2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Jeep Wrangler

In 2022, the Chevrolet Traverse was akin to a modern-day minivan with a traditional SUV aesthetic. Prices for the Traverse started at $33,700 for the base LS model, reaching up to $53,400 for the High Country trim. With optional all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of 7.5 inches, it was more suited to snowy driveways than rugged trails. The 2022 Traverse saw some cosmetic updates including new headlights, taillights, a redesigned front bumper and grille, fresh aluminum wheels, and more color options. Special appearance packages like the Redline Edition added blacked-out trims for a sleek look.

The RS trim we tested had blacked-out detailing and dark gray 20-inch wheels, making it visually appealing within its segment. The SUV's lines were crisp, the fenders well-defined, and the overall styling exuded a tasteful elegance that was becoming rare.

Internally, it featured black leather upholstery, gloss black trim, and contrasting stitching for a modern yet somber feel. The materials were a mixed bag, with hard plastic surfaces prevalent even on upper-door panels, which wasn't ideal for long trips. The design was simple and functional, with intuitive controls for the stereo and climate systems, enhancing user experience.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler showed no mercy in its rugged, unapologetic design. Available in both two-door and four-door versions, the Wrangler allowed for door removal for an open-air experience. It featured a fold-down windshield, various top options for open-air exploration, and wide fenders with the American flag. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches all contributed to its retro aesthetic.

Functionality was key with a tailgate that swung out and rear glass that lifted up for easy cargo access. Our tester's limited-edition purple color, Reign, added a bold flair, while the new Earl color brought a softer, aquamarine-tinged gray. The interior stayed true to its utilitarian roots with easy-to-clean floor mats, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter. There were no frills like ambient lighting or massaging seats—this Jeep was built for straightforward performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine—a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It boasted a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with different driving modes including Tow/Haul, Snow, Off-Road, and Normal. The V6 engine performed well, providing a balanced power output suited for family trips, and returned an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined. The ride quality was generally pleasant, although it struggled with larger bumps and generated noticeable road and wind noise.

In mountain driving, the Traverse felt athletic, with responsive steering and reliable brakes, although the RS trim's tires weren’t ideal. Its handling was predictable, making it easy to trust, but it could feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds.

In 2023, the Jeep Wrangler offered a plethora of engine options, starting with a standard V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Another option was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which delivered 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, catered to torque lovers. The high-performance Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque to match, while the hybrid Wrangler 4xe offered 21 miles of all-electric range.

Our Wrangler Rubicon 392 tester was thrilling, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The XR package offered an even higher crawl ratio for better off-road performance. However, the on-road experience was marred by inadequate brakes and vague steering. Fortunately, other engine options didn’t share these issues and provided a balanced, if unremarkable, driving experience compared to the gargantuan 392.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse's RS trim, with its seven-passenger seating, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone climate control system. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easier access to the third row, where adults could fit comfortably if the second row cooperated. Storage was ample, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor. The Traverse’s cargo space was generous with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, while ruggedly functional, wasn’t as accommodating. Front seats were comfortable but lacked ventilated options. The rear seat, especially in four-door models, was cramped and challenging to access. Storage for small items was limited, though multiple USB ports and a 115-volt outlet were useful additions. Cargo space was a comparative weakness, offering just 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Chevrolet's 2022 Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen in the LS and LT Cloth models and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen in other trims. These systems supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services like WiFi hotspots. The Traverse also included a Bose premium sound system and advanced voice recognition. Visibility was enhanced by a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera in the RS trim.

In the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, our tester featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system. Initially overwhelming, Uconnect proved intuitive with off-road pages providing critical information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly, and auxiliary switches allowed for easy aftermarket customizations. However, the absence of a digital key and limited over-the-air updates were notable downsides.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian alert. While advanced systems like adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist were missing, the Traverse offered a comprehensive safety suite. It earned top "Good" ratings in most IIHS tests, though side-impact results were "Acceptable."

Jeep didn't prioritize safety as much with the 2023 Wrangler. Standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional on lower trims and standard only on the top-tier 392 model. The IIHS gave mixed ratings, with some trims receiving a "Poor" ranking for headlights. NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover but had yet to rate it for side crashes.