Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. The cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, making it a standout feature. Despite the Q3's refined and modern feel, the interior design was no longer as special due to Volkswagen's similar, albeit less upscale, designs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, had a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The interior was exceptionally roomy for five people, thanks to the shared wheelbase with the larger seven-passenger Atlas model. However, the use of hard, glossy plastic in the interior dulled the impression of quality, and the numerous unlined storage areas could produce extra rattles and scraping noises while driving.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's handling was nimble, and the ride was comfortable, providing a best-of-both-worlds dynamic that was engaging and enjoyable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying performance and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and VW's 4Motion AWD system was available. The Atlas Cross Sport's ride quality varied, feeling harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds, making it less refined than the Q3.

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 comfortable front seats and impressive rear headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, with its shared wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas model, offered exceptional interior space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The cargo area was spacious, with plenty of load-floor real estate and additional storage underneath, despite the reduced cargo space compared to the seven-passenger model.

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. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE trim came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch display, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity-sensing display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and more USB ports. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised for its quality.

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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree surround-view camera system.