2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to classic SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and prominent grille. While its exterior was somewhat generic, it was considered more handsome than the Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Palisade. 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 allowed for distinct trim level identities, with options like blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, with a standout feature being the optional Dual SkyScape sunroof. Materials in the RS model were decent but not exceptional for its price point.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged look with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear bloated. The rear design echoed the front's trapezoidal theme but felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating a storage tray and breaking monotony. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, and the Bronze Edition's light grey fabric upholstery was a questionable choice, prone to dirt and stains. The Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available on higher trims.

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 off the line but provided sufficient power for highway merging. The transmission was generally smooth, though it occasionally shifted roughly. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and good body control, but lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system required manual activation and offered torque vectoring capabilities, though this wasn't noticeable during driving. The Traverse had off-road and tow/haul modes, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering 243 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It came with standard front-wheel drive, with an optional AWD system powered by an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, followed by the gasoline engine's hum. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in a droning sound during heavy acceleration. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a comfortable ride, with a quiet cabin on highways, though the engine noise was noticeable under strain.

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 stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. A power liftgate was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. Despite its size, the Traverse had limited interior storage options, typical of midsize crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. The Highlander offered plenty of storage, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large center armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench seat. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row stowed.

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 8-inch screen was user-friendly, with analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse featured a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system. Each row had two USB ports, but wireless charging was only standard on top trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote vehicle monitoring were included. Navigation and a JBL audio system were standard on higher trims.

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 mixed headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Traverse offered fewer standard driver-assist features than competitors, with many options available only on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. A surround-view camera and adaptive headlights were exclusive to the top trim. The safety systems generally performed well but could be improved for smoother operation.