2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with Chevy using styling details to give each trim level its own identity, reminiscent of how it once differentiated models like the Impala and Caprice. The exterior was a classic SUV design with a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a big grille, appealing to buyers seeking a clean and handsome look. While it lacked the personality of the Ford Explorer or Kia Telluride, and the streamlined appearance of the Mazda CX-9, the Traverse's restrained styling highlighted the cosmetic elements of different trims. The RS model featured blacked-out trim, while the High Country model had chrome accents. The Traverse shared its platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, but aimed for a more blue-collar feel. Inside, the Traverse maintained a restrained style, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. Materials in the RS model were decent, though not quite justifying the $50,000 MSRP.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years prior, maintained a consistent design over the years, with updates that didn't drastically change its appearance. Most versions had a bold, aggressive look, except for the chrome-adorned Limited model. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design was timeless, with balanced proportions and undeniable utility. It was offered in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, which we tested. Priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, the 4Runner Trail Special Edition included features like a premium audio upgrade and a TRD front skid plate. Toyota planned to produce only 4,000 units of this edition, available in colors like white, black, Cement, and Army Green. Inside, the Trail Special Edition had black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo tray. The interior was dominated by hard plastic, fitting the SUV's rugged mission, with an old-school dashboard featuring big knobs and buttons.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the Traverse didn't feel as powerful as its specs suggested, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed automatic generally performed well, though it occasionally had rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, though it lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system required manual activation and could send torque to individual wheels, but this capability wasn't noticeable during driving. The Traverse had off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, average for its segment.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The Trail Special Edition we tested excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system, which helped navigate challenging terrain. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, though they might not suit everyone for daily driving. The 4Runner's fuel economy was poor, averaging 16.8 mpg during our test, with a 23-gallon fuel tank providing an average range of about 385 miles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. Heated front seats were standard on the RS model, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was optional on the LT Cloth trim and standard on higher trims, with a gesture-activated liftgate on the Premier and High Country models. Despite its size, the Traverse had limited interior storage options.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The Trail Special Edition featured a sliding cargo deck, which could hold up to 440 pounds, though it reduced cargo volume. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack provided additional storage for adventures.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with options for navigation, a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose audio system. The Traverse retained analog controls for audio and climate, which were user-friendly. It also offered a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. USB ports were standard for each row, with wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It included a premium audio upgrade with dynamic navigation and voice recognition, free for the first three years. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. The Trail Special Edition also featured a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it had "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests and five stars in side-impact tests. The Traverse offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available as options.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The NHTSA gave the 4Runner a three-star rollover resistance rating, while the IIHS rated its roof crush strength as "Good." The 4Runner's protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal-impact collision was rated "Marginal" by the IIHS, and the NHTSA gave its front passenger protection a three-star rating.