2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It borrowed some styling cues, such as the quad LED strips in the headlights and taillights and the large shield-shaped grille, but combined them with a sloping roofline and ribbed detailing for a unique profile. The GV70 managed to blend the visual bulk of an SUV with sleek, athletic elements, creating a rugged yet sophisticated appearance. The Sport Prestige models added even more character with unique styling features, including 21-inch wheels with a web pattern and dark chrome trim, while the interior boasted an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing, offering a minimalistic yet luxurious feel with options for Nappa leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented itself as a practical choice for those needing a family-friendly SUV. It underwent a light restyle for the model year, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated aluminum wheels and color choices. The RS trim, which sat in the middle of the lineup, sported blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, giving it a modern and appealing look. Inside, the Traverse RS offered a comfortable cabin with black leather upholstery and red and light gray contrast stitching, though it was marred by the use of hard plastic surfaces in some areas. The interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, hinting at its sporty aspirations. However, despite the aggressive Sport+ drive mode and impressive power output, the GV70's chassis felt heavy and lacked the sharpness of some competitors, making it more comfortable for highway cruising than spirited driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's V6 engine provided adequate power for its size, and the SUV offered a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Traverse featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, to adapt to different conditions. While the V6 engine could whine under acceleration, it was well-suited for family duties, and the Traverse delivered a pleasant ride quality in town and on the highway. However, it exhibited more road and wind noise than desired, and its handling, while predictable, felt disconnected from the road at higher speeds.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment, with front-seat headroom comparable to a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to a BMW X3. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle ground between competitors. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in contrast, provided ample interior space, though opting for RS, Premier, or High Country trims meant sacrificing a second-row bench seat for captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Traverse RS featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row, which offered decent comfort for adults. The Traverse excelled in storage space, 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 it folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's tile-based layout and crisp graphics made it user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added a touch of luxury. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. The GV70 also included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The Traverse RS and higher trims featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system performed well, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility. However, the 8-inch touchscreen felt small compared to modern standards.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, and eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. A Safety Package added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims featured adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. While the Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and refined, it lacked advanced systems like lane-centering assist. The IIHS had not assigned a final rating, but the Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most collision tests.