2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 encompassed remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and five-zone climate control. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel and a leather stripe on the Alcantara wheel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse, in contrast, relied on styling details to differentiate its trim levels, reminiscent of how Chevy once distinguished between models like the Impala and Caprice. The Traverse's exterior featured a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a big grille, presenting a clean, handsome design. While the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride offered more personality, and the Mazda CX-9 had a more streamlined appearance, the Traverse's restrained styling emphasized its trim-specific cosmetic elements.

The Traverse RS model sported blacked-out trim, while the High Country model featured chrome accents. The base Traverse L came with 18-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available on higher trims. Sharing a platform with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, the Traverse aimed for a more blue-collar feel compared to its premium siblings. Its interior mirrored the exterior's restrained styling, with an optional Dual SkyScape two-panel sunroof as a standout feature. While materials in the RS trim were decent, they didn't quite justify the $50,000 MSRP.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Its adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63's drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled various aspects like throttle response, transmission mapping, and suspension stiffness. Despite its size, the GLS offered a composed ride, easily maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with 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. While the V6 didn't feel particularly strong off the line, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed automatic performed well overall, though it occasionally exhibited rough shifts.

The Traverse excelled in highway road manners, combining a quiet cabin with a bump-absorbing suspension and precise steering. However, it lacked agility on twistier roads, partly due to its AWD system, which required manual activation. The system could send up to 50% of torque to either front wheel or 85% to either rear wheel, but its impact on handling was minimal. The Traverse offered off-road and tow/haul drive modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The GLS featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad. The center console, though not large enough for a purse, offered additional storage space. The power-folding third row and toggles near the tailgate made accessing cargo space convenient.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, depending on the second-row configuration. Headroom and legroom in all three rows were above average. Heated front seats were standard on the RS trim, with ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

A power liftgate was optional on the LT Cloth trim and standard on higher trims, with gesture-activated functionality on the Premier and High Country models. The RS and higher trims featured a power 60/40 split-folding third row. Despite its size, the Traverse was limited in interior storage options, typical of midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” or “find me a seafood restaurant.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. The Traverse retained analog controls for audio volume and climate control, which were user-friendly. The analog instruments, supplemented by a small LCD screen, were functional but less modern than digital clusters.

The Traverse also featured a rearview camera mirror, eliminating blind spots created by rear pillars and passengers. An optional HD surround-view camera system made parking easier. Chevy provided two USB ports for each row as standard, with wireless phone charging available on the Premier and High Country trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention. However, it received “Acceptable” and “Poor” headlight ratings and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the Traverse a five-star overall safety rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side-impact tests.

Chevy offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors. Adaptive cruise control was only available on the top High Country trim, while features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional.