2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image to emerge as a more stylish and modern vehicle. The design team embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 11 inches longer, four inches lower, and two inches wider than its predecessor. This redesign borrowed elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive rear styling, giving the Trax a commanding presence. Base models featured 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum options. The interior, though entry-level, incorporated clever design features like a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, enhancing its appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Audi Q5 leaned into a rugged SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille and high-mounted headlights. While the exterior design was more evolutionary than revolutionary, it still conveyed a sense of toughness. The Q5 offered various trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with features like LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights. The interior design was intricate, with a mix of materials and a focus on creating a distinctive look. Despite some discordant design elements, the materials were of high quality, and leather seating surfaces were standard. The SQ5 variant added sporty touches, including matte chrome trim and larger wheels, enhancing its performance-oriented appeal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a single engine option, a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. While less powerful than its predecessor, the new engine offered improved acceleration, with Chevy estimating a quicker 0-60 mph time. The Trax's handling was tuned for a car-like feel, with a wider track providing stability. Despite limited grip and body roll, the Trax delivered nimble handling reminiscent of small hatchbacks. Active noise cancellation contributed to a quieter ride, although tire noise was noticeable in some models.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered a more powerful lineup, with a base 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The SQ5 variant featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Despite impressive specs, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission. The Q5's suspension provided capable handling, balancing damping and body control, but lacked the sporty feel expected from its performance-oriented design. Off-road modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased rear-seat legroom, but headroom and shoulder room were slightly reduced. The Trax provided competitive passenger space compared to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. Cargo space increased to 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, offering more room than the Venue but slightly less than the Kicks. The Trax's car-like driving position and low window sills enhanced visibility, appealing to those who preferred a lower seating position.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat added versatility, and cargo space increased to 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the 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 Trax saw significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. However, the screen's tilt favored the driver, making it less accessible for passengers. USB ports were plentiful, with additional ports available on higher trims.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger 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, offered a seamless experience, with a built-in voice assistant for added convenience. The optional head-up display provided clear information, and the Dynamic Interaction Light added visual cues for the driver. Additional tech features included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered a range of standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which monitored driving behavior and provided a report card to parents. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, and lane departure warning. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. The Q5 also featured an exit alert system to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.