2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of six trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, a blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, a redesigned front end for off-roading, red tow hooks, a skid plate, and unique 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The upscale Premier trim adopted the RST’s slotted grille with chrome accents, while the luxurious High Country trim showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse underwent a light restyle, featuring new headlights, taillights, a fresh front bumper, modified grille designs, and redesigned aluminum wheels. The RS trim, which sat above the LS, LT, and True North models, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse was praised for its appealing design, with crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. The RS trim came with a standard Dual SkyScape Sunroof and a black leather interior with red and light gray contrast stitching. Despite the abundance of hard plastic surfaces, the Traverse's interior was logically laid out, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo controls. The Traverse was considered one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment, demonstrating a level of styling restraint that was becoming rare in the SUV landscape.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. The standard engine for most trims was a 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel inline six-cylinder engine was also available for all trims except the Z71, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a four-wheel-drive system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle a payload of 831 kilograms. The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to the independent rear suspension, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option, a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 2,268 kilograms, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes available. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes performing well in mountainous terrain. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and softer suspension made the Traverse feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a power sliding storage console providing additional storage options. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter option providing a wide pass-through to the third-row seat. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, 2,056 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum volume of 3,480 litres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS trim featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain’s chairs reduced seating capacity to seven but provided a wide pass-through for easier access to the third-row seat. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated entry and exit. The Traverse offered 651 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum volume of 2,781 litres. The Traverse's storage space included a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a voice-recognition system, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was easy to use, with a responsive voice-recognition system. The test vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade 9-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system offered versatility, though the test vehicle lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on other trims. The system included Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to connected services. The 8-inch touchscreen system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were appreciated features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came with standard safety features, including Teen Driver, a rear-seat reminder system, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features such as lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's driving-assistance features operated as expected, with the surround-view camera recommended for maneuvering in tight spaces. As of the review, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Safety Package added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were accurate and refined, though it lacked advanced systems like lane-centring assist. The IIHS rated the Traverse Good in most categories but noted issues with its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Traverse at the time of the review.