2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements revealed their purpose over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were functional, enhancing the driver's forward sight lines for better navigation. The fenders, slightly bulging from the vehicle's sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the SUV's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack housed a 9-inch touchscreen surrounded by numerous controls, while the instrument panel featured analog gauges. Overall, the interior was comfortable and functional, though somewhat dull.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a modern, postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille and chunky design, suggesting utility and dynamic handling. The cabin mirrored this aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. While the Q3's interior was once a standout, similar designs from Volkswagen had diminished its uniqueness. The Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus, both featuring leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Premium Plus trim added conveniences like remote start and wireless device charging. Despite the absence of the Prestige trim, its features remained available through options and packages.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by its suspension and chassis geometry, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32, 24, and 21 degrees, respectively. It had 8.9 inches of ground clearance and a fording depth of 27.55 inches. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob enhanced its off-road capabilities, while Active Traction Control and a Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured secure travel over any terrain. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing driving experience.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came 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 engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Q3's performance was lively, with solid power for passing and engaging driving dynamics. Audi's Drive Select offered Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the latter was best suited for light trails. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, noticeable under hard acceleration. The Q3's handling was nimble, providing a comfortable ride without compromising engagement, achieving a balance that many automakers struggled to perfect.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's dual personality was evident in its design, with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards for off-road adventures. The standard model featured a three-row configuration, accommodating families with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The Land Cruiser offered four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. It could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading, adding a retro charm to its functionality.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the cargo space was subpar for its class, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, with deep cargo pockets, and the rear seats offered impressive headroom and legroom. The Q3 could seat five, but four passengers could enjoy a comfortable road trip, provided they packed light.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, despite its aging platform, featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface, while functional, appeared small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful addition for navigating unfamiliar terrain or tight parking spaces.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless device charging and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display, capable of presenting the navigation map across the screen.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its curb weight and rigid body structure provided an advantage in vehicle-to-vehicle encounters. It featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Land Cruiser also had 10 airbags, active headrests, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, among other safety features.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, offering 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, and adaptive cruise control. Buyers could opt for a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.