2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version, with its Midnight Black paint, bronze BBS wheels, and Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, exuded a rugged charm reminiscent of its adventurous roots. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less striking in its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. The exterior design, with its oversized headlights and chrome accents, lacked the character and flair of its predecessors, resembling a more upscale version of a first-generation Toyota Highlander. Inside, the Land Cruiser combined high-quality materials with a mix of Toyota and Lexus design elements, offering a plush yet somewhat dated cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented a more modern and practical approach to SUV design. With a starting price of $33,700, the Traverse offered a range of trims, including the RS model, which featured blacked-out trim and stylish 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's exterior design was marked by crisp lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a well-organized layout. Despite the prevalence of hard plastics, the Traverse's interior was functional and user-friendly, with intuitive controls and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system, provided impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist ensured optimal performance on various terrains. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser's fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging 14.7 mpg during testing. On-road, the SUV offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight was evident in its handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, offered a balanced performance for everyday driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive provided versatility, with modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The Traverse's fuel economy was more favorable, achieving 20.9 mpg in testing. While the Traverse handled well in various driving scenarios, its ride quality softened at higher speeds, and road noise was more pronounced on the highway. Nevertheless, the Traverse's predictable handling and responsive steering made it a reliable choice for family road trips.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious yet dated, with premium leather upholstery and a commanding driving position. The SUV offered a spacious second-row bench seat with heated cushions and a third-row seat that could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. However, cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 82.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Land Cruiser's split clamshell-style liftgate provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space and functionality, though the RS trim's captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to seven. The Traverse featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide second-row seats and wide door openings facilitated easy access to the third row. With 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet, the Traverse offered ample room for passengers and their belongings. Additional storage compartments, including a hidden space behind the infotainment screen, enhanced the Traverse's practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was a throwback to simpler times, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on Toyota Entune technology, offering basic functionality with large buttons and knobs for easy control. The rear-seat entertainment system was similarly dated, with non-touchscreen displays and limited content streaming options. The standard JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short of high-end competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more advanced technology suite. The RS trim featured an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a WiFi hotspot and Teen Driver technology. The available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced visibility and safety. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate the infotainment system. While the Bose premium sound system was standard on the RS trim, it was not particularly impressive.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the Land Cruiser lacked more advanced driving assistance systems, and its crash-test ratings were unavailable.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive suite of safety features with Chevy Safety Assist as standard. This included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert, and the Safety Alert Seat feature. While the Traverse had not been fully rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review, it received top ratings in most collision-related tests.