2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," with two-tone paint jobs available on certain trims. Interior color options expanded with higher trims, offering choices like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red for the 2RS and 3RS trims.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a robust SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end look. The body featured well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the new styling elements, the Q5's design felt more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. Trim levels included Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with higher trims offering features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The Q5 was available in standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade featured increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements like matte chrome trim and quad exhaust tips. The interior design was detailed, with top-notch materials, though the layout felt somewhat discordant.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common feature in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a standalone regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 1,500 pounds and offered an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD. It featured an 85-kWh battery, capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine produced 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the SQ5's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 delivered 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's performance was competitive, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds for the standard model and 4.6 seconds for the SQ5. However, the dual-clutch transmission exhibited turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The Q5 featured a steel-spring suspension with passive frequency selective damping, while the SQ5 had air suspension with adaptive damping. The handling was capable but not sporty, with precise but lifeless steering. The Q5 offered Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model was not yet available, meaning features like heated front seats, steering wheel, and outside mirrors were standard from the 2LT trim. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. It featured a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with higher trims offering additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. The Q5 had a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which offered navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Premium Plus trim added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 featured Audi's MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, with a built-in voice assistant for vehicle functions. An available head-up display showed speed, navigation, and driver-assistance warnings. The Q5 also included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise was available from the 2LT trim, along with enhanced automatic parking assist on higher trims.

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