2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of Swedish elegance and modern innovation. Built on Volvo’s SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, offering a near-luxury experience. Its design featured a tailored two-box crossover style with short overhangs, an upright grille with the iconic iron mark logo, and Thor’s hammer-shaped LED headlights. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of large displays, and the attention to detail in the cabin, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those needing a family SUV without the bulk of a larger vehicle. Priced from $39,498 in Canada, the Traverse offered standard AWD and a restyled exterior with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, was particularly appealing. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logical layout. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the switchgear's matte finish reduced glare. The Traverse's interior was designed for functionality, with easy-to-use stereo controls and climate knobs, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, were plug-in hybrids, combining a gasoline engine with an 87-hp electric motor for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with the Polestar version reaching 415 hp. The XC60's handling was agile, with torque vectoring and a smooth suspension providing a comfortable ride. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 2,268 kilograms, with driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 L/100 km combined. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable on the highway. The SUV's handling was predictable, with the V6 drivetrain and suspension providing a flat cornering attitude, though the all-season tires were less impressive.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system capable of handling harsh winter conditions. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, with 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the second row, though this reduced capacity compared to trims with a bench seat. The RS trim included power-adjustable 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. Cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row and up to 2,781 litres with all seats folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchpad interface with a portrait orientation, offering smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, 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, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and lane-keeping aid, with the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights and seatbelt reminders were rated Poor.