2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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 and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was adorned with bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 continued its classy and modern theme, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered look. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen strategically placed for the driver’s convenience. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a stylish alternative for those seeking an SUV. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with redesigned wheels and updated colour choices. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS was equipped with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. The interior design was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo controls. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the Traverse provided a comfortable and functional cabin environment.

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 engine, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD, allowing for various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option, a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 2,268 kg and offered driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 litres per 100 km combined. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with good handling and predictable behaviour. However, it experienced more road and wind noise on the highway, and the RS trim's tires were not the most engaging for spirited driving.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced size, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smart storage solutions, including cupholders, cubbies, and a centre-console storage bin.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS, with its captain’s chairs, offered seating for seven. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, with a heated steering wheel and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third row accommodated adults with cooperation from second-row passengers. The Traverse boasted abundant storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. The Q5 also included customizable LED ambient interior lighting.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse RS trim included a Bose premium sound system with seven speakers. The voice recognition system was responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The IIHS rated the Traverse Good in most categories but noted issues with side impact and headlights. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2022 model.