2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's positioning as a "premium grade" brand, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that set it apart from its General Motors siblings. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV built on a truck platform, emphasizing its robust nature. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, providing an upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its intricate grillework and chrome accents, offered a more sophisticated appearance compared to the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country, making it a preferred choice for those seeking substance over mere image.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the functionality of a minivan but preferred the styling of an SUV. The Traverse's design updates for 2022 included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, added a sporty touch to the Traverse's appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS featured a black leather interior with red and light gray stitching, offering a modern yet somewhat cave-like feel due to the abundance of dark materials. Despite this, the Traverse's design was praised for its crisp lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's fuel consumption averaged 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop, with a slightly better 14.5 L/100 km on a shorter loop. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced the Yukon's cornering performance and traction.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was equipped with a single 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the SUV returned a fuel economy of 11.3 L/100 km on the evaluation loop. The Traverse's ride quality was firm yet compliant, with a pleasant highway demeanor despite some road and wind noise. The suspension limited body roll, and the steering and brakes performed well, though the all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, resulting in significant gains in passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, lacked a massage function and could feel hard over long drives. The second-row seats in the Denali trim were heated and could slide and collapse to improve comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support and adult-friendly space, bringing it on par with competitors like the Ford Expedition. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres available in the standard Yukon and 4,097 litres in the Yukon XL.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with its RS trim, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, and the cabin offered triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and wide rear doors facilitated access to the third row, which was adequate for adults if the second-row seats were adjusted. The Traverse's cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,781 litres. The SUV also featured hidden storage compartments, adding to its practicality.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also featured a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles, enhancing its maneuverability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim, with wireless smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system were useful for parking and maneuvering.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The ADAS systems operated smoothly, encouraging drivers to keep them engaged.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories, though its headlights and seatbelt reminders were rated poorly.