2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a 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 look. Despite the typical reservations about coupelike styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. 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 nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, available in four trims—LS, LT, Z71, and RS—introduced the Z71 as a new addition for those interested in moderate off-roading. While not designed for extreme terrains like the Jeep Wrangler, the Z71 was capable of handling rugged paths. Pricing was competitive, with the LS starting at $38,995 and the RS at $55,595. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and an Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior, with Jet Black and "Torch Red" accents, offered optional synthetic leather seating. The Traverse's design focused on practicality, with Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96 cubic feet with seats folded. The Traverse also featured a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 23 miles. All Q5s featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the transmission, making it feel slower than its 5.7-second 0-60 mph estimate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, and the Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, maintaining a quiet cabin.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the V6. All-wheel drive was optional, with the Z71 featuring a dual-clutch system for better grip. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. Steering was adequate, though the Traverse's 204.5-inch length was noticeable. The ride was smooth, even with all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the FWD Limited, to 17/25/20 for the AWD Limited.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with the Sportback model only slightly reducing headroom. Storage options were varied, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less in the Sportback, but still competitive with rivals.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, with dual captain’s chairs in higher trims. The Z71 and RS were seven-seaters, with easy access to the third row. Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row enhanced practicality. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage options included a hidden area under the center console and an underfloor bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was mostly positive, though the third row had limited views. The Z71 featured a power-operated driver’s seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering 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 featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with a limited-time subscription to Audi Connect Care. Mid-range trims had a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display was configurable and helpful for navigation. The system ran on Google-based software, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 held phones securely. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominent. The Traverse offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 750,000 miles of roads by 2025.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The top trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of our test drive. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids at no extra cost, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera.