2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. It closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the main differences being a "4xe" badge, sky blue accents, and a power port at the windshield's base. When the battery was sufficiently charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The test vehicle, painted in Firecracker Red and equipped with Rubicon trim, was priced at $66,690, including destination charges. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler interior with some unique touches like blue seat stitching and PHEV-specific gauges. The layout was functional, with controls for the transmission, emergency brake, and transfer-case lever, along with differential controls and auxiliary switches. Despite its rugged simplicity, the interior offered more comfort than previous models, though luxury was not its forte.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a practical SUV alternative with a starting price of $33,700 plus destination charges. The High Country trim reached $53,400. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated wheel options and color choices. The RS trim, which was tested, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more stylish options in its segment. The Traverse's design was noted for its restrained styling, which was becoming rare among SUVs. The RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, was priced at $48,895, including destination charges. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and gloss black trim. While hard plastics were present, the interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of electric-only driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, with a total range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power or efficiency. With 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, the Wrangler 4xe could accelerate to 60 mph in six seconds. During a road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe demonstrated its ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking, achieving 20.8 mpg on the journey. Despite its noisy freeway performance, the Wrangler 4xe provided a unique driving experience with its silent electric operation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the AWD model achieved 20.9 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections well. On the highway, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse's V6 engine, steering, and brakes performed admirably, with the suspension limiting body roll. However, the RS trim's tires and the vehicle's tendency to feel disconnected at higher speeds were noted.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's high door sills and lack of side steps made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter passengers. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a classic driving position with excellent visibility. The interior featured manual front seat height adjusters, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Storage space was limited due to the center console's design, but rear passengers had access to air vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when folded. The Wrangler's swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window added to its charm but could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the second row. 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 interior provided ample legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was suitable for adults, with generous cargo space behind it. The Traverse offered 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including a hidden space behind the infotainment screen.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Wrangler 4xe also included helpful charging indicator lights and a Trip Summary data panel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level. The system included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The Traverse RS featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The infotainment system's voice recognition was praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Traverse also offered a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera for improved visibility.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while the vehicle's overall safety ratings were mixed. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover rating.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features were available in the Safety Package and on higher trims. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and refined, though it lacked advanced lane-centering assist. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.