2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, especially with its elongated profile and distinctive grille. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE and Limited trims offered additional luxury features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was seen as a practical choice for those needing a spacious SUV without the bulk of a larger vehicle. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse RS trim, which was tested, included blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels. The interior boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a user-friendly layout. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the Traverse's design was praised for its simplicity and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during speed increases. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Blazer. Its handling was typical of a Toyota, offering a confident and predictable driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and various driving modes, including Tow/Haul and Off-Road. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 L/100 km combined, with the test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. While the Traverse provided a firm yet comfortable ride, it was noted for its road and wind noise at higher speeds. Its handling was predictable, with good performance in mountainous areas.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin featured premium appointments with a unique design. The centre stack included capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, while the console offered ample storage and connectivity options. The Venza provided comfortable seating for five, with more headroom than the RAV4 but slightly less legroom. Its cargo space was 816 litres, sufficient for daily use but less than some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the second row. The RS trim included power-adjustable heated front seats and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen. Cargo space was 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with seats folded, making it one of the roomiest in its segment.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited. The Entune system, while responsive, was not the most user-friendly. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system on higher trims. Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect were also included.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose seven-speaker sound system and a surround-view camera. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Poor for its headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.