2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted six weary travelers at Los Angeles International Airport with its plush and roomy interior. Despite its luxurious Platinum trim, which includes features like Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all the luggage, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride. The Expedition's big and bold presence, highlighted by its chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, contrasted sharply with the practical but less imposing minivan they had previously rented.

The extended-length MAX version of the Expedition would have solved the cargo issue, offering ample space for both passengers and luggage. The test vehicle's second-row captain’s chairs limited flexibility, but the leather-lined cabin and power-deploying running boards added to the comfort and convenience. Despite some hard plastic materials, the Expedition's interior largely justified its premium price, though a Lincoln Navigator offers a more refined alternative.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a glorified minivan, offered a practical and stylish alternative for those needing an SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse lineup culminated in the High Country trim at $53,400. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, presented an appealing and restrained design. The silver RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895.

Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the interior design was logical and user-friendly. The Traverse's stereo controls and climate knobs were easy to use, and the vehicle's overall design made it a practical choice for families. However, the lack of a second-row bench seat in higher trims limited seating capacity to seven.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology made maneuvering trailers easier. The Expedition's acceleration was impressive, and the twin-turbo V6 emitted a pleasant engine note.

However, the Platinum's 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension. The Expedition's four-wheel independent suspension kept it stable on the road. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle did not include this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on the evaluation loop, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

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's tow rating was 5,000 pounds, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes available. The V6 engine's sound was not unpleasant, and it provided adequate power for the Traverse's size. The AWD model returned 20.9 mpg on the evaluation loop, slightly above the EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving.

In town, the Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it required careful handling over speed humps and drainage dips. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, and it performed well in mountainous terrain, though the RS trim's all-season tires and softer suspension limited its athleticism.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's regular-length model struggled to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The Expedition MAX offered more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and the power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easy. The front seats offered a massage function, but the interior featured some hard plastic materials.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS, with its captain’s chairs, reduced seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included 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 facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's all-black cabin was comfortable, though the second-row captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was adequate for adults, and the Traverse offered ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen.

Cargo space in the Traverse measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The maximum cargo volume was 98.2 cubic feet, less than the Tahoe but generous for its segment. The Traverse's storage solutions, including a hidden compartment under the cargo floor, were practical for families.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, with its 8-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly but showed its age. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The voice recognition system was improved but required specific language for complex commands. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging, but the rear-seat entertainment system was not included.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch display in higher trims. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system also offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with a curb weight of at least 5,368 pounds, had a safety advantage over many vehicles. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash-test rating, though the RWD model received a three-star rollover-resistance rating, and the 4WD model earned four stars. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.

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