2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

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 from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, with prices starting at $33,700. The Traverse featured a light restyle for 2022, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, which we tested, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logically laid-out interior, though it was marred by hard plastic surfaces in some areas.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its rugged design, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The Adventure trim, which we tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and orange interior accents. The RAV4 offered six trim levels, with prices starting below $30,000. The interior of the RAV4 Adventure was basic but functional, with a frameless rearview mirror adding a touch of premium feel. The RAV4 provided ample storage options and a practical layout, though it lacked the spaciousness of some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride, with a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg combined for the AWD model. On the highway, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude, though the RS trim's tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly exciting, the RAV4's engine was adequate for everyday driving. The Adventure trim featured AWD and a MacPherson independent front suspension, providing a comfortable ride. The TRD Off-Road trim offered a more rugged setup with all-terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension. The RAV4's performance was unobjectionable, with a focus on practicality rather than excitement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the second row, providing easy access to the third row. The interior featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Traverse's Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated entry and exit. While the third row was not as comfortable as some competitors, it was adequate for adults. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, offering 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and provided 37.7 inches of headroom in the front and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof. It offered 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the back, with a narrower back seat compared to some rivals. The RAV4 featured practical storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, placing it in the middle of the pack for its class.

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 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims. It supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. The Adventure trim featured an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on select trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, 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 crash tests, though it was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The updated TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing and improved ratings in updated side and moderate overlap front crash tests.