2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the common trend of mimicking competitors. Its sharp exterior, characterized by crisp lines and tasteful chrome accents, echoed the successful styling of the larger Navigator. Inside, the Aviator offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dashboard. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's unique charm, while various trims provided a range of features from synthetic leather upholstery to massaging front seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented a more traditional SUV appearance, with a light restyle that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, added a touch of sportiness. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a straightforward layout. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the Traverse offered practical features like Smart Slide second-row seats and ample storage, making it a functional choice for families.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring trims enhanced this with a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain provided brisk acceleration, although the Aviator's size resulted in noticeable body roll in corners. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," catering to different driving preferences.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option, a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday tasks, and the Traverse achieved a fuel economy of 20.9 mpg in combined driving. On the road, the Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride, with predictable handling and a flat cornering attitude.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The second-row captain's chairs and digital control panel enhanced passenger comfort, while power-button door releases added a modern touch. However, the reliance on power buttons for door operation raised concerns about functionality in case of a battery failure.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered generous interior space, with 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. The RS trim featured captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven, but provided a wide pass-through for easy third-row access. The Smart Slide second-row seats and ample storage compartments, including a hidden space behind the infotainment screen, added to the Traverse's practicality.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services like a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, although it lacked the impact of more advanced audio systems. The Traverse's digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera added convenience and safety.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was well-equipped with safety features, including the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added advanced features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. While the IIHS had not fully assessed the Traverse's safety systems, it received "Good" ratings in collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.