2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out in the crowded midsize SUV market with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those needing a spacious family SUV without the bulk of a minivan. Starting at $39,498 in Canada, it offered a range of trims, with the RS trim featuring blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's design was restrained yet appealing, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs for 2022. Inside, the RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logical layout. While hard plastics were present, the Traverse's interior was functional, with easy-to-use controls and a focus on practicality. The Traverse excelled in providing a comfortable ride, though it was not without its quirks, such as a distorted driver's side mirror.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, suitable for family needs. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it lagged behind the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer ST. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, but the Highlander remained more focused on comfort than performance.

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 and various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse's V6 engine provided adequate power for its size, though it was primarily tested with a family of four. It returned a fuel economy of 11.3 L/100 km in combined driving. The Traverse offered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it required caution over speed humps and drainage dips. On highways, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse demonstrated athleticism, with its V6 drivetrain, steering, and brakes performing well.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior features, with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could slide to optimize space. However, the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited to 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with it folded, and 2,245 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. It offered power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated third-row access. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. Cargo space was abundant, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while the Platinum trim offered a 12.3-inch display. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was available from the Limited grade, though it struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system provided decent sound quality, but the larger screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. It offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was effective, reducing frustration when using infotainment features. The Traverse's digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection support. It also featured adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. 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.