2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to move sensors behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The interior remained largely unchanged, featuring a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car had aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding some flair, while the Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, front bumper, grille designs, and aluminum wheels. Appearance packages like Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, and Sport Edition added blacked-out trim. The RS trim, which sits above the LS and LT models but below Premier and High Country, featured dark gray 20-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The Traverse's styling was praised for its crisp lines and tasteful details, making it one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment. The RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895, including the destination charge.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD and the B6 only in AWD. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid had a combined output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes for Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's bulk, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with good road feel in town and a comfortable highway experience, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and lateral weight toss, but the RS trim's all-season tires and softer suspension at higher speeds detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained competitive, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down, while plug-in hybrid models had slightly less capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite the somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, featured captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included 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 third-row access. The Traverse offered generous legroom, headroom, and foot room in the second row, though the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was accessible and reasonably comfortable for adults, with better accommodations than many rivals. The Traverse provided ample storage space, including 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 seats down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without the added functionality of syncing Google profiles. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distraction.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS and LT Cloth models came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims had an 8-inch high-definition display. 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, including a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. The Traverse also offered a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera for improved visibility.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but the 2021 model received top ratings from both organizations. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Premier and High Country trims featured Chevy’s Safety Alert Seat. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.