2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to meet the growing demand for crossovers with rugged aesthetics, AWD, and elevated driving positions. Subaru's strategy mirrored the success of the Outback, transforming the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance to 22 centimetres, giving it a more SUV-like presence. The Crosstrek's vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal, while the Subaru Global Platform ensured a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional but plain interior, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery and standard Plasma Yellow Pearl accents on the Outdoor grade.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a larger, more traditional SUV, offering a blend of practicality and style. It featured a light restyle with 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 grey 20-inch wheels, was particularly striking. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with red and light grey stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate functions. The Traverse's design emphasized practicality, with features like a Dual SkyScape Sunroof and ample storage space, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims, and a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque for other trims. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. While a six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, most buyers opted for the CVT, which was standard on the Sport and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's AWD system, with X-Mode and hill descent control, provided some off-road capability, though it was primarily suited for on-road use. The new 2.5-litre engine offered improved performance, but acceleration remained adequate, with noticeable CVT droning.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet 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 ample 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 road imperfections well. On the highway, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse's V6 drivetrain, steering, and brakes performed admirably, with predictable handling and limited body roll. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and softer suspension detracted from its overall road feel.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded, it surpassed some rivals but lagged behind others. The Crosstrek's driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but it didn't provide the commanding view of traditional SUVs. Visibility was excellent, thanks to large side windows and a low front fascia. Interior storage was minimal, with a handy cubby hole for phones and two USB ports, but rear-seat passengers lacked charging options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offered generous interior space, with seating for seven in RS trim due to captain's chairs in the second row. The Traverse featured 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 access to the third row. While the third-row seat wasn't as comfortable as in some competitors, it was better than many rivals. The Traverse excelled in storage, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space was ample, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek came equipped with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, featuring a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited trim. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was underwhelming. The Traverse's voice recognition system was impressive, accurately responding to commands. Visibility was good, with a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera aiding manoeuvrability.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. However, EyeSight's cameras could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight, limiting functionality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering 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 Acceptable in the new side impact test and Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 model.