Audi's three-row flagship is caught between two truths: the 2016-2020 models delivered some of the finest interiors the brand ever built, tactile, sophisticated, genuinely special, while newer examples cheapened out with creaky piano black and the platform itself now trails refreshed rivals by a generation. The safety systems will phantom-brake you through roundabouts with alarming confidence, and the base 2.0T four-cylinder has no business hauling 5,000 pounds of German SUV plus seven passengers. But the 3.0T V6 pulls strong, Quattro handles winter without drama, and long-term reliability has been solid across the second generation. Hunt for a pre-2020 model if you want the good bones, skip the four-cylinder entirely, and budget time to neuter the driver assistance, families prioritizing space and mechanical competence over cutting-edge screens will find a capable workhorse here.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is GM's mainstream electric crossover success story, delivering 300+ miles of range, strong tech, and a refined driving experience at a price point ($23k-$32k after incentives) that undercuts most EV competitors. Early owners are enthusiastic about value, Google-native infotainment, and Super Cruise availability. The biggest functional compromises are slow DC fast charging (38-40 min 10-80%) and no smartphone mirroring. A water leak issue affected early production but has an active recall/fix. With under a year of real-world ownership data, long-term reliability is unproven, but initial quality appears solid and the value proposition is compelling for buyers who can charge at home.