2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, retained a robust and imposing presence. Introduced in 2007, the second-generation Sequoia received a facelift in 2018, which included updated headlights and grille, along with some new tech. For 2021, the Sequoia added a Nightshade Special Edition, but otherwise, changes were minimal. The subtle updates from 2018 were somewhat overshadowed by the vehicle's large silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a massive, multi-tiered center dash reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dash, and while the cabin offered ample space, the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. However, the second-row seats provided generous headroom and legroom, and all seats were comfortable and supportive.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented a more modern and stylish appearance. It underwent a light restyle for the 2022 model year, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated aluminum wheels and color choices. The Traverse RS trim, which we tested, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding to its appeal. The interior of the Traverse RS was equipped with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were present, the overall design was simple and logically laid out. The Traverse offered a comfortable ride with a firm feel for the road, and its V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday driving. The cabin was spacious, with a Smart Slide function for the second-row seats, making access to the third row easier.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) with low range. The Sequoia's V8 engine provided strong acceleration, even for an SUV weighing up to 6,000 pounds. However, the six-speed transmission was somewhat outdated compared to modern multi-speed options, affecting fuel economy. The Sequoia drove like a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, instilling confidence in its pickup-like driving dynamics. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, 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, and the official EPA fuel economy rating for the AWD model was 20 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. On the highway, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all rear seats folded, the Sequoia offered an impressive 120 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia provided deep in-door pockets and a massive center console for storage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a roomy interior, though the RS, Premier, and High Country trims came with captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Traverse RS featured 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 access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom for second-row passengers, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was accessible and offered better accommodations than many rivals. Cargo space behind the third row measured 23 cubic feet, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. The maximum cargo volume was 98.2 cubic feet, making the Traverse one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The older infotainment system was easy to use, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. The digital trip computer was small but functional, offering a straightforward user experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The Traverse's infotainment system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and more in-vehicle apps. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. The available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system improved visibility and maneuverability.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. However, the Sequoia lacked more advanced tech like lane-keeping assist. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test but had not been rated in other crash tests.

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. A Safety Package was optional for the Traverse LS, adding rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision-related tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2022 Traverse were not available at the time of writing.