2025 Audi Q5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern electric SUV. It retained some styling cues from the gasoline-powered Blazer, but its design was tailored to an EV-specific platform. Built around the General Motors Ultium battery pack, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, giving it a stretched appearance. Its bold design, featuring a tall hood and boomerang-shaped taillights, set it apart from more aerodynamically styled rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV launched with LT and RS trims, each offering distinct styling elements, while the forthcoming SS model promised unique mechanical features and a sportier look.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic with its large grille, prominent air intakes, and high-mounted headlights. Despite its evolutionary design, the Q5 appeared more like a facelift than a complete redesign. Available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, the Q5 offered LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. It came in standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant featured enhanced power, sport suspension, and distinctive styling elements. Inside, the Q5's design was detailed but somewhat discordant, with high-quality materials and standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup. The RWD model delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD version produced 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. An unusual single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was also available, expected to be the most popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model boasted a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of under four seconds. The Blazer EV excelled in handling, with precise steering and adjustable regenerative braking, but its stiff suspension compromised ride comfort.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite competitive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The Q5's air suspension provided capable handling, balancing damping and body control, but lacked the sporty feel expected from a performance SUV. Off-Road modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a spacious interior, though headroom and legroom were comparable to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. Its cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk but featured a "presence activated" liftgate. Interior storage was adequate, with a large center console and door pockets, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering adequate headroom and legroom. It featured a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat, with cargo space measuring 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals but less than others like the Acura RDX. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with additional amenities available on higher trims. The Q5 also boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster, offering sharp graphics and built-in route planning. The system supported over-the-air updates, though some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient. The Blazer EV also offered a hands-free start sequence, enhancing its high-tech appeal.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger screen on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, though the digital instrument cluster had limited functionality. An available head-up display provided additional information, while the Dynamic Interaction Light offered visual cues. The Q5 also featured digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.