2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to the past, with its design relying heavily on styling details to distinguish between trim levels, reminiscent of how Chevy once differentiated models like the Impala and Caprice. Its exterior was a classic SUV silhouette with a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille, offering a cleaner and more handsome design compared to some competitors. The Traverse's restrained styling allowed for cosmetic elements to shine, 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. While materials in the RS model were decent, they didn't quite match the vehicle's price tag, a common issue among midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, carried its mature design into its 14th year without a major overhaul since 2008. Its exterior maintained a timeless appeal with a modest grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. However, it did show its age with a flat dashboard and a small 7-inch touchscreen, which felt outdated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

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 ample power for highway merging and overtaking. The Traverse excelled in highway comfort, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension, though it lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system, which required manual activation, offered torque vectoring capabilities, but the benefits weren't noticeable during driving. The Traverse had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which was average for its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain was known for its durability and reliability, making it a suitable match for the Sequoia's truck-based build. With a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds, the Sequoia was well-suited for heavy-duty tasks. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. It 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 available, and higher trims featured a gesture-activated liftgate. However, interior storage options were limited, typical of midsize crossovers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. It featured a standard power moonroof and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo area offered 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a generous 120.1 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Ample storage compartments and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Bose audio system available on higher trims. While its screen size was smaller than some competitors, the interface was user-friendly, and analog controls for audio and climate were appreciated. The Traverse also offered a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium package offering 14 JBL speakers. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED lighting and standard safety tech like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it had mixed headlight ratings and limited standard driver-assist features compared to rivals. Adaptive cruise control and other safety tech were optional extras.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, and more. A full complement of airbags and other safety features were standard across all models.