2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation model, featuring a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights that contributed to an imposing front-end look. The body sides were accentuated with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the styling changes appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, giving the impression of a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with higher trims offering advanced lighting features. The model also came 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 variant added sporty elements like matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, along with standard 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5's design was intricate, with a mix of high-quality materials, though some elements like the piano-black plastic around the cupholders were less practical.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a strong exterior design, consistent with Chevrolet's recent SUV lineup. The interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials was a letdown, with hard, glossy plastics and artificial leather that didn't convincingly mimic the real thing. The Traverse was available in LT, Z71, High Country, and RS trims, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, tested here, was the off-road version, equipped with features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driving packages. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse's material quality was not on par with its price point.

The 2025 Audi Q5 was equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 variant boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite these figures, the Q5's performance felt less spirited than expected, with noticeable turbo lag and a transmission that struggled with quick shifts. The air suspension, standard on the SQ5 and available on the Q5 Prestige, provided capable handling but lacked a sporty feel. The Q5 offered various driving modes, including Off-Road and Off-Road Plus, but was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, the engine exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive resulted in controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails with ease, and its suspension absorbed rough terrain effectively. However, the driving experience was not sporty, and the vehicle felt large and cumbersome on narrow roads. The Traverse achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations during testing.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The interior 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 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 higher trims adding a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The Q5 also offered a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space, particularly in width, providing ample room for front-seat occupants. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with Evotex artificial leather upholstery. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to window design and had no USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which was inconvenient.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came standard with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with the Prestige trim adding a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen. The infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on Premium Plus models. The Q5 also featured a built-in voice assistant and an available head-up display. Additional tech included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also included Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and SiriusXM 360L radio. The Traverse's interface was user-friendly, though it lacked a tuning knob. The test vehicle featured a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, 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 at the time of review, but Audi aimed to match the previous model's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.