2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct muscular stance and athletic styling, especially evident in the new SRT Hellcat model. This model featured a cold-air scoop, throaty twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a redesigned front end. The Durango offered six different 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, with 11 exterior colors and six interior color schemes. Inside, the 2021 model introduced a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The cabin's materials ranged from cloth upholstery to premium leather options, with contrast stitching and Demonic Red-colored seat belts adding a unique touch.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often seen as a glorified minivan, offered a practical and stylish alternative for those needing an SUV. Prices started at $33,700 for the base LS model, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. The 2022 model received a light restyle, including new headlights, taillights, a fresh front bumper, modified grille designs, and updated aluminum wheels. The RS trim, which was our test vehicle, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS came with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. The interior layout was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo and climate controls.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 engine produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat model produced an impressive 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Durango's steering was precise, but its chassis showed its age, with a suspension that allowed bumps to be felt in the cabin. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages, providing detailed performance information and configurable drive modes.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it could feel soft over larger road imperfections. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes performed well in mountainous terrain, but the RS trim's all-season tires and soft suspension limited its handling capabilities.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It could seat up to seven passengers across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more spacious than many competitors, making it suitable for taller passengers. The Durango offered 21 seat options, providing plenty of customization for buyers. Cargo space was average for its class, but the Durango's fit and finish had significantly improved, earning awards for initial vehicle quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, offered seating for seven with second-row captain's chairs. The RS trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse's all-black cabin was comfortable, with generous legroom and headroom in the second row. The third row was suitable for adults if the second-row seats were adjusted forward. The Traverse offered abundant storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on the SXT and GT models, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The new Uconnect 5 system was five times faster than the previous version and offered greater personalization, connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa connectivity, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was easy to navigate, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. A family entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player and two 9-inch screens was available on select models. The gauge cluster, however, made it difficult to differentiate exact speeds due to its design.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS and LT Cloth models came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims also included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both infotainment systems supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system offered integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and more in-vehicle apps, including Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on the RS trim. The voice recognition system was quick and accurate, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and maneuverability.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features. It came standard with a rearview camera and passive safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA gave the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The IIHS rated the Traverse "Good" in most collision-related tests but "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published 2022 crash-test ratings at the time of writing.