2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in its Calligraphy trim, stood out with a visually more appealing and luxurious treatment. The unique grille pattern, upgraded interior detailing including a simulated suede interior headliner, and revised lighting not only gave it an upscale presence but also separated it visually from lower trims and even some competitors. Its interior was decked with premium materials like Nappa leather, quilted and stitched for a luxurious ambiance, accompanied by striated wood trim that significantly amped up its luxury quotient. Despite its unconventional exterior design, which garnered mixed reactions, the Palisade resonated with those who favored a more extravagant appearance over traditional style.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse sported a restyled, more subtle yet elegant design with crisply tailored lines and tasteful trim levels like the RS that incorporated attractive blacked-out elements. Its design demonstrated a restrained aesthetic appeal that could endure rapidly changing trends in SUV styling. Inside, the Traverse featured a more muted but practical setting with a predominant use of black materials accentuated by contrast stitching, aimed more at functionality than luxury.

Hyundai equipped the 2021 Palisade with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a choice of multiple driving modes, a pronounced firm ride that communicated road conditions well without compromising on comfort. The all-wheel-drive option added versatility, enhancing its appeal to those in more varied climates.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, boasting a slightly higher output of 310 horsepower, connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also featured specialized driving modes like Tow/Haul, enhancing its utility. However, its performance was marked by a slightly whiny engine under acceleration, though the overall power delivery was adequate for family haulage. The AWD model handled well, especially on highways, albeit with a noticeable amount of road and wind noise.

Interior space and usability set these SUVs apart in their class. The Palisade boasted a highly user-friendly interior with ample seating comfort and accessibility across all three rows. It offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which was expandable to a voluminous 86.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The intelligently engineered interior featured power-adjustable elements and thoughtful additions like a hands-free smart liftgate.

The Traverse, on the other hand, excelled with slightly higher initial cargo space at 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to an impressive 98.2 cubic feet. It featured power-adjustable front seats and a smart slide second-row for easier access to the third row, albeit the third-row seating was slightly less commodious compared to the Palisade.

Technology in both SUVs catered well to modern needs. The Palisade’s tech suite included dual smartphone pairing capability, a larger optional touchscreen, and premium sound systems in higher trims. Its connectivity and infotainment were robust, though the larger screen required a wired connection for smartphone integration.

Traverse’s technology was equally competent, featuring a standard 8-inch touchscreen in upper trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and additional connectivity options including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Its infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, excelling in voice recognition functionality.