2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, in its fifth generation, adopted a modern design reflecting Nissan’s evolving SUV aesthetic. The new V-motion grille was a hallmark of the front design, mirroring the Rogue and Armada. It featured the refreshed Nissan logo on a three-slot grille, a nod to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a sleek, modern touch, while the substantial C-pillar recalled the original Pathfinder’s design flair. Nissan expanded the palette with 14 paint options, offering a black roof option that extended to the C-pillar, contributing to an attractive, beefy exterior reminiscent of the Kia Telluride.

Contrasting the new Pathfinder, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse underwent a mild restyle, gaining modern headlights and taillights, an updated front bumper, and revised grille designs. The aluminum wheels got a fresh look along with new color choices. The Traverse, especially in RS trim, with its black-out trim and grey 20-inch wheels, maintained a restrained yet appealing visual aesthetic. Despite not having sliding doors like a minivan, it carried a sophisticated SUV stance through well-tailored lines and robust fenders.

Nissan’s design focused on making the Pathfinder more rugged and capable in appearance, adding 0.6 inches to the vehicle’s width and a 1.2-inch wider track. Though it was 0.8 inches shorter in length and 0.2 inches taller, it provided more legroom than its predecessor. The Pathfinder, available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims featured standard body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a signature chrome grille, with higher trims offering the luxury of a panoramic moonroof and roof rack.

Chevrolet Traverse trims also emphasized elegance and functionality, particularly in higher trims like Premier and High Country, invoking attractiveness with a smart use of chrome and metal accents while offering practical solutions such as the optional Redline and Midnight Edition packages for a sportier look.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating a solid 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. With no hybrid or electric versions on offer, the engine was coupled with Nissan's new nine-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smoother gear transitions compared to the previous CVT. Pathfinder came in both FWD and AWD configurations, providing five driving modes in FWD and seven in AWD, enhancing drive management over varied terrains. The fuel efficiency stood at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg for FWD, slightly reduced for AWD. The Pathfinder’s 6,000-pound towing capacity, supported by trailer sway control, highlighted its robustness, equipping it well for hauling and family adventures.

In the same breath, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With AWD as an option, the Traverse geared up with Snow and Off-Road modes, showing less ground clearance but ample performance for mild off-roading and winter conditions. Its fuel efficiency averaged 20 mpg combined in AWD and slightly better mileage when driven selectively in front-wheel-drive mode. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Traverse was adept at family towing tasks, though its engine whine under acceleration diverged slightly from Pathfinder’s quieter operation.

The Nissan Pathfinder excelled in flexibility and interior comfort. Noise reduction in the cabin was noteworthy due to enhanced insulation and acoustic laminated glass. Nissan’s innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seating allowed easier third-row access, accommodating up to five car seats. Best-in-class front legroom and additional third-row hip room ensured comfort across all seats. Cargo-wise, Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with all seats folded down. The clever storage solutions, like the removable second-row center console and extensive under-floor cargo space, reinforced its practicality for families.

Conversely, the Chevrolet Traverse also prioritized passenger comfort and space management. The RS trim provided power-adjustable, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel with triple-zone climate control. The rear Smart Slide second-row seats, though captain’s chairs in upper trims reducing seating capacity to seven, facilitated easier access to the third row. Traverse’s cargo volumes were expansive: 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet, proving its competence in handling bulky items. However, the requirement to adjust second-row seats to fold the third row was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was brimming with user-friendly technology. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a comprehensive array of USB ports. Higher trims benefitted from a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, head-up display, and 9-inch infotainment system, supplemented by a premium 13-speaker Bose audio system.

The Chevrolet Traverse delivered solid tech features across trims. Lower trims featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen, while an 8-inch display was available in higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual smartphone Bluetooth connectivity, and Teen Driver technology were included. The Premier and High Country trims offered an upgraded 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a versatile 8-inch touchscreen that impressed with clarity and functionality. A digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera were additional high points in upper trims.

Nissan equipped every 2022 Pathfinder with the Safety Shield 360 suite, encompassing automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The suite also featured driver alertness monitoring and forward-collision warning, with ten airbags as standard, and eleven in the Platinum trim. External safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were pending at release.

The Chevrolet Traverse received a well-rounded suite of safety features, standard across all trims for 2022 through Chevy Safety Assist. This suite included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and more. Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and Speedy Alert Seat were standard in upper trims and optional on LT Leather. Like the Pathfinder, additional comprehensive crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.