What To Know
- The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Q3 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
- The Highlander is a larger SUV with more space and better fuel economy, while the Q3 has more power and more available features.
- The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Q3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
The Toyota Highlander and Audi Q3 are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. However, there are some key differences between these two SUVs that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision.
Size and Space
The Toyota Highlander is a larger SUV than the Audi Q3. It has a longer wheelbase and more overall length, which gives it a more spacious interior. The Highlander has seating for up to eight passengers, while the Q3 has seating for five. The Highlander also has more cargo space than the Q3, with 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats compared to 14.8 cubic feet behind the second row of seats in the Q3.
Power and Performance
The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Audi Q3 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Highlander has a slight edge in power and performance over the Q3. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, while the Q3 takes 7.9 seconds. The Highlander also has a higher top speed of 115 mph, compared to the Q3’s top speed of 112 mph.
Fuel Economy
The Toyota Highlander has better fuel economy than the Audi Q3. The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the Q3 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Features
The Toyota Highlander and Audi Q3 both come with a variety of features, including:
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Power windows and locks
- Bluetooth connectivity
- A rearview camera
The Highlander comes with a few more standard features than the Q3, including:
- A sunroof
- A power liftgate
- Heated front seats
- A leather-wrapped steering wheel
The Q3 comes with a few more available features than the Highlander, including:
- A panoramic sunroof
- A Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
Price
The Toyota Highlander has a lower starting price than the Audi Q3. The Highlander starts at $35,850, while the Q3 starts at $36,900.
Wrap-Up
The Toyota Highlander and Audi Q3 are both excellent compact SUVs. They offer a spacious interior, plenty of features, and a comfortable ride. However, there are some key differences between these two SUVs that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision. The Highlander is a larger SUV with more space and better fuel economy, while the Q3 has more power and more available features. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Toyota Highlander is generally considered to be more reliable than the Audi Q3.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: The Toyota Highlander and Audi Q3 both have excellent safety ratings. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Q3 received a five-star overall safety rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
Q: Which SUV is better for off-roading?
A: The Toyota Highlander is better for off-roading than the Audi Q3. The Highlander has a higher ground clearance and a more rugged suspension than the Q3.