2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a design that embraced the era of "postmodern automotive styling," with its massive corporate grille fitting seamlessly into its stout, chunky exterior. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, though it primarily delivered on the latter. Inside, the Q3's cabin mirrored this modern aesthetic, with a dash design that prominently framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout, but by 2021, Volkswagen's similar designs had somewhat diminished its uniqueness. Despite this, the Q3's cabin remained modern and refined, though not as distinctive as before.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, meanwhile, captured a modern retro feel that could easily fit into the Land Rover lineup. Its design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and tucked-in body sides, all tailored for trail driving. The front and rear elevations echoed the larger Bronco, with bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate. The wheels varied across trims, from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels on the Outer Banks. The interior was rugged yet uncluttered, with a unique shape for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen perfectly positioned.

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 powerful version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine option was previously standard, but Audi lowered the base MSRP by $2,000, making the more potent engine a $2,000 option. The Q3's performance was lively, with solid power for passing and engaging "S" mode for quicker throttle response. It featured Audi's Drive Select with Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, though the latter was best for light trails.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims had a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, with a short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement.

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 overall cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with ample passenger space, providing comfortable front seats and impressive rear headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow 2,200 pounds. The cargo hold featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin had ample storage, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

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, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit offered a customizable digital display, replacing the conventional instrument cluster.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera were available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all trims except the Base model, and higher trims included a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, including 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 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and road-sign recognition. Trailer sway control was part of the tow package. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with traction control, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control. Crash-worthiness ratings were not yet available from IIHS or NHTSA.