2022 BMW X3 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. The exterior was a typical SUV design with a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a big grille, which appealed to many buyers. However, it lacked the personality of competitors like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. The Traverse's restrained styling highlighted the cosmetic elements of different trims, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome on the High Country. The interior followed the same restrained approach, with an optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof as a standout feature. Materials in the higher-level RS model were decent but not quite up to the $50,000 price tag.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured a revised exterior design with a more aggressive stance, including a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The rear had new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 offered various exterior updates, including an M Sport Package for sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, new aero wheels, and new paint options. The cabin was clean and efficient, with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof standard on the X3 M40i. Interior color choices varied by material and model, with options for both SensaTec synthetic leather and premium Vernasca 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 V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. However, it lacked agility on twistier roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation. The Traverse had a 5,000-pound towing capacity with the tow/haul mode engaged, which was average for the segment.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i models, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i achieved 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i offered a more exhilarating driving experience with additional M features like a flap-controlled sports exhaust system and adaptive suspension.

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 outboard rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats in place, 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 available on the Premier and High Country models.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided seating for five and ample storage space. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, offering enough cargo room for backpacks and additional carry-on suitcases. A power tailgate was standard, with an optional hands-free opening. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the upgraded Vernasca leather adding more softness. The X3's sport seats offered good support, but the thigh-support cushion control handle could be an issue for some drivers. The redesigned center console featured a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The layout was user-friendly, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

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, 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The 8-inch screen was user-friendly, with large smartphone-like icons and analog controls for audio volume and climate control. The Traverse also featured a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. Each row had 2 USB ports, with wireless phone charging standard on the Premier and High Country models.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, which added features like a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

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

The 2022 BMW X3 earned a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS crash test results for the 2022 model were not yet available, the 2018 X3 was named a Top Safety Pick+. The 2022 X3 added more safety features, including adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. The available Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package added features like parking assistance plus, active park distance control, 360-degree surround camera view, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist with lane centering.