2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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, spacious 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 included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone 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 hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often seen as a glorified minivan, offered a practical and cost-effective alternative for those needing a spacious SUV without the higher price tag and lower fuel efficiency of larger models. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse lineup peaked with the High Country trim at $53,400. The 2022 model received a light restyle, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices and appearance packages like the Redline Edition.

Our test vehicle, the RS trim, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS came with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. The materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents. The Traverse's interior was logically laid out, with matte-finish black switchgear reducing glare and reflections. The RS trim also included a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, adding to its appeal.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 came with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, 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 engine, produced 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. The GLS 63 featured an adaptive, adjustable air suspension system, allowing ground clearance adjustments between 7.9 and 8.5 inches. The SUV's double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided precise cornering. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to customize throttle response, transmission mapping, suspension stiffness, steering feel, and exhaust mode. The GLS's E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride, even on rough roads.

The 2022 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. The Traverse's tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes available. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving. Our test vehicle returned 20.9 mpg.

The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. However, it required careful speed management over larger bumps and dips to avoid scraping the front air dam. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were more noticeable. The V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and extended-life Duralife brakes performed well in mountainous terrain, with the suspension limiting body roll and lateral weight toss. However, the RS trim's P255/55R20 all-season tires were less impressive, and the Traverse felt disconnected from the road at higher speeds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured 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 offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 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 driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, featured captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included 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's all-black cabin, while comfortable, lacked ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs provided a wide pass-through for easier third-row access, and the Smart Slide seats allowed for child safety seats to remain installed while tilting and sliding forward.

The Traverse's third row accommodated adults, though it was less comfortable than the second row. Storage space was abundant, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. The Traverse offered 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. However, the third-row seats required the second-row captain’s chairs to be slid forward for folding, which could be inconvenient.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connection. 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 right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen system offered integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and expanded connected services with in-vehicle apps like Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The voice recognition system responded accurately to commands, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and maneuverability.

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. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, 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 optional Safety Package for the Traverse LS added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse Premier and High Country trims featured Chevy’s vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.