2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the aesthetics of an SUV. It offered a range of trims starting from the base LS at $33,700, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. The Traverse featured a modest ground clearance of 7.5 inches, making it suitable for light off-road conditions like snow or mud. 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, which was tested, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty touch to its appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was straightforward, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and style, drawing attention with its sleek design and signature Range Rover elements. It managed to capture the essence of the larger Range Rover in a more compact and sporty package. The Velar's design featured a sloping roofline, flush door handles, and distinctive taillights, creating a streamlined yet bold appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was elegant, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The base Velar S trim, tested with the Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch wheels, offered a refined yet understated interior. The infotainment system, Pivi Pro, was intuitive and responsive, enhancing the overall driving experience. Despite its stylish appeal, the Velar's interior space was more limited compared to midsize SUVs, with reduced headroom and cargo capacity.

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 offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with various driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road to optimize performance. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, though it was primarily tested for family transport. The AWD version achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined, with the test vehicle slightly exceeding this at 20.9 mpg. The Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it required caution over larger road imperfections to avoid scraping the front air dam. On highways, it excelled in long-distance travel, despite some road and wind noise. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse demonstrated agility, with its V6 engine, steering, and brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's tires and softer suspension at higher speeds affected its road connection.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight contributed to better cornering and braking. The Velar's standard coil-sprung suspension provided a smooth ride, while the optional air suspension with adaptive dampers offered a plush, isolated experience. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While the turbo-four provided average performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered higher power outputs of 340 hp and 354 lb-ft, or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft in the R-Dynamic HSE. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered various driving modes, but its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and performance, though a V8 option was no longer available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, though the RS, Premier, and High Country trims were limited to seven-passenger seating due to second-row captain's chairs. The RS trim 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 all-black cabin was comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for second-row passengers, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second-row seats were adjusted, though it wasn't as comfortable as in larger SUVs. The Traverse excelled in storage, with hidden compartments and generous cargo space. It offered 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. Despite falling short of the Tahoe's capacity, the Traverse was one of the roomiest in its segment.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over interior space, offering a tighter cabin compared to midsize SUVs. Its sleek design reduced headroom, especially in the rear, and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and customizable features. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials, though the design changes, like the new shifter, were seen as unnecessary and potentially hazardous. Despite these drawbacks, the Velar's infotainment system and driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras, enhanced the overall experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the LS and LT Cloth models, while higher trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed parents to monitor their child's driving habits. The 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard from the RS trim, though it lacked impact. The Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy and ease of use. Visibility was generally good, with a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera aiding in parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system exceeded expectations, offering a user-friendly interface with fewer icons and logical arrangements. It featured a voice assistant activated by "Hey Land Rover" or a custom phrase, and included advanced features like a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and navigation with traffic detours. The 4x4 app provided off-road measurements, while the 360-degree cameras offered a 3D view of the vehicle. The instrument panel was customizable, though the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. The Velar's adaptive cruise control with steering assist was competent but not as advanced as competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. An optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and user-friendly, with options to deactivate certain features. The IIHS rated the Traverse "Good" in most collision tests, though it received an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec 2017 Velar scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.