2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end that set it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The RAV4 offered options like the Adventure model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road with matte black wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and SofTex upholstery, though material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while resembling a minivan, offered a more SUV-like experience with its conventional rear doors and a price range starting at $33,700. It underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages. The RS trim, which was tested, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, contributing to its appealing design. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logical layout, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The Traverse's interior was designed for practicality, with easy-to-use controls and ample storage, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and was eager to rev, but the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, along with a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped and included driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse provided a firm yet compliant ride, with good road feel and predictable handling. However, it exhibited more road and wind noise on the highway, and its all-season tires were not ideal for spirited driving. Despite these drawbacks, the Traverse's V6 engine and suspension performed well in mountainous terrain, offering a flat cornering attitude.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a tall, upright roof that provided ample headroom and good visibility, though legroom was slightly lacking. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet, though not class-leading. The RAV4's interior included oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim, providing generous legroom and headroom in the second row. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row, which was suitable for adults if the second row was adjusted. The Traverse boasted abundant storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features like a head-up display, available only on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a Bose premium sound system. The Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its voice recognition capabilities and included features like a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, though it was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.