2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to classic SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a 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. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, with an optional Dual SkyScape sunroof as a standout feature. While the materials in the RS model were decent, they didn't quite justify the vehicle's $50,000 price tag.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a sporty Onyx Edition with blacked-out exterior trim, badges, and 20-inch wheels. This edition added a unique grille design and special interior trim, wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather. The Ascent's interior featured a gray two-tone scheme with metallic trim, though the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat. The Onyx Edition's styling was sporty, and the interior was equipped for winter weather with heated front seats and a wiper de-icer. However, the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback for the StarTex material.

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. Despite its specs, the Traverse didn't feel as powerful as expected, though it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed transmission was generally smooth, with occasional rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, offering a quiet cabin and a bump-absorbing suspension. 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 a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for its segment.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT and standard AWD, achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined. The Ascent's flat-four engine layout contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT was efficient, offering eight programmed ratios and manual shift control. The Ascent's acceleration was brisk, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. Subaru's X-Mode off-road system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided off-road capability. The Ascent was nimble in urban settings, though its lane-keeping technology could feel unstable on highways.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all 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, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down. A power liftgate was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. Despite its size, the Traverse had limited interior storage options.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition was equipped for winter with water-resistant seats, triple-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors. Captain's chairs were available, and a panoramic sunroof extended over the second row. The Ascent offered ample storage, with a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo capacity was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a Bose audio system. The Traverse's infotainment system was user-friendly, with analog controls for volume and climate. A rearview camera mirror and an HD surround-view camera system were available, enhancing visibility. The Traverse included two USB ports per row, with wireless charging standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trims added an 8-inch display with Starlink services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system retained physical controls for volume and tuning. Voice recognition needed improvement, requiring specific commands. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, while a premium sound system was reserved for higher trims. Additional tech features, like a digital rearview mirror, were available on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, it had "Acceptable" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The Traverse offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available as options.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. EyeSight had issues with direct sunlight and lacked refinement in adaptive cruise control. The Ascent included LED headlights with automatic high beams, but blind-spot monitoring was only available on higher trims. Reverse automatic braking and a Starlink Safety and Security plan were also offered.