2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse exuded the practicality of a minivan with the appearance of a rugged SUV. Starting at $33,700 plus a $1,195 destination charge, it offered a balance between affordability and functionality. The Traverse provided a spectrum of trims from the base LS to the top-tier High Country, which could cost up to $53,400 plus destination. The Traverse boasted a redesign in 2022, with new headlights, taillights, an updated bumper, aluminum wheels, and fresh color options. Special editions like Redline, Midnight, and Sport added a distinctive blacked-out trim.

The RS trim, positioned above LS and LT but below Premier and High Country, featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, dark gray 20-inch wheels, and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof. Our test vehicle in RS trim came with AWD and carried an MSRP of $48,895, including the destination charge. Its interior, while stylish with gloss black trim, also had extensive hard plastic surfaces, particularly on the upper door panels, detracting from an otherwise high-quality feel. Despite some material shortcomings, the Traverse presented logical and user-friendly design elements, including intuitive switchgear and stereo controls.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse relied on a singular power unit: a 3.6-liter V6 making 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a towing capability of up to 5,000 pounds, aided by a Tow/Haul driving mode, the Traverse included Snow and Off-Road modes for specific conditions. Despite the V6's noticeable whine under acceleration, the power output matched the Traverse's bulk, providing a balanced and comfortable ride on varied terrains.

The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Traverse, and our test vehicle achieved 20.9 mpg. Though the Traverse handled road imperfections well, larger disturbances like speed humps required cautious driving to avoid scraping the front air dam. The Traverse shone on highways, comfortably absorbing miles despite higher-than-preferred wind and road noise. During more spirited drives, the Traverse felt athletic, with responsive steering and controlled body roll, although the RS trim's all-season tires lacked zest.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, a significant improvement over the standard 3.5-liter V6. Despite the added weight, the MDX Type S utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system for refined handling, especially on sharp curves. The Integrated Dynamics System offered multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance.

The Type S' performance enhancements included a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brakes, and larger 14.3-inch front brake rotors with Brembo calipers. However, these upgrades didn't seamlessly integrate. The transmission lacked consistent responsiveness, the ride wasn't as compliant, and the tires squealed prematurely. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating. Despite powerful acceleration and a great exhaust note, the drive felt disconnected, with handling impeded by brake inconsistencies and excessive body roll in Sport and Sport+ modes.

Where the Traverse offered predictable, balanced performance, the MDX Type S delivered power with less cohesion, detracting from its high-performance promise.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse provided ample interior space but came with a trade-off in certain trims. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims featured captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. Key features included power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control, ensuring a comfortable ride. Adults found the second-row captain’s chairs slightly lacking in leg support.

Access to the third-row seats was facilitated by the Smart Slide function and wide pass-through between captain’s chairs, accommodating adults as long as the second-row seats were moved forward. Storage was a strong suit for the Traverse, with innovative hidden compartments behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor. The Traverse 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 with all rear seats down.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX provided flexibility in passenger configurations with three rows of seating. The Type S Advance model boasted luxurious 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the firm driver’s seat didn't provide comprehensive support, which was underwhelming for the performance-focused Type S.

The second-row seats in the MDX could be arranged to accommodate a pass-through to the third row, useful for families. The third-row access, though facilitated by power-operated sliding second-row seats, was tight for adults. Storage space within the cabin was less optimal compared to the Traverse, with limited space under the center armrest and competing design elements. Cargo-wise, the MDX offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with it folded, and maxing out at 71.4 cubic feet when both rear rows were down.

The Traverse outshone the MDX in cargo capacity, making it the better choice for those needing extensive storage.

Our tested Type S Advance trim, adorned in Apex Blue Pearl paint with an Orchid (white) interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. Although the Type S trim featured elements like open-pore wood and stainless steel pedal covers that enhanced luxury, it suffered from certain design flaws. The tapering body design made the SUV look dented from certain angles, and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard obscured control usage. Furthermore, Acura’s electronic transmission switchgear, in place since 2017, proved confusing and less intuitive.

Stylistically, the Traverse presented a more rugged, spacious feel, while the MDX focused on sophisticated, albeit sometimes flawed, luxury.

Chevrolet equipped the Traverse with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. The 8-inch high-definition system included Bluetooth for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Driver-assist features like Teen Driver technology and a digital rearview mirror added practical functionalities. Though the 8-inch touchscreen was modestly sized, the underlying software offered excellent voice recognition and minimal user frustration. Visibility issues, such as the driver’s side mirror distortion, were offset by features like surround-view cameras in higher trims.

Acura's Digital Precision Cockpit featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, alongside the True Touchpad Interface (TTI). However, the TTI required a learning curve, deviating from the widely accepted touchscreen norm. The TTI's design affected center console space, complicating access to the wireless charging pad. Despite these drawbacks, the headphones could sync with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, which facilitated hands-free operation despite the less intuitive native system.

The ELS Studio 3D audio system, with 25 speakers in the Type S Advance, offered stellar sound quality, while the 10.5-inch head-up display provided essential driving information. Yet, issues like misreading speed limits highlighted areas needing improvement.

Though Acura's technology seemed more cutting-edge, Chevrolet's intuitive and user-friendly system scored higher on practicality and ease of use.

On the 2023 Acura MDX, Acura Watch bundled essential safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed automatic braking on higher trims. Despite accurate and refined driver aids, quirks like false lane-departure alerts and occasional misreading of overhead signs raised concerns.

Both SUVs offered robust safety features, but Acura's comprehensive safety suite and superior crash-test ratings gave it a slight edge.