2021 Audi Q3 vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from traditional Range Rovers. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end and short overhangs, enhancing both its performance and off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, while the interior boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and chunky design, suggesting utility and dynamic handling. The interior echoed this modern aesthetic, with a standout dash design framing the center touchscreen. While Audi's non-luxury sibling Volkswagen caught up in design, the Q3 maintained a refined feel. The Q3 offered trims like Premium and Premium Plus, with features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver assistance options, ensuring a luxurious experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive speed, it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided solidity, while its off-road capabilities were supported by features like Terrain Response and All-Terrain Progress Control.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The S-Line trim offered a more potent 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Q3's powertrain felt lively, especially in Sport mode, enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping. Audi's Drive Select offered various modes, including Off-Road for light trails. The Q3's handling was nimble, providing a comfortable ride without compromising on engagement.

The Velar's size placed it between small and midsize luxury SUVs, but its interior space didn't match its exterior dimensions. With 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded, it was competitive but not leading. The avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a cramped feel. However, it offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,511 pounds.

The Audi Q3 provided 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48 cubic feet with them folded. While its cargo space was subpar, it excelled in passenger comfort, offering ample headroom and legroom. The front seats were comfortable, with deep cargo pockets, making it suitable for road trips with four passengers.

The 2020 Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, offering smartphone integration and a WiFi hotspot. While the graphics were high-quality, the system's slow response was a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen running the MMI system, offering Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2020 Velar lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA but included standard features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, though Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, along with a 360-degree camera system and self-parking assist.