2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others were all-wheel-drive. The exterior design of the X3 was slightly more aggressive, featuring a larger kidney grille and a black sensor bar between the grilles. The headlights were adaptive full LEDs, slimmer by 0.4 inches, and the taillights had a new design with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The rear also featured larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery was standard, with Vernasca leather as an option. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the interior ambiance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those needing a spacious SUV without the bulk of a larger vehicle. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse offered several appearance packages, including the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions, which added blacked-out trim. The RS trim, which was tested, had dark gray 20-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior of the Traverse RS was equipped with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. The design was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear for reduced glare. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with a Smart Slide function for the second-row seats, making it easier to access the third row. The cargo space was generous, with hidden storage compartments and a maximum cargo volume of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system offered an additional 11 hp during acceleration but did not improve fuel economy.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined for the AWD model. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with good handling and predictable behavior. The RS trim's P255/55R20 all-season tires were not the best for spirited driving, but the Traverse's handling was trustworthy.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The cargo space was ample, with enough room for backpacks and additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather. The X3's interior featured a redesigned center console, a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system, and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The controls were easily accessible, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the second row. The RS trim had 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 made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse's cargo space was generous, with a hidden storage compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. The cargo space behind the third-row seats measured 23 cubic feet, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger 12.3-inch screens and cloud-based navigation. A 12-speaker HiFi sound system was standard, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for the M40i. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats, a head-up display, and gesture control.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. The system offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on the RS trim. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, front cross-traffic alert, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Safety Package added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims had adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.