2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. It successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlight array, into its elegant two-box design. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a 14.5-inch high-definition display, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a bridge-like center console with minimal controls. The SUV's design was both innovative and cohesive, aligning with Genesis' vision for its lineup.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while not as avant-garde, offered a practical and appealing design. It underwent a light restyle for the model year, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse's RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, added a touch of sportiness. Despite its minivan-like practicality, the Traverse maintained a level of styling restraint, with crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. Its interior, though not as luxurious as the GV80, was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an AWD option. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The four-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the V6 offered a smoother and more robust performance, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, 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 when properly equipped, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the SUV delivered a firm yet compliant ride quality. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined for the AWD model, and it performed well in various driving conditions, though it exhibited more road and wind noise than desired.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology, design, and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The GV80 offered comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, with power second-row seats and a power-folding third row available on certain trims. The SUV's interior was spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while not as luxurious, provided ample space and practicality for families. The RS trim came with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs offered a wide pass-through for easy access to the third row, and the Smart Slide function facilitated entry and exit. The Traverse's cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. The SUV also featured hidden storage compartments and well-designed door panels for added convenience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable split-screen displays. The GV80 also featured a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on select trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The Traverse offered an optional navigation system, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system starting with the RS trim. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, adaptive cruise control with machine learning, and various collision-avoidance assists. It also offered highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist. While the GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.