2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, retained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still managed to convey a sense of timelessness with its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, much like a reliable tool that doesn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's mission of durability and simplicity. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, emphasizing a straightforward, old-school approach to controls.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more modern and refined aesthetic. It underwent a light restyle, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated colour choices. The Traverse's design was characterized by crisply tailored lines and tasteful details, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While hard plastics were present, the overall design was logical and user-friendly, with matte-finish switchgear reducing glare. The Traverse's interior was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful features like Smart Slide second-row seats and a hidden storage compartment behind the infotainment screen.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with steering and braking requiring effort. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, 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 and various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse provided a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections well. On highways, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt athletic, with its V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes performing admirably. However, its all-season tires and softer suspension at higher speeds affected its road connection.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter individuals without running boards. Once inside, passengers found comfort in both front and rear seats, with ample legroom and visibility. The 4Runner's cargo space ranged from 1,337 litres behind the rear seats to 2,540 litres with them folded down, complemented by a large roof rack for additional storage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with its RS trim, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs provided a wide pass-through for easy third-row access. While the third-row seat wasn't as comfortable as some competitors, it offered better accommodations than many rivals. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,637 litres with them folded flat, and a maximum of 2,781 litres with all seats down. The Traverse also boasted hidden storage compartments and thoughtful interior design for family use.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade lacked advanced technology but included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's physical buttons and knobs were user-friendly, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more advanced infotainment experience. The LS model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch display. The system supported Bluetooth for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, a rear pedestrian alert system, and a vibrating Safety Alert Seat. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS categories but "Acceptable" in the new side impact test and "Poor" for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.