2022 Lexus NX 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 followed the same restrained styling, 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 MSRP.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a more modern and refined look. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather in most models, with real leather and open-pore wood trim in the Luxury model. The F Sport trim had sport-bolstered seats and unique interior elements. The minimalist interior design was a departure from the previous model, with many functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use at first. The NX also featured an electronic shifter and high-quality materials, though some elements, like the turn signal, felt cheap.

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 nine-speed automatic performed well overall, though it 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 NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with FWD and optional AWD. The NX 350 F Sport had additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer ride. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine wasn't as refined as those in German rivals.

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, with 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 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 on the Premier and High Country models. Interior storage options were limited, typical of midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. The F Sport trim had better-bolstered seats for sporty driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, increasing to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats 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 easy to use, with large icons and analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse had analog instruments with a small LCD screen, which worked well despite being less modern. The rearview camera mirror and optional HD surround-view camera system improved visibility and maneuverability. The Traverse had 2 USB ports for each row, with wireless phone charging standard on the Premier and High Country models.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands. The NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect, with cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Assistant. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, 10-inch head-up display, and digital key capability. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, with a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it received "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave 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. Chevy offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors, with adaptive cruise control only available on the top trim. Other features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist were optional.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.