2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch alloy wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. The only other exterior change for 2021 was the addition of standard LED headlights for models that previously lacked them. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim gave the Palisade a more luxurious appearance, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the cabin was adorned with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, making it feel more expensive than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse underwent a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and a fresh front bumper design. It offered various appearance packages like the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions, which added blacked-out trim. The RS trim, which was tested, featured dark gray 20-inch wheels and black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching. The Traverse's design was noted for its styling restraint, with crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. However, the interior materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents, which detracted from the overall feel.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, it came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. It provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent body-motion control and a communicative suspension. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and it featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse provided a firm ride quality, absorbing smaller road imperfections, but felt softer at higher speeds. On the highway, it exhibited more road and wind noise, and the driver's side mirror had distortion issues. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with good performance from the V6 drivetrain, steering, and brakes.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, especially in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third-row seat. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 509 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,297 litres with them folded, and a maximum of 2,447 litres with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS trim had power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row featured Smart Slide seats for easier access to the third row. The Traverse's cabin was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom, but the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was less comfortable than some competitors but offered 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 651 litres behind the third-row seats, expanding to 1,637 litres with them folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a Quiet Mode. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Teen Driver technology. The 8-inch system included navigation and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A Bose premium sound system was standard on RS trim and above. The Traverse's voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were available.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. It included a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems. The Highway Driving Assist was a standout feature, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate, but it lacked advanced lane-centring assist. The IIHS rated the Traverse Good in most categories but noted issues with its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.