2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse had a somewhat retro approach, leveraging styling details to distinguish between its trim levels, much like older models used distinct wheels or additional chrome. Its exterior design was quintessentially SUV, with a tall roof, robust wheel arches, and an imposing grille. While its clean and handsome design may have been preferred over the Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade, it lacked the personality of the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride or the sleekness of the Mazda CX-9.

The Traverse's various trim levels emphasized different cosmetic elements. The RS model, for example, featured blacked-out trim, while the High Country trim included chrome accents. Other appearance packages like Redline, Sport, and Midnight were also available. Wheels ranged from 18 inches on the base model to 20 inches on higher trims. The Traverse shared its platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, yet targeted a more budget-friendly market segment. It also featured a car-like unibody construction unlike the body-on-frame design of the larger Chevy Tahoe.

Interior-wise, the Traverse continued its restrained styling. The notable interior feature was the optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof, offering sunlight over the first and second rows. The materials in the RS model were satisfactory but fell short of the vehicle's $50,000 MSRP. This trend of rapid price escalation with options was common among midsize three-row crossovers.

Conversely, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a fresh design, influenced by Nissan's current SUV aesthetic. It featured a modern take on the company's V-motion grille, flanked by LED headlights and slim daytime running lights. The bulky, slated C-pillar and new Nissan logo paid homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. With 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a distinctive black roof that extended onto the C-pillar, the Pathfinder stood out with its robust and trendy design.

The Pathfinder was 0.6 inches wider with a broader track, giving it a stable road presence. It was marginally taller and shorter in length than its predecessor, offering more legroom despite its compact dimensions. Its design positioned it as a more capable and rugged SUV in buyers' minds.

The Pathfinder came in four trim levels, each featuring body-color door handles, chrome accents, and privacy glass. Additional options like a panoramic moonroof and roof rack were available on higher trims. Interior configurations allowed for eight-passenger seating, except for the Platinum trim which offered seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. The semi-aniline leather-appointed seats and quilted upholstery in the higher trims reflected a more upscale demeanor than competitors.

Under the hood, the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with a single 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Previously, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine existed, but it was discontinued. The sole transmission option was a nine-speed automatic. While the V6 might have seemed powerful on paper, real-world performance felt underwhelming, especially from a standstill. However, it provided ample power for highway merging and overtaking when needed. The nine-speed automatic generally performed well, albeit with occasional rough shifts.

The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, combining a quiet cabin with a bump-absorbing suspension. Though it lacked agility on twisty roads, the AWD system's unique torque distribution was meant to enhance handling, but didn’t live up to expectations. The Traverse included off-road and tow/haul modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds—average for the segment. Competitors like the Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer offered higher towing capacities of up to 6,000 pounds and 5,600 pounds, respectively.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained the previous generation's 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. While there were no alternative fuel options, the V6 was coupled with Nissan's new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outdated continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new transmission, sourced from ZF, operated smoothly through the gears.

The Pathfinder was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. FWD models featured a five-position drive mode selector, whereas AWD models offered seven drive and terrain modes. Standard hill-start assist and hill descent control (exclusive to AWD) enhanced stability.

The FWD Pathfinder achieved an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD models showed slightly better highway mileage. The Pathfinder Platinum with AWD was less fuel-efficient, offering 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. A new capless fuel filler was also introduced.

While not built on a new platform, the Pathfinder's suspension and steering improvements provided a stable, comfortable ride, and a tight turning radius superior to rivals like the Highlander, Pilot, Explorer, Telluride, and Palisade. The model boasted a 6,000-pound towing capacity, comparable to the Subaru Ascent. However, the transmission occasionally struggled to find the right gear at speed but recalibrated quickly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was offered with seating for seven or eight, based on the choice between a second-row bench seat or captain's chairs. It featured above-average headroom and legroom across all three rows, though not class-leading. Our RS model included standard heated front seats, with ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats available on higher trims.

Where the Traverse truly excelled was in cargo space. With 23.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down, it outclassed many of its competitors. Higher trims offered a power liftgate, some with gesture activation, and a power 60/40 split-folding third row.

Nonetheless, interior storage options felt limited, common among midsize three-row crossovers that prioritize rugged styling over practicality. In terms of family-friendliness and cargo versatility, a minivan would be a better choice.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder focused on interior comfort and quietness. Enhanced insulation, front-row acoustic laminated glass, door-mounted mirrors, and thicker second-row glass minimized road noise. Nissan aimed for flexibility, reflecting feedback from customer focus groups.

The Pathfinder featured innovative solutions like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology, allowing easy third-row access even with forward-facing car seats installed. The second-row center console was removable, offering additional storage flexibility.

The Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row—less than the Traverse. However, with the third-row folded, it provided 45.0 cubic feet and 80.5 cubic feet when both the second and third rows were down. Flush rear cargo space sides and under-floor storage enhanced convenience.

The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, even on long trips. Heated seats were standard above the base trim, with ventilated seats available in the Platinum model. Standard tri-zone climate control and abundant cupholders underscored the Pathfinder's family-friendly design.

The standard manual liftgate on lower trims transitioned to a power liftgate on higher trims, with a motion-activated option on the Platinum.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. Despite competitors offering larger screens, the Traverse's interface was user-friendly, complemented by analog controls for audio and climate settings. The analog instruments, supplemented by a small LCD screen, felt dated but functional.

A notable tech feature was the rearview camera mirror, which toggled between a traditional mirror view and a camera feed, significantly improving rear visibility. The optional HD surround-view camera system enhanced maneuverability. Standard USB ports for each row and wireless phone charging only on higher trims rounded out the tech offerings.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with a plethora of technology. It included an eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 7-inch driver-information display. Additional USB ports in both Type-A and Type-C formats were available.

Higher trims boasted a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a head-up display. A 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system was available in the SL and standard in the Platinum. Upper trims featured a nine-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, additional USB ports, HomeLink, and NissanConnect Services.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top “Good” scores from the IIHS in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention. However, it scored lower in headlight and LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use categories. NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, though with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. Driver-assist technologies were less comprehensive compared to competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist being optional rather than standard.

Nissan equipped every 2022 Pathfinder with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite. This included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Every trim level also featured a rearview camera and numerous airbags, with an additional airbag in the Platinum model. As of now, safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are not available for the Pathfinder.