2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, enhancing the Odyssey's aesthetic appeal. The Elite trim, in particular, boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, ambient dashboard lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, giving it a more luxurious feel akin to an Acura minivan.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse underwent a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated aluminum wheels and color choices. The RS trim, which we tested, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty touch. The Traverse's design was characterized by crisp lines, swollen fenders, and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the RS trim offered black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though the use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel-saving variable cylinder management technology contributed to an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. Brake performance was generally good, though they struggled under heavy use during a heatwave.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with driving modes for Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse's EPA rating for AWD models was 20 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle achieved 20.9 mpg. The Traverse provided a firm yet compliant ride, though it was prone to scraping the front air dam over speed humps. On highways, it excelled in long-distance comfort, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with good steering and brake performance, though the RS trim's tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-organized interior with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, though removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. Cargo capacity was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide second-row seats and long rear doors facilitated third-row access. The Traverse's cabin offered generous legroom and headroom, though second-row captain's chairs lacked leg support. Cargo space was ample, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The Traverse also included hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi, and a CabinWatch interior camera. Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included a digital instrumentation panel and a Bose premium sound system. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive, and the available digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility. The RS trim's surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert were valuable features for parking.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, offering advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were pending at the time of writing.