2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with a design that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Its distinctive features, such as circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges, made it instantly recognizable. The Wrangler's rugged appearance, reminiscent of a toy truck for adults, appealed to those seeking adventure. Despite variations in trim levels, the core elements of the Wrangler's design ensured it stood out on the road. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized functionality over comfort, with upright seating, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. For enthusiasts, these characteristics added to its charm rather than detracting from it.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more refined and modern look. It underwent a light restyle with updated headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with new aluminum wheels and color choices. The Traverse's design was characterized by crisply tailored lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS trim featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls and a focus on comfort. The Traverse's spacious cabin and thoughtful design elements catered to families seeking a practical and stylish SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains, like the 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, provided additional options. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by three four-wheel-drive systems, including the Rock-Trac system on the Rubicon trim, which featured front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnectable front sway bar. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transformed the Wrangler into an off-road supercar, offering exceptional power and performance.

In comparison, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road available for different conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and its fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a pleasant driving experience. On highways, it excelled in long-distance travel, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude, making it a reliable choice for family road trips.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including cloth and hardtops, with features like the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom top with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin focused on functionality, with limited storage options but practical features like drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though wheel-wells and roll-bars could limit larger items.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offered a spacious and versatile interior. The RS trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs provided a wide pass-through for easy access to the third row, and the Smart Slide function allowed for convenient entry and exit. The Traverse's cabin offered generous legroom and headroom, though some adults found the captain's chairs lacking in leg support. Cargo space was abundant, with 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The maximum cargo volume reached 98.2 cubic feet, making the Traverse one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim level. The Sport trim featured a basic 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screens provided crisp graphics and intuitive controls, with radio toggles on the steering wheel for added convenience. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille, offering a clear view of the trail ahead.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS and LT Cloth models, while higher trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered an integrated navigation system, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system starting with the RS trim. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall user experience. Visibility was generally good, with the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera aiding in parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, these features were not standard, and lane-departure warning was unavailable. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, which was useful for off-roading.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The Traverse LS offered an optional Safety Package with rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control, a high-speed automatic emergency braking system, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and refined, with options to customize their use. The IIHS had not yet rated the Traverse's headlight or driving-assistance systems, but it received top "Good" ratings in collision-related tests.