Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that embraced the era of "postmodern automotive styling," with its massive corporate grille complementing the stout, chunky styling. This design suggested 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, highlighting one of the Q3’s standout features. While the interior was initially a standout when it debuted in 2019, the design felt less special as Volkswagen's non-luxury interiors began to catch up, though the Q3 still maintained a modern and refined feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that lent it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a body that felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs from competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing distraction, but the interior materials, particularly the light grey fabric seat upholstery in the Bronze Edition, were less impressive and prone to dirt and stains.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was 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. 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 a lively performance with solid power for passing, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. The Q3 also featured Audi’s Drive Select with multiple modes, including Off-Road for light trails. The base engine, while having the same initial jump, exhibited more pronounced turbo lag, particularly under hard acceleration or highway passing. Despite this, the Q3 offered nimble handling and a comfortable ride, striking a balance between engagement and refinement.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 243 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was available through a supplemental electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed built. The CVT contributed to an uninspired drone under heavy acceleration, particularly on hills. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 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 compensated with ample passenger space, featuring comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear seats. It seated five, but four passengers could comfortably take a road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly out of reach. Storage was ample, with a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large center armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating six-footers with ease, and offered versatility with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or a bench option for increased passenger capacity. The third row was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, featuring logical menu navigation, 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 was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available only for the top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, with wireless charging available on XLE trims and above. Limited trial periods for satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote vehicle monitoring were also included. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were standard on the Limited and Platinum trims.

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, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional features such as a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist were available.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal collision and rollover protection. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, with the highest "Good" scores across the board. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera system and adaptive headlights were exclusive to the top Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked as advertised, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist could use some fine-tuning.