featured a standard S Line styling with leather upholstery and wood dashboard trim. The interior space was maximized with a sliding second-row bench seat, offering ample cargo space. Despite some plastic elements, the quality was fitting for its entry-luxury price point.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. With over 500 miles tested, it excelled on the interstate with a calm and poised ride. The dual-motor powertrain delivered 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, while the standard single rear motor offered 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery provided a range of 314 miles with RWD and 307 miles with AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, but the handling was hindered by its 5,800-pound weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel.

The 2026 Audi Q3, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, increased its output to 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This allowed it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, faster than its predecessor. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and standard AWD contributed to its performance, though the transmission and steering calibration left room for improvement. At higher speeds, the Q3 offered a refined and composed ride, with new laminated acoustic glass reducing wind noise. Despite some bumps from the 20-inch wheels, the ride quality was commendable for its segment.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. Despite these drawbacks, the Lyriq provided generous headroom and legroom, though cargo space was limited to 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2026 Audi Q3, slightly larger than its predecessor, offered improved cargo space with 29 cubic feet behind the second row and 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior space was well-utilized, though first-row headroom was reduced. The Q3's new control layout, with a bar across the steering column, freed up space for cupholders and a wireless charger. The door panels provided ample storage, enhancing its practicality.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran on Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Audi Q3 introduced the Digital Stage screen setup, combining an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional apps available from a built-in store. The optional Technology Package offered a head-up display, while the Infotainment Package included a 12-speaker Sonos audio system, though the sound quality lacked midrange.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2026 Audi Q3 offered a comprehensive list of standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking. Nine airbags were standard, and the optional Driver Assistance Package added a 360-degree camera system and Park Assist Plus. Crash-test ratings were not available, but the previous generation's mixed performance indicated room for improvement.