2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with its design relying heavily on styling details to distinguish between trim levels, reminiscent of how Chevy once differentiated models like the Impala and Caprice. Its exterior was a classic SUV silhouette with a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille, offering a cleaner design compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade. However, it lacked the personality of the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride, and the streamlined appearance of the Mazda CX-9. The Traverse's restrained styling highlighted the cosmetic elements of different trims, such as the blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. It shared a platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, but aimed for a more accessible feel, slotting below the Chevy Tahoe in size and construction.

Inside, the 2021 Traverse mirrored its exterior's restrained styling, with the standout feature being the optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof. The materials in the RS model were decent, though not quite justifying its $50,000 price tag. The interior offered above-average headroom and legroom across all three rows, with seating configurations for seven or eight passengers. Cargo space was a significant advantage, with 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, interior storage options were limited, typical of midsize three-row crossovers, which often sacrifice practicality for style.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while still a crossover SUV, offered a more refined experience with a light restyle that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. Prices started at $33,700 for the base LS model, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. The RS trim, which we tested, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, maintaining a stylish yet restrained appearance. The interior boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The layout was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear reducing glare and making controls easy to use. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with a wide pass-through between the second-row captain's chairs, facilitating access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with hidden compartments adding to its practicality.

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 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed automatic generally performed well, though it occasionally delivered rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway driving, offering a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride, thanks to its bump-absorbing suspension and precise steering. However, it lacked agility on twisty roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation and offered torque vectoring capabilities that weren't fully realized. The Traverse had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, average for its segment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse retained the same 3.6-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, with a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It offered Snow, Off-Road, and Tow/Haul driving modes, with the V6 engine providing adequate power for everyday tasks. The AWD system could be engaged as needed, with the Traverse achieving 20.9 mpg in combined driving during our test. The ride quality was pleasant, with a firm feel that absorbed smaller road imperfections, though larger bumps required caution to avoid scraping the front air dam. On the highway, the Traverse was a capable cruiser, though road and wind noise were more pronounced than ideal. In mountainous terrain, it felt more athletic than some rivals, with the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the vehicle's tendency to feel disconnected at higher speeds detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, depending on the choice of a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs. It provided above-average headroom and legroom across all three rows, with heated front seats standard on the RS trim. Cargo space was a strong point, with 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, interior storage options were limited, typical of midsize three-row crossovers. The Traverse's power liftgate and power-folding third row added convenience, though it lacked the practicality of a minivan.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. It came with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row, which offered adequate space for adults if the second-row seats were adjusted. Cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments, adding to its practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen available on higher trims. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a Bose audio system as options. The system was user-friendly, with analog controls for audio and climate functions. The Traverse also offered a rearview camera mirror and an HD surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen on LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system included navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system improved visibility and parking ease.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it received "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH ease of use. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Traverse offered limited standard driver-assist features, with many available only on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a following-distance indicator. A Safety Package added rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The IIHS had not fully rated the 2022 Traverse, but it received "Good" ratings in most collision tests. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings at the time of writing.