2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a glorified minivan, offered a compelling alternative for those needing an SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse provided a range of trims up to the High Country at $53,400. It featured a light restyle for 2022, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, was particularly appealing. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though the extensive use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear reducing glare and making controls easy to use.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality and practicality. Starting at $25,195, the Forester offered trims up to the Touring at $35,295. The Wilderness trim, tested in the Cascade Mountains, featured a rugged look with a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding. Inside, the Forester Wilderness had water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The interior focused on function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that felt both durable and somewhat inexpensive. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the three display screens could be confusing.

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 when properly equipped 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 the suspension could feel soft at higher speeds, leading to a disconnected feeling on undulating roads. The Traverse handled well in the mountains, with limited body roll and predictable handling, though the all-season tires were not ideal for spirited driving.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness had an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 25.9 mpg. The engine's performance was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved responsiveness. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced off-road capability, with the Wilderness model excelling on forest roads and off-road courses.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS, Premier, and High Country trims featured captain’s chairs, 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 made third-row access easier. The all-black cabin was comfortable, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was suitable for adults if the second-row passengers cooperated. Storage space was abundant, with hidden compartments behind the infotainment screen and 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 maximum.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized ease of entry and exit, with tall seating hip points allowing for a slide-in, slide-out experience. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds. Comfort levels were high, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seat down provided 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof).

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS and LT Cloth models featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. The system included 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 from RS trim upwards. The voice recognition system was excellent, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful features.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, but the Harman Kardon audio system provided clear, rich sound.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Higher trims added 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 review.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved field of vision and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.