2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those seeking an SUV without the flair of sliding doors, unlike typical minivans. With prices starting at $33,700 plus a $1,195 destination charge for the base LS model and reaching $53,400 plus destination for the top-tier High Country, it aimed to provide value in the midsize SUV segment. The Traverse underwent a light makeover for the 2022 model year, featuring redesigned headlights and taillights, a refreshed front bumper, modified grille designs, and new aluminum wheels. Various appearance packages such as the Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, and Sport Edition added unique blacked-out trims.

Our test vehicle, the RS trim, came equipped with dark gray 20-inch wheels that struck a balance between elegance and visibility. Inside, the Traverse offered black leather upholstery with contrasting stitches and a mix of hard plastic and polished metallic accents. The interior’s layout was simple, logical, and user-friendly, with matte-finish switchgear that reduced glare and provided clarity. Although the material quality was mixed, the design impressed in terms of styling restraint and practicality.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, in contrast, made an immediate and bold impression with its unapologetic size and formidable presence. The front end with its tall hood and vertical running lights gave it the appearance of a diesel locomotive. The Escalade looked distinct from other GM full-size SUVs, thanks to styling elements emphasizing its bulk. With massive 22-inch wheels, it was styled to amplify its grandeur.

The Escalade followed Cadillac’s tradition of offering sport and luxury trims, with bright exterior accents for the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims and darker trims for the Sport version. It shared its platform with other GM full-size SUVs, which provided it with a spacious interior filled with leather, wood, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite having high-end materials, the cabin design didn’t offer a cohesive luxury theme.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and multiple driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, the Traverse catered to varied driving conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power, with a fuel economy of 20 mpg in combined driving as per EPA ratings, and our test vehicle achieved 20.9 mpg.

In-city driving revealed a firm yet compliant ride, while on highways, the Traverse demonstrated its long-distance suitability albeit with more road and wind noise than preferred. Though athletic in mountainous terrains, the RS trim’s all-season tires and soft suspension response at higher speeds detracted from its overall driving dynamics.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two engine choices: a standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and an optional Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine generating 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade diesel, which we tested, performed admirably with smooth power delivery and ample torque.

Towing capacities were slightly higher for the gasoline engine at 8,200 pounds, although this was less than the Lincoln Navigator’s 8,700 pounds. Despite the standard independent rear suspension, the ride felt unsettled and less composed than its direct competitors. Off-road capabilities were limited compared to other GM SUVs, making the Escalade more suited for luxury rather than rugged terrains.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse prioritized practicality with its spacious seven-passenger seating configuration in the RS trim. Power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated easy access to the third row. Despite the all-black interior, the air conditioning system ensured comfort even in warmer climates.

The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 98.2 cubic feet. Though less than the Chevy Tahoe, it remained competitive within its segment. Hidden storage compartments and kid-friendly door designs added to its practicality.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade surpassed the Traverse in interior space with its first-row and third-row legroom leading the segment. It offered standard second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench seat, or an optional second-row bench seat. Cargo space was impressive with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and a whopping 109.1 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

However, the Escalade faced some functionality issues. The raised center console lacked adequate storage space for loose items. Though it featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage and lumbar support (temporarily unavailable due to chip shortages), the seats didn’t stand out as luxurious. Nevertheless, essential details like dedicated seat-heating buttons and large sun visors added to its appeal.

The Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. It supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed monitoring of young drivers’ habits. The 8-inch touchscreen also offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and a seven-speaker Bose sound system starting from the RS trim.

The Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 proved efficient, with quick and accurate voice recognition. The digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility, although the normal rearview mirror view was often obstructed.

The highlight of the Cadillac Escalade’s tech offerings was its 38-inch curved OLED display comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch trip-computer screen. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth further elevated the tech experience. The display was well-integrated into the dashboard, with thoughtfully arranged icons and retained physical toggles. However, the carousel radio station feature and the rotary controller were less user-friendly.

The Escalade’s tech features also included advanced options like night vision, augmented reality navigation, and a robust AKG Studio sound system. The 360-degree camera system provided high-resolution feeds on both the central touchscreen and instrument cluster, enhancing driving confidence.

For 2022, the Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Additional safety packages offered rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian alert. While some driver aids could be toggled off, the Traverse lacked an advanced driving system with lane-centering assist. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending.

The Cadillac Escalade offered a suite of standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and trailer blind-spot monitoring. The optional Super Cruise provided advanced hands-free driving with automated lane changes and relied on pre-mapped highways and driver vigilance via a camera. Despite a few disengagement issues, Super Cruise was notably smoother and more reliable than other systems. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the 2022 model year.