2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, though this familiarity sometimes led to it blending in with other models in crowded parking lots. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, was criticized for its overuse of black plastic, though it did offer leather and soft-touch materials. M Sport models added a sporty flair with unique styling elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those needing an SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. It offered a refreshed look with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray wheels, was particularly appealing. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logical layout, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The Traverse's design was praised for its simplicity and functionality, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model, sDrive40i/xDrive40i, featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive45e combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offered up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds and a lack of the connected drive experience typical of BMWs. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M achieving 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, and the X5 xDrive45e rated at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 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, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday tasks, and the Traverse returned 20.9 mpg in combined driving with AWD. The ride quality was generally pleasant, though the Traverse felt softer at higher speeds, leading to a disconnected feeling on undulating roads. Despite this, the Traverse's handling was predictable, making it easy to trust.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats became hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the air suspension allowed for vehicle height adjustment when loading cargo. However, the doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out of the second row.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, though the RS, Premier, and High Country trims only came with captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Traverse RS featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's cargo space was generous, with 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 Traverse also had hidden storage compartments, adding to its practicality.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker sound system. Additional features included voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, and the 8-inch system could be upgraded with navigation and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its excellent voice recognition and user-friendly interface.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's safety features generally operated with accuracy and refinement, though it lacked advanced driving systems like lane-centering assist. The Traverse received top Good ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an Acceptable rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.