2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. Controls were smartly grouped by function, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned at the top of the centre stack for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather upholstery on all seating surfaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a Camaro-inspired design that was visually appealing. The RS trim, in particular, featured a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for improved responsiveness. The Blazer's exterior was marked by a unique styling element: black trim rising from the lower rear bumper, giving it an unfinished appearance. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro influences in its infotainment and climate control systems, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative temperature adjustment rings on the air vents. However, the interior featured a significant amount of hard plastic, detracting from its overall quality.

The Blazer RS's interior, especially when paired with Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior paint, featured matching red accents, including exposed stitching and air vent trim. This colour scheme added a layer of sophistication to the Blazer's cabin. Despite its sporty appearance, the Blazer's interior materials and design fell short of premium standards, with hard upper door panel trim and a lack of thigh support in the seats.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved fuel efficiency figures of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rating of 8.8 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims, including the RS, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, with a more sophisticated dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 engine offered satisfying acceleration, though it was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS's driving dynamics were firm and sporty, with decent grip from 20-inch wheels. However, the SUV's suspension and transmission performance fell short on challenging roads, and the steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The Blazer RS's fuel consumption averaged 11.5 L/100 km, slightly above the official rating of 11.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, lending a sporty appearance to the cabin. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. The Blazer's interior was spacious, with a wide and flat back seat that could slide forward and back for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 also included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer RS's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with simple physical controls. The Blazer's interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, and USB ports. The RS trim offered a power rear liftgate with hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent. The Blazer's technology package included a range of driver assistance features, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance worked effectively, though the IIHS did not award it a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to headlight performance.