2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the styling of an SUV. It offered a range of trims starting from the base LS at $33,700, with the High Country topping the lineup at $53,400. The Traverse featured a modest ground clearance of 7.5 inches, making it suitable for light off-road conditions. The 2022 model received a subtle facelift with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated wheel options and color choices. The RS trim, with its blacked-out accents and 20-inch wheels, was particularly striking. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics was a downside. The interior layout was user-friendly, with intuitive controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its bold styling with the Tahoe and Silverado 1500. It was available in six trims, offering a high degree of customization. Our RST test model featured a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with a range of materials from comfortable to luxurious, depending on the trim. The RST trim included 10-way power seats and a Luxury package with heated second-row seats. However, the predominantly black interior could feel dark despite the chrome and red stitching accents. The Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, but it offered ample room for passengers and cargo.

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. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it was prone to scraping on larger road obstacles. On the highway, it was a capable cruiser, albeit with noticeable road and wind noise. The V6 engine provided adequate power, and the Traverse's handling was predictable, though it felt disconnected on undulating roads.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. The Suburban excelled in towing tests, offering a stress-free experience with its powerful V8 engine and advanced trailering features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for up to seven passengers with its RS trim, featuring captain's chairs in the second row. It included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. While the third row was not as comfortable as some competitors, it provided adequate space for adults. The Traverse boasted ample 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.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious and accessible, with 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the second and third rows flat expanded cargo capacity to 144.7 cubic feet. The Suburban featured a power-sliding center console and numerous storage compartments. However, its size made it challenging to park in tight spaces, and it might not fit in some garages. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from previous models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive, and the available digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility. The RS trim featured a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered advanced technology features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on LT trims and above. Google built-in was standard on LT and higher trims, providing access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was available on higher trims. The Suburban included wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot. The audio system varied by trim, with a premium Bose CenterPoint system available on the Premier and High Country.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance. IIHS ratings were not available for the current-generation Suburban.