2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a bold design with its massive corporate grille, complementing its stout and chunky styling. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin echoed a modern aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. While initially a standout, the interior design began to feel less unique as Volkswagen's similar designs emerged. The Q3 offered trims like Premium and Premium Plus, featuring leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced driver assistance features.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with some models reaching $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged engine and standard luxury elements. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless look with hallmark design cues. Inside, it exuded luxury with a high-contrast design, though its infotainment system was less intuitive compared to newer models.

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 powerful version with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's performance was lively, especially in Sport mode, and it featured Audi’s Drive Select with multiple driving modes. However, the base engine exhibited some turbo lag. The Q3 balanced nimble handling with a comfortable ride, making it engaging yet refined.

The 2021 Range Rover offered various powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled off-road, though our test was limited to mild trails. Its adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, but its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight affected handling on winding roads. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, though our test averaged 18.5 mpg.

The Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind them. While the cargo space was subpar, the passenger space was impressive, with comfortable front seats and ample rear headroom and legroom. It comfortably seated four passengers for road trips.

The Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. Its front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Cargo space was 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet, which was less than expected for its class.

The 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 features like wireless charging and a premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit provided a customizable digital display.

The Range Rover's technology included three digital displays, though the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive. It required setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance. The technology was comprehensive but required familiarity for ease of use.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.