The Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter hatchback RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.A couple of things help the Audi RS Q3 Sportback stand out amongst performance SUVs – its sharp looks and that characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the rest.
This latest addition to Audi Sport’s growing stable of RS models is also one part of a dual-pronged attack on the small performance SUV market. While the RS Q3 should appease those wanting a little extra headroom for rear passengers, the Sportback earns extra style points with its sloping rear end. The Sportback delivers the kind of assured handling we associate with the RS range, letting you make rapid point-to-point progress while remaining predictable at all times, if lacking in true driver engagement. The progressive steering rack doesn’t give much sense of what the front tyres are doing through corners, and there’s little playfulness to be found from the rear end when pushed. On the smoothest roads and the optional adaptive dampers set to their most comfortable, the Sportback is just about relaxed enough, but still jostles on rougher surfaces. Dynamic mode is a lot more brittle, picking up even the smallest of abrasions. Ride refinement is merely average for the class, though our test drive didn’t provide an opportunity to see what effect smaller 20in alloy wheels would have on comfort.
Audi's cheeky little SUV offers exactly what we expected from the tech-loving German automaker in a handsome and mostly practical package.
Pros Sharp styling, plentiful tech features, spunky driving demeanor.
Cons Tight rear quarters, noticeable turbo lag, a few cheap interior materials.
The 2019 Dodge Durango ranked #9 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Dodge Durango has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 50 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Powerful engine lineup Class-leading towing capacity Lots of cargo space Intuitive infotainment system
Cons Handling can feel cumbersome Less upscale cabin interior than rivals Few standard safety features
The muscle-SUV 2019 Dodge Durango offers engaging handling and powerful engines, but it's falling behind in terms of safety.
Pros Muscle truck looks Muscle truck performance Upscale interior Surprisingly fun Rubber-burning Durango SRT
Cons Concerning safety scores Ride can be stiff V-8s guzzle fuel Starting to show its age
No major changes for 2019.Newly optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.With its aging platform, the 2019 Dodge Durango remains the stubborn outlier in the ever more car-based three-row SUV segment, offering not just a healthy V6 engine but two stout V8s, class-leading towing capacity and muscle-car styling cues.
Pros Third-row seats are surprisingly spacious Large touchscreen tech interface is one of the best in class Towing ability is exceptional for the class Has real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing
Cons Fuel economy is below average, especially with the V8 Bigger and bulkier to drive than rival crossovers
