2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, a design language that Mercedes-Benz consistently applied across its portfolio. Despite embodying modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, the GLC avoided the overly sharp and "angry" look of some competitors. The long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive work of art, featuring flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The floating center touchscreen with rounded edges and the overall design set a high bar for compact luxury SUV cabins.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often considered a glorified minivan, offered a practical and stylish alternative for those needing a family-friendly SUV. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices and redesigned aluminum wheels. Our test vehicle, the RS trim, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding to its appeal. The Traverse's design demonstrated a level of styling restraint that was becoming rare in the SUV landscape, making it one of the most attractive vehicles in its segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. Even in Comfort mode, the turbocharged engine provided ample power, though there was occasional lag when pulling away from a stop. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered more potent powertrains, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing up to 503 horsepower, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came with 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 tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the SUV returned an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it could feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds. Its handling was predictable, making it easy to trust, but the RS trim's all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 provided 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe's fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC's interior offered ample storage options, including a decently sized center console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in RS, Premier, and High Country trims, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Traverse RS came with 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 made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse offered generous legroom, headroom, and foot room in the second row, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was suitable for adults if the second-row seats were slid forward. Cargo space was abundant, 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 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, a center console touch controller, and an advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between the GLC's radio and smartphone music apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. Higher trims also featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, reducing confusion and frustration. The Traverse RS trim included a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also had front and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. However, the parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive, often triggering false positives. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, 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 could be equipped with a Safety Package, adding rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.