2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, showcasing a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled to the sides and rear. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious feel without compromising on practicality.

The 2021 Audi Q3 embraced a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille, complementing its stout and chunky design. This aesthetic suggested utility and dynamic handling, with the cabin echoing a mechanical, modern vibe. The dash design prominently framed the center touchscreen, a standout feature since the Q3's redesign in 2019. However, Volkswagen's advancements in interior design meant the Q3's cabin, while still modern and refined, felt less unique. The Q3 offered two trims: Premium and Premium Plus, with features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof standard on the Premium. The Premium Plus added conveniences like remote start and wireless device charging, with additional features available through packages.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, with the hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD) as options. The Limited and Pinnacle trims were available with either AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions, enhancing efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid offered an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD reducing these figures slightly.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, previously standard, was now a $2,000 option, with the base MSRP reduced by the same amount. The more powerful engine provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. Audi's Drive Select offered Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road modes, with the latter suitable for light trails. The base engine exhibited some turbo lag, noticeable during hard acceleration or highway passing. The Q3 balanced nimble handling with a comfortable ride, offering an engaging driving experience without sacrificing refinement.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The second-row offered under-console storage, sliding into the space between captain's chairs, ideal for small items. The Pacifica's second and third rows provided sufficient legroom, with Stow 'n Go seats allowing for easy cargo loading. The Pinnacle trim boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel convenient.

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 latter was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the overall cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 compensated with generous passenger space, featuring comfortable front seats with deep cargo pockets and impressive headroom and legroom in the rear. It accommodated five passengers, though four would travel more comfortably on longer trips.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, elevating its minivan capabilities. Mid-grade and above models offered hands-free sliding doors, while the Uconnect 5 infotainment system provided a modern, customizable experience with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

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

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Audi Q3 included standard safety features like 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, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additional options included a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and self-parking assist.