2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practicality, though its price seemed steep for a RAV4. Despite its fully loaded status, the vehicle's appearance did not deviate much from a standard rental car, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not suited for off-road adventures, unlike the non-hybrid Trail trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a stylish and functional interior, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was practical and user-friendly.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, starting at $39,498 in Canada, was a versatile SUV with a minivan-like utility, albeit with conventional rear doors. The RS trim, priced at $52,997, featured blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, adding to its appeal. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. Inside, the RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a user-friendly layout. However, the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The Traverse's interior was logically arranged, with easy-to-use controls and a commendable stereo system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided a lively acceleration experience, though the engine's sound was less pleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's suspension and steering offered a comfortable and engaging driving experience, though the tires lacked grip during spirited driving. The RAV4 Hybrid's off-road capability was limited, but it handled light trails with ease.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with various driving modes for different conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it emitted a slight whine under acceleration. The Traverse's fuel economy was 11.3 L/100 km, and it offered a comfortable ride in town and on the highway. The SUV's handling was predictable, with a flat cornering attitude, though the tires and suspension allowed for some float on uneven roads.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and a user-friendly infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided 1,059 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to seven but offered easy access to the third row. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for second-row passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,781 litres with all seats folded. The Traverse also offered hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The JBL premium audio system provided satisfactory sound quality, and the voice recognition system was generally accurate. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured a 360-degree camera system and a camera rearview mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system improved visibility. Teen Driver technology and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also standard features.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with Chevy Safety Assist, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights and seatbelt reminders, and the NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings at the time of review.