2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT featured unique grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille and a blacked-out look with 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined off-road enhancements like red tow hooks and a skid plate with a blacked-out appearance. The upscale Premier and luxurious High Country trims added chrome accents and polished wheels, with the latter featuring a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, LED headlights, and expressive taillights, though its overall styling leaned towards a more subtle, slab-sided appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a modern, chunky design with a massive corporate grille that complemented its dynamic handling. The interior echoed this aesthetic, with a dash design that highlighted the center touchscreen. While the Q3's cabin was initially a standout, similar designs from Volkswagen lessened 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 added conveniences like remote start and wireless charging, with additional features available through packages.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country boasted a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with optional four-wheel drive. The Z71 trim included standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The new independent rear suspension improved ride quality, complemented by optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base model delivered 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the S-Line trim offered 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3's eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode. Audi’s Drive Select offered various driving modes, enhancing the vehicle's versatility. The Q3's handling was nimble, with a comfortable ride that balanced engagement and refinement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from an independent rear suspension, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. It offered heated front seats, a power sliding storage console, and optional captain’s chairs with entertainment displays. The third-row seating was spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48 cubic feet with seats folded. While cargo space was limited, the Q3 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 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered voice recognition, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and optional navigation and Bose audio systems. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The Rear Seat Media system provided entertainment versatility, though the test vehicle lacked the available head-up display.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen 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 charging and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit offered a customizable digital display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety systems performed well during testing, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, with forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning was standard, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Additional options included a 360-degree camera system and self-parking assist.