Audi Q3 vs Lexus NX
Overview | |
MSRP$34,000 | MSRP$38,350 |
Listings5664 | Listings3842 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe 2021 Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury SUV. Small crossovers and SUVs are seemingly taking over the automotive world, and even among this extremely crowded field, the Q3 is a standout. Despite having “SUV” in the name, the expectation with these vehicles is that they drive as comfortably and are as efficiently as a sedan. The Q3 delivers on this with a refined ride and standard driver assistance features, as well as helpful-in car tech. The Q3 first entered the North American market for the 2013 model year. The redesigned second-generation model arrived for 2019 and is still on sale today. For the 2021 model year, the Q3 gains additional high tech safety features and loses its top-tier Prestige trim. You can now get the features from this trim as options packages. | |
Reviews SummaryWith the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, the luxury brand is aiming at a young, affluent, diverse, and tech-savvy customer. At the same time, the new 2022 NX is built upon the brand pillars that Lexus says will support all of its future products. They include bold design, advanced technology, electrification, and a dynamic tuning recipe called Lexus Driving Signature. Does the redesigned NX reflect those foundational building blocks? We went to Phoenix, Arizona to find out. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 184 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower184 hp @ 4800 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City22 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 184 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower184 hp @ 4800 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.7 cu ft | Cargo Space22.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3902 lbs | Curb Weight3660 lbs |
Height62.9 in | Height65.8 in |
Length176.6 in | Length183.5 in |
Width79.7 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase105.5 in | Wheelbase105.9 in |
Maximum Payload1091 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity4400 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $34,000 | $38,350 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The 2021 Audi Q3 is a subcompact luxury SUV. Small crossovers and SUVs are seemingly taking over the automotive world, and even among this extremely crowded field, the Q3 is a standout. Despite having “SUV” in the name, the expectation with these vehicles is that they drive as comfortably and are as efficiently as a sedan. The Q3 delivers on this with a refined ride and standard driver assistance features, as well as helpful-in car tech. The Q3 first entered the North American market for the 2013 model year. The redesigned second-generation model arrived for 2019 and is still on sale today. For the 2021 model year, the Q3 gains additional high tech safety features and loses its top-tier Prestige trim. You can now get the features from this trim as options packages. | With the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, the luxury brand is aiming at a young, affluent, diverse, and tech-savvy customer. At the same time, the new 2022 NX is built upon the brand pillars that Lexus says will support all of its future products. They include bold design, advanced technology, electrification, and a dynamic tuning recipe called Lexus Driving Signature. Does the redesigned NX reflect those foundational building blocks? We went to Phoenix, Arizona to find out. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 184 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4800 rpm | |
MPG City | 22 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 33 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 184 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4800 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.7 cu ft | 22.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3902 lbs | 3660 lbs |
Height | 62.9 in | 65.8 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 183.5 in |
Width | 79.7 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 105.5 in | 105.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1091 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 4400 lbs | 2000 lbs |


CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings from CarGurus experts, the 2021 Audi Q3 emerges as the more compelling choice with an overall rating of 8.2 out of 10, compared to the 2022 Lexus NX's score of 7.8 out of 10. The Q3 offers a modern and dynamic design, ample passenger space, and a competitive starting price, making it a strong contender in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2021 Audi Q3 if:
- You prioritize a modern and dynamic design with a standout cabin and ample passenger space.
- You seek a comfortable and refined driving experience with nimble handling.
- You value a competitive starting price and lower base MSRP compared to its rivals in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2022 Lexus NX if:
- You prefer a simplified and refined design with increased cargo capacity and practical storage space.
- You are interested in a more intimate and cozy interior with comfortable seating and advanced technology features.
- You prioritize a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems and a full redesign with an impressive load of standard technology.
CarGurus highlights

Based on the ratings from CarGurus experts, the 2021 Audi Q3 emerges as the more compelling choice with an overall rating of 8.2 out of 10, compared to the 2022 Lexus NX's score of 7.8 out of 10. The Q3 offers a modern and dynamic design, ample passenger space, and a competitive starting price, making it a strong contender in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2021 Audi Q3 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a modern and dynamic design with a standout cabin and ample passenger space.
- You seek a comfortable and refined driving experience with nimble handling.
- You value a competitive starting price and lower base MSRP compared to its rivals in the subcompact luxury crossover segment.
Choose the 2022 Lexus NX if:
Shop Now- You prefer a simplified and refined design with increased cargo capacity and practical storage space.
- You are interested in a more intimate and cozy interior with comfortable seating and advanced technology features.
- You prioritize a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems and a full redesign with an impressive load of standard technology.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.








































