2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling cues. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a shapely body with a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and somewhat dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences, from performance-focused to extended body options with third-row seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of features from power-adjustable seats to semi-aniline leather upholstery, though the infotainment system was noted for its dated appearance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a stylish SUV alternative with a light restyle for the model year. It featured new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated aluminum wheels and color choices. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS was equipped with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. The interior design was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo controls. The Traverse provided a firm yet compliant ride, with a V6 engine that delivered adequate power for its size. It was noted for its pleasant highway performance, though road and wind noise were more pronounced than desired.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models offered 308 horsepower with a combination of a V6 engine and three electric motors, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX 350 FWD achieved an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX Hybrid models managed up to 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The RX was known for its comfortable cruising capabilities, with the F Sport model offering a more spirited driving experience. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for FWD models.

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 various conditions, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse AWD achieved an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined, with a test return of 20.9 mpg. The Traverse provided a firm road feel in town and a pleasant ride quality on the highway, though it was prone to scraping the front air dam on larger road anomalies. The V6 drivetrain and suspension offered a flat cornering attitude, though the RS trim's tires were not as engaging.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and six or seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row RX. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. It offered 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 easier access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. Cargo space was abundant, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with seats folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments and a power liftgate.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a nine-speaker sound system. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system, while functional, was noted for its dated interface and lack of wireless smartphone integration.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, a WiFi hotspot, and Teen Driver technology. The 8-inch system included navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its voice recognition capabilities, though the 8-inch screen was considered small by modern standards.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked more advanced hands-off piloting systems found in some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated Acceptable in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 model at the time of writing.