2021 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with its exterior design relying heavily on styling details to distinguish between trim levels. This approach was reminiscent of how Chevy once differentiated models like the Impala and Caprice. The Traverse's exterior was a classic SUV design, featuring a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille. While it offered a cleaner and more handsome look compared to some competitors, it lacked the personality of models like the Ford Explorer or the streamlined appearance of the Mazda CX-9. The Traverse's restrained styling allowed for cosmetic elements to shine, with options like blacked-out trim on the RS model or chrome accents on the High Country. The interior mirrored this restrained styling, with a standout feature being the optional Dual SkyScape sunroof. Materials in the RS model were decent, though not quite justifying the $50,000 price tag.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, embraced a rugged SUV look, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, shared with other Toyota models. This platform provided a solid foundation, though the mechanical components were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. The RAV4 offered options like the Adventure model with a retro Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, or the TRD Off-Road with matte black wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged touches like large rubberized knobs, but material quality didn't elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which was durable but not as luxurious as leather.

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 engine specs suggested power, the Traverse didn't feel particularly strong off the line, though it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed transmission generally performed well, with occasional rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway driving, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, though it lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system, which required manual activation, could split torque between wheels but didn't noticeably enhance handling. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, average for its segment.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically seen in racing engines, and was eager to rev. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, hesitating to shift and lacking responsiveness. The steering was quick but lacked feel, resulting in a disconnected driving experience. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power and refinement, making them appealing alternatives. On the highway, the RAV4 provided a quiet cabin and smooth ride, though its off-road capabilities were more emphasized. Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for these models.

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, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down. A power liftgate was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones, with a gesture-activated liftgate available on Premier and High Country models. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, typical of midsize crossovers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall roof, offering competitive headroom and good visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats in the TRD Off-Road model were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat was standard, though it didn't slide like some rivals. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, above average but not class-leading. The RAV4's interior included oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, though storage space was limited, with a large center-console bin and space for smartphones but lacking large cupholders or loose change storage.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and analog controls for volume and climate. The Traverse also featured 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 RAV4 included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on Limited models and a 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was straightforward, with easy-to-read graphics and shortcut buttons, though it lacked flashiness. The RAV4 didn't offer a head-up display on gasoline models, and tech features were more basic compared to some competitors.

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 mixed headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side-impact tests. The Traverse offered fewer standard driver-assist features than rivals, with many options available only on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. It missed the "Top Safety Pick+" due to headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests, and five stars in side tests. The RAV4 included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.