2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those needing a family-friendly SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. Starting at $33,700, it offered a range of trims up to the High Country at $53,400. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, which we tested, included blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more visually appealing options in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and gray stitching, though the use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 received subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the CX-5 Signature trim boasted luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints. The driving position was sportier, and the interior featured dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the back seat remained snug, and the control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was less intuitive.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with 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 tow rating of 5,000 pounds and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it could whine under acceleration. The Traverse AWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined, and our test vehicle returned 20.9 mpg. The ride quality was pleasant, though it could feel soft over larger road anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse was comfortable but had noticeable road and wind noise. In mountainous terrain, it felt more athletic than some rivals, with good steering and braking performance. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and soft suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, with a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo, which we tested, produced 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a combined fuel economy rating of 24 mpg. Our test vehicle returned 21.1 mpg. The CX-5 featured Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The 2022 model had improved driving dynamics, with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness. It offered sure-footed grip, reduced body motions, and a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a premium vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS had a seven-passenger seating capacity with second-row captain's chairs. It 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 made accessing the third-row seat easier. The all-black cabin was comfortable, though the second-row captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was suitable for adults if the second-row passengers cooperated. The Traverse offered ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The front passenger seat was height-adjustable, and the 2.5 Turbo trim featured leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but had heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout of the Mazda Connect infotainment system was less intuitive, lacking a touchscreen and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small bin under the center armrest and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space measured 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded, which was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive compared to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured 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 included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, and the 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful features.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed well. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse Premier and High Country trims featured a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests but was rated "Acceptable" in the new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the standard i-Activsense package, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.