2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that mimicked the traditional SUV style, with boxy fender flares and chiseled taillights that set it apart from its predecessors and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive look, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which was shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. This meant that while the exterior suggested a robust off-road capability, the mechanical underpinnings were more aligned with a conventional car. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal. Inside, the RAV4 featured rugged styling elements such as large rubberized knobs, but the material quality did not significantly improve with higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a crossover SUV that offered a more traditional SUV experience, albeit with conventional rear doors instead of sliding ones. The Traverse started at $39,498 in Canada, with AWD as standard, and featured a light restyle for 2022, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, which was tested, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, contributing to its appealing design. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logical layout of controls. However, the use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside. The Traverse's interior was designed for practicality, with easy-to-use stereo controls and climate knobs, making it a family-friendly option.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard FWD and optional AWD. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and was known for its high-revving nature. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which featured torque-vectoring AWD and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, but it lacked the suspension articulation needed for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and offered driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the SUV returned a fuel economy of 11.3 L/100 km during testing. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it could scrape the front air dam over larger road imperfections. On highways, it was a capable cruiser, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll, but the all-season tires and soft suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and visibility, though legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and hard, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres behind the rear seats and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4 featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but lacked large cupholders and storage spaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly 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 access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. 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 Traverse also had hidden storage compartments and well-designed door panels for additional storage.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display. The RAV4 also offered up to five USB ports and an optional JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS model, with higher trims getting an 8-inch display. It supported Bluetooth 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 Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its excellent voice recognition, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for Acceptable in the side impact test and Poor for headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.