2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t introduce any new styling changes, but it did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers.

However, the interior of the GX did not meet the standards of a modern luxury SUV. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic throughout the cabin. While leather upholstery was standard, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim, the overall interior quality felt dated. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel’s odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made driving feel like operating a bus.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was a practical choice for those needing an SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse offered a range of trims, with the High Country model topping out at $53,400. For 2022, the Traverse received a light restyle, including new headlights, taillights, a refreshed front bumper, and redesigned aluminum wheels. The RS trim, which we tested, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, giving it a sleek and modern appearance.

Inside, the Traverse RS came with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the overall design was simple and logically laid out. The infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was notably responsive. The Traverse also provided ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things straightforward with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, taking the GX from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, its 5,130-pound weight became apparent at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The braking performance also demanded advance planning, and the ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, which wasn’t very smooth.

Off-road, the GX excelled with its Torsen center differential, standard 4WD system with a low range, and various driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, multi-view camera system, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles, the GX was a capable off-roader. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, with stability control including a trailer-sway control function.

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’s tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and it offered Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes. The V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, and the Traverse returned an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, with our test car achieving 20.9 mpg.

On the road, the Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. However, it required careful speed management over larger bumps to avoid scraping the front air dam. On the highway, the Traverse was a comfortable cruiser, though road and wind noise were more pronounced than desirable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt more athletic than some rivals, with good performance from the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and extended-life Duralife brakes. The suspension limited body roll, providing a flat cornering attitude, though the all-season tires and soft suspension response at higher speeds detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and tall seating position made driving feel like operating a bus. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, particularly through the low side glass. The center-console storage bin, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders were all fairly small, and the second-row cupholders took up a lot of space in the fold-down armrest. The GX came standard with three rows of seating for seven, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and it was best reserved for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, and virtually no space with the third row up.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in contrast, offered a more spacious and practical 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 generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, though adults found the leg support lacking. The Smart Slide function and wide pass-through made accessing the third row easier. The third row could accommodate adults if the second-row seats were slid forward, though it wasn’t as comfortable as in larger SUVs. The Traverse excelled in storage space, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen, ample door panel storage, and a sizable hidden compartment 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.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had dated graphics and limited functionality, with a separate display for time and temperature using a seven-segment format. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward, if primitive, interface.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered more advanced technology, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims and an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system also offered integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The voice recognition system was notably responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and maneuverability.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including 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 also offered a Safety Alert Seat feature on Premier and High Country trims. While the IIHS had not yet rated the 2022 Traverse’s headlight or driving-assistance systems, it received top “Good” ratings in most collision-related tests, except for an “Acceptable” rating in a new side-impact test.