Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that fit well within the "postmodern automotive styling" trend. Its massive corporate grille paired seamlessly with its stout, chunky styling, suggesting utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic, with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen prominently. When the redesigned Q3 debuted in 2019, its interior was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's interiors had caught up, making the Q3's cabin feel modern and refined, though not as special.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, having received numerous updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications. The lineup was simplified to SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured 21-inch wheels with a machined finish, enhancing the SUV's upscale look. The interior displayed simplicity with a premium flair, but the use of low-cost materials and hard, shiny plastics was disappointing for an SUV priced at nearly $54,000. The storage areas needed linings to prevent unwanted noise and vibration, and low-gloss coatings on hard surfaces would have improved perceived quality.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came 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 (AWD). The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided lively performance, with solid power for passing and engaging "S" or Sport mode for quicker throttle response and harder acceleration. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the Off-Road mode was best suited for light dirt trails.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Motion AWD. The turbo-four's maximum towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, the V6's acceleration was leisurely, and its fuel economy was 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Active Control calibrations for AWD models. The ride quality varied, with the SEL Premium R-Line's 21-inch wheels providing impressive grip but transmitting road noise and bumps to the cabin.

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 space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the overall cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for this with its passenger space, offering comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear seats. It could seat five, but four passengers could take a road trip in comfort if they packed light.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. With the discontinuation of the base S trim, V-Tex leatherette seating became standard, along with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and genuine leather upholstery. The Atlas could comfortably seat seven people, even in the third row, and offered numerous storage areas. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, with standard Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, an available feature, replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

For 2022, every Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard equipment. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services with Amazon Alexa integration. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow system loading, cumbersome radio tuning, and unreliable voice recognition unless upgraded to the Car-Net Hotspot plan and Speech Plus.

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 offered an extensive list of safety features. Standard on the SE trim were automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist (forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking), Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring), and Rear Traffic Alert (rear cross-traffic alert). Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included Area View (a surround-view camera system) and Park Assist technology. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading.