2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The vehicle's sportier and modern design was accentuated by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard's layered design emphasized cabin width, while the unique gear selection and 12.3-inch infotainment screen added to the vehicle's modern appeal. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options and seating configurations to suit various preferences.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those seeking a family-friendly SUV with a touch of style. The Traverse featured a light restyle for 2022, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, in particular, offered an attractive set of dark gray 20-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Traverse RS came with black leather upholstery and gloss black trim, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems. The Traverse's spacious cabin provided ample room for passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter adults or children. Overall, the Traverse's design was appealing, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the MDX featured Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) as standard in Canada, enhancing cornering feel and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup at the front and revised multi-link suspension at the rear, improving ride quality and sporty handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, resulting in a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and comfort, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's tow rating was 2,268 kilograms, with specific driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, though it was primarily tested with family transport in mind. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with the test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The SUV offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it required careful speed management over larger road anomalies. On highways, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The vehicle's handling was predictable, with good performance in mountainous terrain, though the RS trim's tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and an innovative second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing flexibility for legroom and access to the third row. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity and USB connections in all rows were appreciated. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional hidden storage. Folding down the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly. The MDX's power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing utility. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to suit different moods.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, though the RS, Premier, and High Country trims were limited to seven-passenger seating due to captain's chairs in the second row. The Traverse RS featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's cabin provided ample legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third row accommodated adults with cooperation from second-row passengers, though comfort was not on par with larger SUVs. The Traverse offered generous storage space, with hidden compartments and ample cargo capacity. However, folding the third-row seats required sliding the second-row chairs forward, which could be inconvenient.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. The MDX also offered a CabinTalk feature, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera on higher trims. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were included, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse offered an optional navigation system, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system on higher trims. The voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror improved visibility. The RS trim's surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert system were useful for parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The vehicle was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end redesign improved pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system enhanced collision avoidance. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. A Safety Package added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 Acceptable in the new side impact test and Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.