2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a glorified minivan, offered a practical alternative for those needing an SUV without the higher costs and lower fuel efficiency of larger models. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse lineup extended to the High Country trim at $53,400, with AWD available across all trims. The 2022 model featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated color choices and special appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, which we tested, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 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 light gray stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While the materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents, the interior layout was simple and logical. The switchgear was designed to reduce glare and reflections, making it user-friendly. The RS trim also included a Dual SkyScape Sunroof and an MSRP of $48,895. However, the hard plastic on the upper door panels was a downside for long trips.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued its mature and sophisticated look into 2022. The exterior featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims included LED fog lamps and active grille shutters for improved airflow. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options, including a tray beneath the center console and a large storage cubby below the center armrest.

The Rogue’s cabin was equipped with Nissan’s Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and a roomy second row with good legroom. The 9-inch center infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel in upper trims provided a modern touch. The Rogue’s fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-of-the-line Platinum model, making it a comfortable and attractive option for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the Traverse to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6 engine, while slightly noisy under acceleration, provided adequate power for the vehicle’s size. The AWD model had an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined, and our test vehicle achieved 20.9 mpg.

The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections well. However, it required careful handling over speed humps and drainage dips to avoid scraping the front air dam. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes performed admirably, with the suspension limiting body roll. However, the RS trim’s all-season tires and the vehicle’s tendency to feel disconnected at higher speeds were drawbacks.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, part of the VC-Turbo family, featured a variable compression ratio, adjusting the combustion chamber size for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue’s fuel economy was impressive, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The Rogue’s new CVT transmission offered wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had good feel. The Rogue’s 35.4-foot turning diameter made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, enhancing its overall driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, featured captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included 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 easier access to the third row. While the all-black cabin lacked ventilated front seats, the air conditioning system performed well.

The Traverse’s third-row seating was adequate for adults if the second-row seats were adjusted forward. Storage space was abundant, with 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 a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet, making the Traverse one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered numerous storage options in the front cabin, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, and cubbies in the dash. Rear-seat passengers had storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench.

The Rogue’s cargo area could accommodate 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of luggage, depending on the configuration. With the second row folded flat, the Rogue offered 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both infotainment systems supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. 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 upwards.

The Traverse’s voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. Visibility was generally good, though the rear liftgate obstructed the rearview mirror. The digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera in the RS trim were valuable features for parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue’s technology upgrade from 2021 carried over, with significant enhancements to the vehicle’s screens. Upper trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. The Rogue used Google Maps and Waze for navigation, with voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims.

ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system on models with ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link. This system used navigation data to adjust speed proactively, enhancing the driving experience. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to the rear doors, making it convenient for families.

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 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 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite across all trims, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue also had ten supplemental airbags, extended crumple zones, Intelligent Driver Alertness technology, and rear door alert. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system. The 2022 Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for the 2021 model.