2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Dodge Hornet

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 from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, with prices starting at $33,700. 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, in particular, stood out with its blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics was a downside. The interior layout was simple and functional, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet, on the other hand, embraced its muscle-car heritage with a bold front end and distinctive styling cues. Its design was reminiscent of a Porsche from the rear, reflecting its Alfa Romeo Tonale roots. The Hornet offered a range of exterior colors and wheel options, with the Blacktop and Track Pack packages adding sporty enhancements. Inside, the GT Plus trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and memory settings. The driver-focused cockpit had a digital gauge cluster and a center stack angled towards the driver. However, the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed visibility, a minor quirk in an otherwise well-thought-out interior.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by 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. 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 Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it required caution over speed humps and dips. On the highway, it excelled in long-distance travel, despite some road and wind noise. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt more athletic than some competitors, with its V6 engine, steering, and brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's tires and suspension could feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet boasted "best-in-class performance" with its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It outperformed many competitors in its class, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds in Sport mode. The Hornet's base GT model was responsive, though it exhibited some lag when accelerating from cruising speeds. The R/T hybrid powertrain offered improved pickup. The Hornet's performance was complemented by its sporty exhaust note, drawing attention from onlookers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven in the RS, Premier, and High Country trims, with captain's chairs in the second row. It featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. While the second-row captain's chairs provided a wide pass-through, the third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. The Traverse excelled in storage space, with hidden compartments and generous cargo capacity, offering up to 98.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet's GT Plus trim featured comfortable leather seats with lumbar adjustment and memory settings. The cockpit layout favored the driver, with a screen and controls angled towards them. Visibility was generally good, though the A-pillar design occasionally obstructed views. The Hornet's interior was well-suited for performance-focused driving, with a focus on driver engagement.

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 RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The GT Plus trim added a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a wireless charging pad. The Hornet's infotainment system was intuitive and easy to use, with a well-executed navigation system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet came with standard driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Tech Pack added advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities. The Hornet had not yet been evaluated by IIHS or NHTSA.