2023 Audi Q5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a sophisticated blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, characterized by subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which featured a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker silhouette. The Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from the hatch to the upright tail section, setting it apart from some rivals with less cohesive rear designs. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet straightforward layout, though its age was beginning to show since its last redesign five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a departure from the larger screens favored by other manufacturers, but it maintained good material quality, even as non-luxury brands improved their offerings. The Q5's build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a modern electric SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, the Blazer EV shared a long wheelbase with the Cadillac Lyriq, though its proportions made it appear more elongated. The design featured a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a bold presence compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV launched in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements, and a forthcoming SS model promised even more unique features. Inside, the RS and SS models offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a fun touch. While some interior parts felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the piano-black plastic trend. The interior was spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Mach-E and EV6, and it lacked the commanding driving position of traditional SUVs. Cargo space was less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6, with a presence-activated liftgate for convenience.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices, starting with the base 40 TFSI, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, available exclusively with the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5 models featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a noticeable delay in power delivery, likely due to the slow-reacting transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate, and handling was sporty, with precise steering that inspired confidence on curvy roads. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with minimal road and wind noise for a calm cabin experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain in the LT and RS trims. RWD models had 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque, with an 85-kWh pack. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was planned for the 2025 model year. The Blazer EV SS performance model would feature a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in under four seconds. During test drives, both RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, though the RWD model felt traction-limited. The AWD version pulled harder off the line. The Blazer EV's handling was precise, but the stiff suspension compromised comfort, making smooth roads feel rough. Cabin noise was low, with minimal wind noise at highway speeds. The steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking added driver involvement, allowing for adjustments to suit different driving styles and conditions.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since its 2018 redesign, but it continued to be functional and well-organized. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for easy visibility, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls and secondary vehicle functions. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar, and the rear view was better than average. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably, even in the Sportback model. Storage options included several compartments, though some were oddly sized. The wireless phone charger was on a sliding tray covering the cupholders, and the door pockets were spacious. Cargo space was 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback, with competitors like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70 offering more space.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The driving position was not as commanding as traditional SUVs, and the high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique feel. Cargo space was 25.5 cubic feet with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV lacked a frunk, unlike the Mach-E. Up front, the interior offered small-item storage, including a large phone compartment and a decent-sized center console bin. Some climate controls and headlight buttons were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses, though it took time to boot up and activate Apple CarPlay. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The on-screen buttons in Audi's system were large and easy to read, but Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning available through Audi Connect Care, which required a subscription after a limited time. Mid-range trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps like Maps and Assistant. Chevy eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The user experience was mostly positive, with layouts keeping needed information accessible. However, the touchscreen's angle favored the driver, making it less convenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift toward a high-tech feel.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it the highest score of "Good" in all crashworthiness tests and named it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. The Premium Plus trim added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Prestige trim included matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, a semi-automated parking system, and a traffic sign reader. Rear-seat side impact airbags were optional.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, a following-distance indicator, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional features included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system, which maintained speed and following distance while keeping the vehicle centered in its lane.