It’s easy to see why buyers increasingly pick luxury compact crossovers like the 2019 Audi Q5; it’s comfortable and quick with plenty of room.
Pros Good powertrains Useful technology Standard active safety features Comfortable interior…
Cons …but it’s a little boring Ditto on the exterior Pricey top trims
Audi has made a number of features standard for 2019, including heated front seats, a seven-inch gauge-cluster display, rear electric child locks, the Audi Connect CARE telematics system, and aluminum trim around the windows. The mid-range Premium Plus model now offers navigation as standard, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and rear-seat USB ports. The Black Optics package is now available on Premium Plus and Prestige models and includes 20-inch dark gray wheels and blacked-out exterior trim.
Pros Gutsy and efficient powertrain, high-tech features, expensively tailored looks.
Cons Not a cargo-hauling leader, LATCH anchors difficult to access, awkward cupholder location.
A few more features are standard this year.New 7-inch driver information display.Premium Plus trim adds standard navigation and wireless phone charging.The 2019 Q5 now offers a few more standard luxuries, including heated front seats and an upgraded driver display and gauge cluster. The midtrim model now includes navigation and wireless phone charging (previously it was an option). They are small changes, but they're enough to keep the Q5 fresh.
PROS Recent chassis changes deliver a smoother ride than before Quiet, comfortable cabin features top-notch interior craftsmanship All-wheel drive comes standard Wide array of technology options
CONS Only one engine offered Diminished space for luggage behind rear seats
The 2019 BMW X3 is a versatile compact crossover that delivers on rising expectations.
Pros Handsome exterior Responsive and sharp powertrains Standard automatic emergency braking this year Good outward vision Ample interior room
Cons Can easily reach more than $60,000 CarPlay with a subscription? Really? Conservative compared to competitors No electrified version yet Relatively heavy steering
The 2019 BMW X3 ranked #5 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the BMW X3 has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 13 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Powerful engines Nimble handling Spacious, supportive seats Above-average cargo capacity
Cons Rivals are more opulent inside Above-average starting price
Fifteen years ago, it might have been difficult to foresee the success of the X3. Back then, BMW's 3 Series wagon set the standard for the class and offered all the practicality you could want in a vehicle that size. Why get something that didn't handle as well and got worse fuel economy? But that original 2004 X3 helped pioneer the entry-level luxury SUV class, and the 2019 X3 is now a hugely important staple in the BMW lineup.
Pros Both available engines are fuel-efficient and powerful Wide variety of standard and optional features for personalization Plenty of room for front and rear passengers
Cons Android Auto is conspicuously absent from the options list