2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to traditional SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and prominent grille. It offered a clean and handsome design, though it lacked the personality of some competitors like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. The Traverse's restrained styling allowed for distinct cosmetic elements across different trim levels, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. Inside, the Traverse maintained a similar understated style, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. While the materials in the RS model were decent, they didn't quite match the vehicle's price tag.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, combined unique styling elements with a sleek, fastback-like roofline. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and ribbed detailing for a muscular profile. The Sport Prestige model added character with its specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70 boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, with minimalistic design elements like a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

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, 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 had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, average for its segment.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode sharpened throttle response and held high revs, but the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It excelled in cargo space, providing 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. However, interior storage options were limited. The Traverse featured a power liftgate and a power 60/40 split-folding third row on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

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 WiFi hotspot, and a Bose audio system. The Traverse retained analog controls for audio and climate, and featured a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. USB ports were standard for each row, but wireless charging was limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-inch head-up display on higher trims. The infotainment system had a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features free for three years.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it had "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and limited standard driver-assist tech. Features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking were optional.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, being a new model, lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The GV70's Highway Driving Assist impressed with smooth control inputs but struggled with tight curves.