2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its improvements, struggled to captivate with its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, and lacked the striking proportions seen in competitors like BMW and Audi. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but it fell short when compared to rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, featuring a bold red and black color scheme and luxurious materials like wood, metal, and leather. The interior was both a visual and tactile delight, offering a sense of opulence that required significant options to fully appreciate.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented itself as a practical and appealing choice for those seeking a family-friendly SUV. While it lacked the sliding doors of a minivan, it compensated with a stylish exterior that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, in particular, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Traverse offered a comfortable and spacious cabin with black leather upholstery and thoughtful design elements. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the interior layout was logical and user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and ample storage space. The Traverse's design struck a balance between style and functionality, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255-horsepower engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 horsepower, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 483 horsepower, and the AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with 603 horsepower. The GLE's hybrid system, powered by a 48-volt battery, enhanced performance and efficiency, though fuel economy remained average. The GLE's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds was impressive, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, providing a dynamic driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offered 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, the Traverse delivered adequate power for everyday driving. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, and it handled well on highways and in mountainous terrain. However, it exhibited some road and wind noise, and its handling could feel disconnected at higher speeds. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Traverse provided a predictable and reliable driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity ranged from 34 cubic feet behind the second row to 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, had reduced cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchpad interface and intuitive controls. The GLE's interior was well-appointed, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse provided ample interior space, with seating for up to seven passengers in RS, Premier, and High Country trims. The second-row captain's chairs offered easy access to the third row, and the Smart Slide function enhanced convenience. The Traverse boasted generous cargo space, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including hidden compartments and well-designed door panels. The Traverse's cabin was comfortable and functional, catering to the needs of families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE offered a range of advanced features, such as a head-up display, ambient lighting, and semi-automated driving functionality. The infotainment system was highly customizable and user-friendly, providing a wealth of electronic features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot. The Traverse's infotainment system was intuitive, with excellent voice recognition capabilities. Higher trims featured a digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and rear cross-traffic alert. While the touchscreen size was modest, the underlying technology was reliable and easy to use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its excellent crash test performance and standard forward emergency braking. It offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced occupant protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse received top ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it was 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.