2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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 restyle for 2022, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, which was tested, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more visually appealing options in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics was noted. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more understated luxury compared to its flashier competitors. It avoided the ostentatious grilles seen on some rivals, offering a more refined appearance. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added more dramatic styling elements for those seeking visual flair. Inside, the GLS 450's interior was luxurious yet subdued, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality feel. While the GLS 450's interior was appropriate for a luxury SUV, it might have been too restrained for those seeking more opulence.

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 V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and it achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it was prone to scraping the front air dam over larger road imperfections. On highways, it excelled in long-distance comfort, despite some road and wind noise. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll, but its all-season tires and softer suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine was smoother than a V6, making it well-suited for a luxury SUV. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading. Overall, the GLS 450 delivered a powerful and smooth driving experience, though its suspension could have been more refined.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a seven-passenger seating configuration with captain's chairs in the second row for RS, Premier, and High Country trims. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated easy access to the third row. The Traverse's interior provided ample legroom and headroom, though the second-row captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was suitable for adults if the second-row seats were adjusted forward. The Traverse excelled in storage space, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. It offered 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward to increase legroom, and the GLS boasted the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was 17.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS offered power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading, though the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for LS and LT Cloth models, while higher trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. 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 Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was user-friendly and effective. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature found in the S-Class, but its graphics were visually appealing.

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, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features, such as rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, were available. 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 publication.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. It also featured Crosswind Assist and Pre Safe, which prepared the vehicle for a rollover. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.