Audi Q3 vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a blend of practicality and subtle luxury. With its conservative design, it echoed the popular RAV4 but on a larger scale, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, priced at $69,060, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish and a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery, adding a touch of sophistication. The interior prioritized functionality, with logically arranged controls and a straightforward climate system. However, the infotainment interface was less intuitive, with a small volume knob and no tuning knob, which could be frustrating for some users.

In contrast, the 2026 Audi Q3 aimed for a more SUV-like appearance with its tall front end and elongated hood. Despite its attempt to look more rugged, the design was cluttered with elements like faux air intakes and textured plastic. The Q3 featured Audi's signature "UFO line," creating a floating effect on the upper body. Inside, the Q3 offered leather upholstery and wood dashboard trim, with a distinct cabin design that included padded materials and concave surfaces. The overall quality was fitting for its entry-luxury status, although the authenticity of some materials was questionable.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with electronic full-time AWD and two electric motors, delivering 362 horsepower. This setup provided impressive acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. However, the fuel economy was slightly compromised, with a combined rating of 8.8 L/100 km. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a balanced city and highway route. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a modest point, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves.

The 2026 Audi Q3 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, faster than its predecessor. The Q3's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and standard AWD contributed to its performance, though the transmission wasn't optimized for quick starts. The steering and suspension were vague, making spirited driving less engaging. However, the Q3 excelled in refinement, with laminated acoustic glass reducing wind noise and a comfortable ride quality despite the larger 20-inch wheels.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered spacious seating across three rows, with a maximum cargo capacity of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, enhancing comfort. However, the rear doors' design posed challenges for parents with small children, and the unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise. The Grand Highlander provided 586 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,761 litres with the second row folded.

The Audi Q3, slightly larger than its predecessor, maintained similar legroom but improved cargo space. With the second-row bench seat slid forward, it offered 707 litres of cargo space, increasing to 1,414 litres with the rear seat folded. While first-row headroom was reduced, the Q3 maximized interior space effectively. The new control layout, with a bar across the steering column, freed up space for cupholders and a wireless charger. However, the touchpads on the steering wheel were prone to accidental activation.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously was a drawback. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and JBL premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The Audi Q3 boasted an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen housed in a curved display. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a natural-language voice recognition system with ChatGPT integration. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Sonos audio system, though the sound quality lacked midrange.

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, the Proactive Driving Assist system was found to be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.

The Audi Q3 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The Technik trim added a 360-degree camera system and Adaptive Cruise Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time, but the previous generation's mixed performance indicated room for improvement.