2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while essentially a well-disguised minivan, offered a compelling balance between utility and appearance, making it suitable for those who needed an SUV but lacked the budget for more luxurious options. Starting at $33,700 with a $1,195 destination charge, the Traverse's model range topped out at the $53,400 High Country version. The 2022 Traverse underwent a subtle style refresh, featuring new headlights and taillights, redesigned bumpers, grilles, wheels, and updated color options. It also offered special appearance packages like Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, and Sport Edition, adding blacked-out trim for a sportier look.

The RS trim, positioned above LS and LT and below Premier and High Country, presented an attractive set of dark gray 20-inch wheels and ample blacked-out trim. The RS was noted for its striking design, with squared lines and swollen fenders presenting a subtle, refined look compared to the gaudier designs of some other SUVs.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro trims, showcased a refreshed front and rear with powerful-looking headlight and taillight designs and new wheel styles. Colors like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green added to its appealing palette, alongside fresh interior hues, offering a sense of customization and modernity. The X-Line and X-Pro featured raised suspensions and unique grille designs, with the X-Line equipped with 20-inch wheels and the X-Pro with 18-inch ones intended for off-road use.

The interior saw updates that included a larger digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, all housed under a 24-inch curved glass section on the dashboard, giving the Telluride a futuristic push. New colors, minor trim changes, and an improved center console were noticeable upgrades, with embossed trim names on the seatbacks of X-Line and X-Pro models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a straightforward choice with its sole 3.6-liter V6 engine pumping out 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse could tow up to 5,000 pounds with the right equipment and capable driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. Despite the V6's occasional whine under acceleration, it provided a satisfying driving experience, perfectly adequate for daily family commuting. The official EPA rating for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model was 20 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle returning 20.9 mpg.

The Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride suited for urban settings, though it struggled with larger surface anomalies. Despite some road and wind noise on highways, it showed commendable fuel efficiency and performed well on mountainous terrains, thanks to its V6, responsive steering, and brakes. However, its P255/55R20 all-season tires reduced its handling dynamics, and the vehicle felt somewhat disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its mechanical foundation with a 3.8-liter V6 engine generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select modes like Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with the AWD offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 24.1 mpg, and the X-Pro returned 20.4 mpg despite off-roading activities. The EPA rating for the AWD model stood at 21 mpg in combined driving.

To back up its rugged styling, the Telluride's suspension was raised, ground clearance increased to 8.4 inches, and the approach and departure angles were improved. The Telluride X-Pro, with its all-terrain tires and enhanced cooling system, boasted a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds. Off-road capabilities were proficient, though not necessarily at Jeep or Land Rover levels. On highways, the Telluride impressed with its serene, connected ride and low wind noise at speed. However, the all-terrain tires made the ride feel slightly softer in turns, and an Individual mode to balance Sport mode's firm steering would have been welcome.

Limited to a maximum capacity of seven passengers in RS, Premier, and High Country trims due to second-row captain’s chairs, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse aimed for comfort and convenience. It boasted power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a robust triple-zone climate control system. The second-row Smart Slide function facilitated easy third-row access.

Traverse's cabin comfort varied. Front and second-row passengers enjoyed good legroom, though second-row adults found the captain’s chairs somewhat uncomfortable. Third-row accommodations were acceptable with cooperative second-row passengers. The traverse featured multiple clever storage options, from hidden compartments to plentiful door panel storage and the plentiful 98.2 cubic feet maximum cargo volume—among the roomiest in its segment.

In the 2023 Kia Telluride, seating configurations allowed for seven or eight passengers depending on the selection. Test models featured Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated, ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs, and a heated steering wheel. A power lumbar system helped keep drivers refreshed.

The Telluride’s second row was comfortable, well-equipped with sunshades, USB ports, and climate controls. Getting into the third row was straightforward, and full-grown adults could find comfort there, superior to many midsize SUVs, though not the Volkswagen Atlas. Storage compartments were generous, with a smart power tailgate making cargo-loading effortless. Compared to the Traverse’s 23 cubic feet behind the third row, the Telluride offered 21 cubic feet, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87 cubic feet overall—slightly lesser but still sizable for eight-passenger SUVs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch high-definition upgrade in other trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, alongside Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, WiFi hotspot, and connected services. Higher trims introduced an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Premier and High Country trims had a Bose premium seven-speaker system, though it lacked impactful sound quality. While the 8-inch touchscreen seemed small by contemporary standards, Chevrolet’s Infotainment System 3 technology proved efficient, with excellent voice recognition and useful features like Teen Driver technology.

Visibility and parking aids in the Traverse bolstered its technology suite. A digital rearview mirror was available to offset the limited rearview visibility. The RS’s surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert were invaluable in tight parking spots.

Kia stepped up with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in all 2023 Telluride models, covering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and a WiFi hotspot. The Telluride’s voice recognition system performed admirably, though climate adjustments required manual input. Kia’s tech suite also included Driver Talk, Quiet Mode for rear passengers, and OTA updates. Six USB ports ensured power availability throughout the cabin.

Enhanced options included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system, wireless charging, and digital key technology. A Full Display Mirror showcased a live rear view, beneficial when fully loaded with cargo. The head-up display (HUD) offered extensive information, visible despite polarized sunglasses. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system satiated modern driving needs, reminding distracted drivers to go when the car ahead moves, underscoring Telluride's advanced tech integration.

For 2022, the Chevrolet Traverse featured the comprehensive Chevy Safety Assist across all trims, including essentials like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. Furthermore, the Safety Alert Seat vibrated upon detecting danger—exclusive to Premier and High Country trims.

The Traverse's safety systems mostly worked with precision, encouraging their use. While lacking a lane-centering assist system, it remained effective for conventional driving safety. As of this review, IIHS had rated the Traverse "Good" in most tests except a new side-impact test, where it was marked "Acceptable." NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came extensively equipped with safety features, broadening its ADAS suite. Standard items included various collision warnings, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping and centering assists, and automatic emergency braking, among others. Enhanced safety systems incorporated Safe Exit Assist, adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, and the Highway Drive Assist 2.0.

The Telluride also offered Highway Drive Assist 1.5, extending semi-autonomous driving on highways, with newer versions adding Lane Change Assist. SX trims enhanced collision avoidance systems, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic parking brakes, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Driver alerts and an improved Rear Occupant Alert system ensured comprehensive safety coverage. Forward collision warning effectively alerted without startling, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 demonstrated seamless usability, engendering trust during drives.