2022 Acura RDX vs. 2022 Audi Q3 Comparison

Text Both the 2022 Acura RDX and 2022 Audi Q3 are entry-level luxury SUVs for their respective brands, with the Audi the smaller of the pair. Here’s how they stack up. "2022 Acura RDX Starting Price: $40,100 | Price yours or View listings near you" Above Average: Build quality; spacious cabin; good safety scores; standard features. Below Average: No hybrid; towing ability; options bundled as packages only. Consensus: Among luxury compact SUVs, the 2022 Acura RDX is a bargain, with a comfortable cabin, plenty of cargo space, and great driving manners at a reasonable price. "2022 Audi Q3 Starting Price: $35,900 | Price yours or View listings near you" Above Average: Standard all-wheel drive; high-quality cabin; great style; choice of engines. Below Average: No hybrid option; transmission could be smoother; not particularly exciting to drive. Consensus: Handsome, stylish, and equipped with standard AWD, the 2022 Audi Q3 is a subcompact that feels bigger than it is and packs a load of technology and luxury features. Among premium compact crossovers, we’re consistently impressed by the Acura RDX. Build quality is exceptional, it’s very reliable, and the cabin is a very nice place to be. There’s a single engine choice in the 2022 Acura RDX, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, but it provides plenty of thrust to keep the compact SUV moving. The RDX is fun to drive as well, particularly when equipped with the Advance package, which comes with an adaptive suspension and Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Brake pedal feel is good as well, and improved over last year. While not exactly radical, the interior of the RDX is comforting and quiet, with more noise reduction features this year. There’s plenty of space for passengers front and rear, and the 38 inches of rear legroom is among the best in the class. There are tasteful and elegant bits of aluminum on the doors, dashboard and center console, with the upper trims getting wood. Cargo space is also generous, with nearly 60 cubic feet. A long list of standard features includes keyless entry and ignition, a powered tilt and slide panoramic roof, simulated leather upholstery, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Infotainment comes from a 10.2-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, plus Wi-Fi and both USB-A and USB-C ports. Driver assistance features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The 2022 Q3 is surprisingly roomy for a subcompact, the quality of the interior materials is high, and there’s not only cool tech but it’s easy to use. Power comes from a choice of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, connected (as is Audi’s fashion) to all four wheels. Outward vision is good and the driving is perfectly pleasant, although even with the more powerful engine, the emphasis is more on a comfortable and relaxed ride than serious sporty performance. This is further emphasized by a transmission that tends to be a bit clunky under heavy acceleration. Inside, there’s plenty of space for full-size passengers in the rear, and the rear seat slides backward for more legroom. Cargo space is respectable for the class, with 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 48 with them folded down. Leather upholstery comes standard, as do a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch driver information display, and different driving modes. For 2022, Audi has updated and improved Q3’s infotainment system, a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, and Amazon Alexa. Driver assists include hill descent control, forward collision avoidance with automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trims add such things as a larger touchscreen, a 360-degree camera system, and numerous options including a self-parking system, navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Comfortable, upscale cabings; no hybrid option; NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings. More fun to drive; more power; roomier; cargo space; longer powertrain warranty. Choice of engines; lower price; fuel economy; standard all-wheel drive. With exceptional build quality and premium materials, the 2022 Acura RDX offers an impressive interior and sporty driving manners, particularly with the Advance package. It might be a bit more conservative than the Audi, but the RDX is loaded with standard features and is among our favorites in its class. While it is technically a subcompact, the 2022 Audi Q3 is plenty big for passengers and cargo, with style and luxury features both inside and out. Ready to buy an Acura RDX or Audi Q3? Shop for one on sale now near you. " "