2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, featured a striking Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its top-trim status, the King Ranch's visual distinctions were subtle, with emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin's material quality varied.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, priced from $33,700 plus a $1,195 destination charge, was a practical choice for those seeking an SUV with minivan-like utility. The Traverse lineup topped out with the High Country trim at $53,400. For 2022, the Traverse received a light restyle, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, tested with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895. The Traverse's design featured crisp lines, swollen fenders, and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the RS trim offered black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls and a focus on practicality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, delivering 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs, and achieving 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, with off-road capabilities and a sporty feel, especially in the ST trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured 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. The Traverse's tow rating was 5,000 pounds, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes available. The V6 engine provided adequate power, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle returned 20.9 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with a pleasant highway experience despite some road and wind noise. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with good steering and braking performance. However, the RS trim's tires and suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with RS, Premier, or High Country trims, offered seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs. The RS trim included power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated third-row access. The Traverse's cabin provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat accommodated adults with cooperation from second-row passengers. Storage was abundant, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style display. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than Ford's newer Sync 4 technology, leading to some frustrations. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch display for other trims. The Premier and High Country trims featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both systems supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The RS trim included a Bose seven-speaker sound system. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. Visibility was generally good, with a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera available.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The safety systems generally operated smoothly, though the lane-centering assist occasionally disengaged on curvy roads.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. An optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's safety features were generally accurate and refined, though it lacked advanced systems like lane-centering assist. The IIHS rated the Traverse "Good" in most tests, with an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.