Toyota RAV4 vs Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that embraced the era of postmodern automotive styling. Its massive corporate grille complemented the stout, chunky styling, which suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the cabin mirrored this 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 had become less unique as Volkswagen, Audi’s non-luxury sibling, caught up with similar designs. Despite this, the Q3’s cabin maintained a modern and refined feel, though it was no longer as distinctive.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, continued to evolve from its origins as a compact SUV into a mature crossover. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, revealed unique details upon closer inspection. Angular wheel arches and crisp lines contrasted with organic body shapes, while expressive headlights and a snub-nosed grille gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The traditional Toyota fit-and-finish elevated the overall quality of the exterior. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The interior design included distinctive cues, such as a circuit-board-inspired pattern that tied various cabin elements together.

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 powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This optional power unit, previously standard, was available for an additional $2,000, though the base MSRP was reduced by the same amount. The more potent powertrain provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. The Q3 featured Audi’s Drive Select with multiple drive modes, including Off-Road for light trails. The base engine, while capable, exhibited noticeable turbo lag under hard acceleration. The Q3’s handling was nimble and engaging, offering a comfortable ride without compromising on dynamic performance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models were slightly less efficient. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 hp and an eCVT, achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 hp, standard AWD, and an eCVT, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined and 94 MPGe. It could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone. The gasoline Adventure AWD model provided smooth power delivery and a familiar driving experience, with three drive modes for tailored performance. The RAV4’s car-like handling and independent suspension contributed to its popularity, with AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

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 total cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive rear seat headroom and legroom. It could seat five, though four passengers would be more comfortable on longer trips.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown over the years, offering 37.5 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable but not uncomfortable.

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 audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a customizable digital display, was also available, offering a modern alternative to traditional instrument clusters.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust level of technology, with standard features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and blue ambient illumination. It also offered a wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display on top trims.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with 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 options included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. It also included LATCH anchors, child-guard locks, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.