2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting, but its black floor mats were a hassle to clean.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while essentially a minivan with conventional rear doors, offered a stylish and practical alternative for those needing an SUV. Prices started at $33,700 for the base LS with front-wheel drive, reaching $53,400 for the High Country trim. All-wheel drive was optional across the lineup. The 2022 model received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. Our RS test vehicle featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's design was praised for its crisp lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power delivery. The available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for the AWD model. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling, though its off-road capability was limited by 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

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. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes for Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power, and the AWD model achieved 20.9 mpg on our test loop. The Traverse's ride quality was firm yet compliant, though it could feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds. The suspension limited body roll, and the Active Return Assist steering and Duralife brakes performed well in mountainous terrain.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. Storage was abundant, with various compartments throughout the cabin. Cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, offered seating for seven with standard captain’s chairs in the second row. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, and the cabin featured triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. While the third-row seat was not as comfortable as in some competitors, it was better than many rivals. Storage was plentiful, with hidden compartments behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor. Cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

Most 2021 Honda Pilots came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system in the Touring trim played DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. However, the infotainment system's small screen and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch high-definition display in higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services including a WiFi hotspot. The Premier and High Country trims featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim and above added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, 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.