2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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 starting from the base LS at $33,700, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. Despite its SUV appearance, the Traverse's 7.5-inch ground clearance was more suited for urban environments and mild off-road conditions. The 2022 model received a subtle facelift with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, which we tested, featured blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though the use of hard plastics was a downside. The interior layout was straightforward, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to classic design with its boxy, rugged appearance reminiscent of the old LR4. It was a popular choice, outselling the Discovery by a significant margin. The Defender's design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles, paying homage to its 1980s predecessor. It offered a variety of trims and body styles, including the 90, 110, and 130, each with unique features like the full-size spare wheel on the hatch. The interior was functional and durable, with materials designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the Defender maintained a utilitarian feel, with exposed screws and basic air vents. The V8 Carpathian Edition we tested was priced at around $120,000, which seemed excessive given its spartan interior, but its off-road capabilities and unique character appealed to many buyers.

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 towing capacity 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 everyday driving, and the Traverse returned a fuel economy of 20.9 mpg in combined driving during our tests. The ride quality was generally pleasant, though the suspension could feel soft at higher speeds, leading to potential scraping over larger road imperfections. On highways, the Traverse was comfortable but suffered from noticeable road and wind noise. In mountainous areas, it handled well, with limited body roll and predictable behavior, though the all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the vehicle to various surfaces, and the permanent 4WD was a boon for adventurous drivers. However, on-road performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The Defender's braking felt uneasy due to long pedal travel. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, provided exhilarating acceleration, though it felt mismatched with the Defender's top-heavy design. The inline-six engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth performance without a fuel economy penalty. The V8, however, had poor fuel efficiency, rated at 14/19/16 mpg. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less desirable for highway driving due to its lower power output.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, though the RS, Premier, and High Country trims were limited to seven-passenger seating due to second-row captain's chairs. The RS trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function in the second row facilitated access to the third row, which could accommodate adults if the second-row seats were adjusted. The Traverse provided ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was versatile, with seating configurations for up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 had a standard third row. The 130's third row included a separate moonroof, climate zone, and USB ports. The Defender's large windows and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded, while the 90 and 110 had 58 and 79 cubic feet, respectively. The Defender could be equipped with various accessories, including a roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. Higher trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, allowing parents to monitor their child's driving. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was effective, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen options with Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen provided better legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and navigation. The Defender S trim included heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The X trim offered advanced off-road capabilities and luxury features like configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. 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 review.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Defender lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags, which was a notable omission.