2022 Lexus GX 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 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 blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome on the High Country. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, with the standout feature being an optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof. Materials in the higher-level RS model were decent but not quite up to the $50,000 price tag.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a dream for those who loved black-on-black vehicles, despite the difficulty in keeping them clean. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome, giving the SUV a sleek, dark appearance. However, the GX's design looked dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was top-notch, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet ride. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite the impressive specs, the Traverse didn't feel as powerful as expected, though it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed automatic performed well but occasionally had rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. However, it lacked agility on twisty roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation and didn't fully utilize its torque vectoring capabilities. The Traverse had off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. The V8 provided a satisfying engine note and plenty of refinement, contributing to a 7.8-second run to 60 mph and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, sending 40% of power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. The GX's high drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with its weight and always-on 4WD, resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

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 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. However, interior storage options were limited.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The seats were comfortable, with NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner in the Black Line Special Edition. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults, with limited cargo space when in use. The GX's tailgate swung open to the side, complicating loading in tight spaces. Cargo capacity was 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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 icons and analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse also featured a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. Each row had 2 USB ports, but wireless phone charging was only standard on the Premier and High Country models.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with a dual-screen view for navigation and radio. The GX also had a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The GX also offered standard Intuitive Parking Assist, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and 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 the Traverse a five-star overall safety rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side-impact tests. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with many features only available as options.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age. It came with Lexus Safety System+, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.