2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, like many compact crossovers of its time, presented a design that was largely indistinguishable from its competitors. Its styling was characterized by a similar "daylight opening" shape seen across the segment, with only minor details such as the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making vibrant choices like Radiant Red Metallic a rarity on dealership lots. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, though it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more distinctive presence in the SUV market. It underwent a light restyle for the model year, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with options for blacked-out trim through various appearance packages. The RS trim, in particular, showcased a sporty aesthetic with dark gray 20-inch wheels and blacked-out accents. The Traverse's design was praised for its crisp lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the RS trim featured a black leather interior with contrast stitching and a logical layout, though it was marred by the use of hard plastics in some areas.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling acceleration or sporty handling but rather for smooth and predictable performance. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup provided steady acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. While not the most engaging driving experience, the CR-V's powertrain was competitive within its class. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on most trims. The CR-V's suspension setup, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, contributed to its decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, came equipped with a robust 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain allowed the Traverse to tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The V6 provided ample power for the Traverse's size, though it emitted a noticeable whine under acceleration. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, to optimize performance in different conditions. While the Traverse excelled on highways, it exhibited more road and wind noise than desired. Its handling was predictable, with a suspension that limited body roll, though the ride could feel disconnected on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for manual, power, and hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the CR-V's practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while offering generous interior space, had limitations in seating configurations. The RS, Premier, and High Country trims featured captain's chairs, reducing seating capacity to seven. The Traverse excelled in comfort, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and wide door openings facilitated access to the third row. Cargo space was abundant, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,781 litres with all seats folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with higher trims receiving an 8-inch display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy and ease of use. Visibility was generally good, with the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system as standard, which included advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with Chevy Safety Assist as standard, offering features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.