2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based construction, a nod to its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its off-road heritage, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of adventure seekers, while Toyota's Highlander handled family-hauling duties. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's functional design was evident, though the dash layout felt dated, reminiscent of its last full redesign in 2009.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a crossover SUV, offered a practical alternative to larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles. Starting at $33,700, the Traverse provided a range of trims, with the High Country model reaching $53,400. The 2022 model featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. Our RS trim test vehicle, priced at $48,895, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's design was appealing, with crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. Inside, the RS trim featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. While the V6 provided a decent jump off the line, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was also 5,000 pounds, with various driving modes for different conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it whined under acceleration. The Traverse's official EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle returned 20.9 mpg. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it felt softer at higher speeds. On the highway, the Traverse was comfortable, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with good handling and braking performance.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model provided 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on select trims, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, though not as spacious or efficient as more modern SUVs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, featured captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. Our Traverse RS had 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 made accessing the third-row seat easier. The Traverse's cabin was comfortable, with generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was adequate for adults, though not as comfortable as in larger SUVs. The Traverse offered abundant storage space, including hidden compartments behind the infotainment screen and 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 maximum.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available. The system's straightforward layout and tactile controls were user-friendly, though it lacked advanced features like a head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, with an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system could be upgraded with navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's infotainment system was user-friendly, with excellent voice recognition and a digital rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact tests and three stars in rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by IIHS.

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, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse had not been fully evaluated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing.