2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the styling 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, included blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, though the use of hard plastics was a downside. The interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design with LED accent lights and a controversial oversized kidney grille. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The X7 offered two design themes, with the M Sport trim featuring a dark finish. Interior materials were of high quality, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior was well-built, with no creaking on bumpy roads, and the revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance. However, the new front-end styling was polarizing, and the interior's glossy wood and carbon fiber trim choices caused harsh reflections.

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 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 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 on larger road imperfections. On the highway, it was a comfortable cruiser, albeit with some road and wind noise. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt more athletic than some rivals, with good handling and predictable behavior.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate power from the six-cylinder. The ride was slightly firmer than some luxury SUVs, but it offered a good blend of performance and comfort, with well-managed body roll and a composed demeanor on winding roads.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim, though it lacked a second-row bench seat option. The interior 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 easier. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted, and the Traverse offered ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen. Cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with the second row accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required the power-operated middle row to slide and tilt, providing a large opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system included navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on the RS trim. The voice recognition system was responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were appreciated features.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Many physical buttons were replaced with touchscreen controls, making simple tasks more complicated. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The system was less user-friendly, with a lack of physical buttons for frequently used features.

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, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features were available, such as rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a highway driving assist feature. The safety features performed well, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.