2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It featured an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The plug-in Q5 wore S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, giving it an even better appearance. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology but maintaining an uncluttered look. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was positioned perfectly, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a glorified minivan, had a light restyle for the model year, featuring new headlights, taillights, a fresh front bumper, modified grille designs, redesigned aluminum wheels, and updated color choices. The RS trim, which sat above the LS and LT models but below the Premier and High Country trims, made liberal use of blacked-out trim and had attractive dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's styling was appealing, with crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. Inside, the RS trim featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, black carpets, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. The design was simple and logically laid out, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo controls.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already fun-to-drive Q5 and made it better by adding an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output for the PHEV was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, matching well with the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight. The Q5 PHEV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieved impressive fuel-economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and could be switched into different driving modes. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel, and braking was powerful and predictable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse had a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse’s tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse’s bulk, and the official EPA fuel economy rating for the AWD model was 20 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a relatively firm feel for the road in town, with a pleasant ride quality, though it could scrape the front air dam on larger road surface anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse was suitable for family road trips, though it had more road and wind noise than preferable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt more athletic than some rivals, with good performance from the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and extended-life Duralife brakes.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured several storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a small storage bin in the center console.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS had standard power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain’s chairs reduced capacity to seven-passenger seating but made entering and exiting the third-row seat easier. The second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was accessible and offered better accommodations than many rivals, though not as comfortable as a Chevy Tahoe. The Traverse had abundant storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was impressive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS and LT Cloth models came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while other versions had an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both infotainment systems offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen system was available with integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and expanded connected services. A Bose premium sound system was standard starting with RS trim. The Traverse’s voice recognition system was excellent, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were appreciated features.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV hadn’t been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top “good” ratings in every category except headlights, which received a “marginal” rating. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The Safety Package was optional for the Traverse LS and included rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims had adaptive cruise control, an automatic emergency braking system, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The IIHS had not assigned a final rating for the new Traverse, but it received top “Good” ratings in collision-related tests except for an “Acceptable” rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published any 2022 Traverse crash-test ratings.