2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac had been showcasing numerous impressive concept vehicles, each hinting at design elements that would eventually grace its production models. The redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade drew significant inspiration from the Escala concept model, particularly visible in its front fascia. However, from the midsection to the rear, the 2021 Escalade retained its iconic design, not venturing far from its predecessors. It debuted standard 22-inch wheels for the first time and displayed sharp creases along its sides. The rear design remained familiar, with tall, vertical OLED taillights extending upwards and blending seamlessly into the roof.

Buyers could get their hands on the base Escalade for $76,195, featuring black-on-black leatherette upholstery, a standard-length wheelbase, and RWD. While adequately equipped, it offered limited upgrade options. Most purchasers would opt for the Premium Luxury ($82,995) or the Sport trim ($85,995), with the Platinum trim upgrade pushing the price to $99,995. The extended-length Escalade ESV, with its additional cargo space, added $3,000 to each variant's price.

Our tested vehicle boasted the Premium Luxury trim with 4WD, dressed in Shadow Metallic paint. It came equipped with a 36-speaker AKG Reference premium sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, power-retractable side steps with ground lighting, a Driver Assist Tech Package, and a Performance Package. Including the $1,295 destination charge from the Arlington, Texas factory, the vehicle's total price was $102,310.

Deciding whether this SUV justified its price tag was subjective. From a critic’s standpoint, the redesigned Escalade was leagues ahead in justifying its price compared to the previous generation. It distinctly set itself apart from its platform siblings, the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country and GMC Yukon Denali. The cabin's high-quality finish alone was a testament to its elevated status.

While the base Luxury trim only offered black leatherette with a singular wood trim choice, other Escalade versions featured standard leather with various perforation and quilting patterns. Platinum models went further with semi-aniline premium leather, leather-wrapped interior panels, and a simulated suede headliner, complemented by seven different wood trim choices.

Our Premium Luxury model's interior sported Parchment leather over a Jet Black base, detailed with mini-chevron perforations and Tamo Ash wood. It was visually striking, though its light-colored carpets and mats showed signs of soiling despite having under 1,000 miles. Furthermore, at such a high price point, the vehicle's plastic lower dashboard and door panels felt out of place and detracted from its overall luxe appeal, even with Cadillac's efforts to coat them for a less glossy finish.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, though often dubbed a "glorified minivan," aimed to fill the niche of those desiring an SUV while being financially judicious. Starting at $33,700 for the base LS model with FWD, prices climbed up to $53,400 for the High Country variant, with AWD options available across the board. Despite its mere 7.5 inches of ground clearance, the AWD mainly aided during snow storms or mild off-road trails.

The 2022 Traverse underwent a light restyle, introducing new headlights, taillights, updated front bumper and grille designs, redesigned aluminum wheels, and refreshed color options. Appearance packages like the Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, and Sport Edition offered additional blacked-out trim options.

Our test Traverse in RS trim, which sits above the LS and LT but below the Premier and High Country, showcased liberal blacked-out trim and stylish dark gray 20-inch wheels. No matter the trim, the Traverse maintained an appealing design with crisp lines, swollen fenders, and tasteful details standing out in its segment.

With AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, our silver RS model came with an MSRP of $48,895, including destination charges. In comparison, a similarly equipped Tahoe RST with 4WD and a panoramic sunroof commanded $67,195, highlighting the Traverse's relative affordability.

Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, glossy black trim, and just enough polished metallic accents to prevent the cabin from feeling too cave-like. Materials used were varied, with the presence of hard plastic surfaces like many of its competitors, though the use on upper door panels for resting elbows was less than ideal.

The Traverse's interior layout was simple and logical. Chevy's choice of matte-finish black with white markings for switchgear minimized glare and made operations straightforward. The stereo controls were user-friendly, and knobs for adjusting cabin temperature and finding defog, defrost, and heated seat functions were appreciated.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came equipped with two engine options. While many adhered to the belief that "there’s no replacement for displacement," Cadillac's introduction of a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder as a no-cost alternative to the standard 6.2-liter V8 suggested otherwise.

The majority gravitated towards the V8 for its sonorous performance, which could be further enhanced with a Performance Upgrade Package. This included a performance air intake kit and a cat-back performance exhaust system. With 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission, the V8 powered the heavy Escalade effortlessly in acceleration.

To maximize fuel efficiency, the V8 featured direct fuel injection, an automatic engine stop/start system, and Dynamic Fuel Management technology, which allowed it to operate on as few as two cylinders when necessary. Our 4WD test vehicle was expected to return 16 mpg combined as per the EPA, and it averaged 15.9 mpg on a 140-mile test loop.

Alternatively, the turbo-diesel engine delivered 277 horsepower but matched the V8 in torque, with a lower rev range for peak output. The diesel's official fuel economy estimates were still pending, but it managed up to 27 mpg combined in the Chevy Silverado, making it a serious consideration for efficiency-minded buyers.

The Escalade's ride and handling saw significant improvements due to a new independent rear suspension design, replacing the former beam-axle setup. This translated to a smoother, better-controlled ride. Additionally, the introduction of the next-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) 4.0 adaptive dampers and the 4-Corner Air Ride suspension effectively subdued unwanted motions, making ride comfort exemplary, particularly in Sport mode.

Our test drive through mountainous back roads and urban environments demonstrated the Escalade's agility and comfort. It excelled on freeways, offering a refined and quieter experience than its GMC Yukon Denali platform-mate. However, the brake pedal could have benefited from better modulation.

For the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, engine decisions were straightforward with only one choice available: a competent 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

When properly equipped, the Traverse had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, aplenty for average needs. Drivers had the option to switch to Tow/Haul mode when towing and choose between Snow and Off-Road modes based on conditions. Typically, it remained in Normal mode.

The V6 whined slightly under acceleration, yet the sound was not unpleasant. Power delivery was apt for the Traverse’s size, efficiently managing a family of four during our test. The AWD version returned 20 mpg in combined driving as per EPA estimates, and our test car achieved 20.9 mpg on the evaluation loop with the AWD system in automatic mode. For those preferring to run the SUV in FWD, the AWD engaged only when necessary.

Around town, the Traverse displayed a firm road grip while remaining compliant on smaller road imperfections, offering a generally pleasant ride. Speed humps and drainage dips required caution as faster travel softened its response, risking front air dam scrapes.

On highways, the Traverse thrived, though it encountered more road and wind noise than desirable, possibly to differentiate it from the quieter Buick Enclave. The Traverse showcased good mileage-eating ability, hinting at its suitability for family road trips. While the driver's mirror distortion caused some concern, visibility was otherwise commendable.

In mountainous terrain, the Traverse exhibited more agility than several competitors. The V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and long-life Duralife brakes performed admirably. The suspension restrained body roll and lateral weight shifts, promoting an unexpectedly flat cornering stance.

However, the RS trim’s P255/55R20 all-season tires didn't elevate the driving experience. The Traverse's tendency to soften at increased speeds on undulating pavement conveyed a disconnected feel from the road, though it maintained predictability throughout.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's redesigned independent rear suspension provided a more practical and spacious cabin by lowering the SUV’s floor. This, combined with an extended wheelbase and overall length, translated into significant gains in passenger and cargo space, making the Escalade more user-friendly.

Front-seat occupants experienced a familiar, albeit higher-quality and tech-enhanced, environment. The seats offered a range of adjustments, with massaging features available in the Platinum trim. Heated and ventilated seats enhanced comfort across most trims.

The second-row featured heated captain’s chairs with a sliding mechanism for better leg support and comfort, plus triple-zone automatic climate control. Access to the third row was improved through power-release second-row seats. For the first time, adults could sit comfortably in the third row, with enhanced legroom and support due to the design changes.

Regarding cargo capacity, the standard-length Escalade provided 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 63 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded flat. Maximum cargo space reached 109.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows flattened. Opting for the extended-length Escalade ESV increased these figures to 42.9, 81.5, and 126.6 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, accommodated seven passengers in its RS, Premier, and High Country trims due to captain’s chairs in the second row. Our RS model included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control.

The Smart Slide second-row seats, combined with long rear doors, made entering and exiting the third row straightforward. Though captain's chairs provided a wide pass-through, the seats also tilted forward for access. The black interior, despite no ventilated seats, stayed cool thanks to effective air conditioning.

Second-row passengers benefited from generous space but reported inadequate leg support and a too-reclined seating position by default. Adults could fit in the third row if second-row occupants cooperated by sliding forward, though overall comfort fell short compared to vehicles like the Chevy Tahoe or Volkswagen Atlas.

Storage was ample, with a notable hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor behind the third row. Cargo capacities were generous, standing at 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. However, the second-row captain’s chairs needed to be adjusted forward for the third-row seats to fold down flat.

In direct comparison, while the Traverse boasted impressive cargo space within its segment, it fell short against the Escalade's expanded capacity by up to 20 percent.

Cadillac equipped the new Escalade with cutting-edge technology, headlined by a curved-glass OLED display stretching 38 inches across, combining instrumentation and infotainment screens. Claimed to surpass 4K TV pixel density, the display presented vibrant colors and true blacks, with an anti-glare film enhancing visibility.

Despite its futuristic look, the system was user-friendly for those accustomed to modern smartphones. However, Cadillac could enhance user experience, like offering more accessible ways to switch between Gauge, AR Camera, and Map displays on the 14.2-inch instrumentation screen without diving into menus on the 16.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The Escalade included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although pairing issues occasionally arose with certain iPhone models. Voice recognition technology had limitations, providing inaccurate responses to some prompts and lacking in capabilities like adjusting climate settings.

Redundant physical controls often proved more user-friendly than the touchscreen or steering wheel controls. Nonetheless, the Escalade's AR navigation superimposed directional arrows on the camera view seamlessly, and the 19-speaker AKG premium sound system issued navigation voice instructions from relevant parts of the cabin corresponding to upcoming turns, increasing volume as the turn neared. Conversations were amplified across the cabin with microphones placed in each seating row, and a 36-speaker AKG Reference system was available with premium sound quality.

All trims above Luxury featured a full-color head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses, displaying comprehensive data from speed to multimedia controls.

Chevy’s Traverse offered a standard 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims like the Premier and High Country featuring an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Dual Bluetooth connectivity allowed two smartphones to connect simultaneously, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhancing user convenience.

Higher trim levels could upgrade to integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, expanded connected services, and Alexa Built-In. The Traverse RS upwards came with a seven-speaker Bose premium sound system, though it left much to be desired in quality.

Despite the comparatively smaller 8-inch touchscreen, the underlying Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 technology was impressive. Voice recognition swiftly and accurately handled various commands, reducing confusion and frustration typically associated with other systems.

Visibility was generally good, though the digital rearview mirror proved essential due to the obstructed view from the regular rearview mirror. The surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert facilitated easier navigation in tight spaces.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade's size provided inherent safety advantages. Cadillac ensured comprehensive safety equipment, including forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking below 50 mph, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat buzzed the driver when hazards were detected, enhancing awareness.

Teen Driver technology, parking assist sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a rear-seat reminder were standard. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, lane-departure alerts, and lane-keeping assistance. An optional Driver Assist Tech Package included higher-speed forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, automatic seatbelt tightening, and adaptive cruise control.

Though these ADAS features generally operated smoothly, occasional false alarms were noted. For instance, the forward-collision system issued an alert erroneously while approaching railroad tracks, and a false braking event occurred on the freeway when the Escalade misidentified a slow-moving semi as an obstacle.

Later in the year, Cadillac's Super Cruise technology was set to enhance the Escalade further, offering hands-free driving on around 200,000 miles of U.S. highways, with smoother, more accurate operation and an automated lane-change function.

In 2022, Chevrolet made Chevy Safety Assist standard across all Traverse trims. This suite included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator.

An optional Safety Package for the Traverse LS model added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, which were standard on other trims. The RS and above also featured adaptive cruise control, higher-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Premier and High Country had Chevy’s Safety Alert Seat.

Generally, these features operated with accuracy, allowing confidence in using them. However, they could be deactivated if preferred. Advanced systems integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were not available on the Traverse.

The IIHS hadn't fully evaluated the new Traverse apart from a collision test where it rated "Good" overall, except for the more stringent side impact test rating where it was “Acceptable.” The NHTSA had yet to publish its 2022 ratings.