2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in several trim levels, including 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS. Most trims came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The RS trim stood out with a V6 engine and a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system designed for better performance on low-traction surfaces. The Blazer underwent minor updates for 2022, with the Premier trim receiving revised bumper and bodyside trim, and new standard wheels. A new Enhanced Convenience Package and Trailering Package were introduced, and two-tone paint options became available for the LT and RS trims. Pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Blazer RS test vehicle, equipped with optional AWD and additional packages, was priced at $49,000. The Blazer's design drew inspiration from the Camaro, featuring a sporty appearance with 20-inch wheels. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer's cabin echoed the Camaro's design, with an 8-inch touchscreen, innovative air vents, and a mix of hard plastics. The RS trim's interior featured red accents that matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while resembling a minivan, offered the appeal of an SUV with its conventional rear doors. It was priced starting at $33,700, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was optional across all trims, though its ground clearance was modest at 7.5 inches. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices. Special appearance packages like the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions were available. The RS trim, positioned above the LS and LT models, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse was praised for its appealing design, with crisp lines and tasteful details. The RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, black carpets, and gloss black trim. While hard plastics were present, the interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering FWD or AWD options. Drivers could select from Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul driving modes, with remote engine starting available. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with a dual-clutch AWD system exclusive to this trim. The V6 engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine. The Blazer RS provided a firm and sporty driving experience, with decent grip and capable brakes. However, its performance on winding roads was less impressive, with a suspension that felt bouncy and a transmission slow to downshift. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, and the SUV struggled to meet the dynamic driving expectations set by its styling. The Blazer RS AWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by 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 had a towing capacity of 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 test vehicle achieved 20.9 mpg in combined driving, slightly above the EPA rating of 20 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. However, it required caution over larger bumps to avoid scraping the front air dam. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous areas, the Traverse felt more athletic than some competitors, with a V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes contributing to its performance. The suspension limited body roll, but the RS trim's tires and softer ride at higher speeds detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior. The RS test vehicle featured black leather upholstery with red perforations, giving the cabin a sporty look. The steering wheel was comfortable to grip, with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating for cold weather. The front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available, with effective air conditioning and rear air vents. The back seat was spacious, with a sliding function for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a center armrest bin, and door panel shelves. Most Blazers had a power rear liftgate, with hands-free operation available on RS and Premier trims. The cargo area offered 30.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which was small for a midsize SUV.

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 access to the third row. The RS trim's all-black cabin and lack of ventilated front seats were not issues in moderate temperatures. The driver's seat was comfortable, and second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second-row seats were adjusted, though it was less comfortable than in some competitors. 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 seats folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high-resolution graphics and a modern design. It included a power/volume knob, tuning buttons, and easy-to-use onscreen menus. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an upgraded system offering satellite radio and connected navigation. Connected services, including OnStar and a Wi-Fi hotspot, were available with short trial periods. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate stereo and climate controls. Enhanced voice recognition and navigation systems were fast and accurate. The test vehicle included wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. Safety features included rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror, which were useful given the Blazer's limited rear visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. Higher trims also featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both systems supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed parents to monitor their child's driving. The 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and expanded connected services. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its voice recognition, which responded accurately to commands. Visibility was good, except for the rearview mirror, which was blocked by the liftgate. The digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were helpful features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. A rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology were also standard. Available safety upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Blazer's advanced driving assistance systems were effective and user-friendly, though the IIHS did not award it a "Top Safety Pick" due to headlight performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse also featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. An optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, which were standard on higher trims. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and encouraged use, though more advanced systems were not available. The IIHS rated the Traverse "Good" in most collision tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings at the time of writing.