2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling, positioned between the angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, but its compact footprint and tall profile created an awkward mix. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered different exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. Inside, the XT5’s interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfibre sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a glorified minivan, offered a more appealing design with its crisply tailored lines and tasteful details. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, which our test vehicle had, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls. The Traverse’s design demonstrated a level of styling restraint that was becoming rare in the SUV segment.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided a smooth and linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which excelled in providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without being overly sensitive. The XT5’s cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse’s tow rating was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine was well-matched to the Traverse’s size, providing adequate power for family transportation. The Traverse’s fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and our test vehicle achieved 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with good road feel and predictable handling. However, it exhibited more road and wind noise on the highway compared to its competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. However, it trailed in rear headroom. The XT5 provided ample legroom in both rows, although the front seats could have been more comfortable. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the interior featured a small cubbyhole for storage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, with its RS trim, offered seating for seven due to captain’s chairs in the second row. The Traverse 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 easy access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, although the captain’s chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat was accessible and offered better accommodations than many rivals. The Traverse boasted abundant storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display were available with the optional Technology Package. While the infotainment system was an improvement over previous versions, it still lagged behind competitors in terms of screen size and graphics. The XT5’s controls were not ideally placed, and the rotary controller and capacitive touchpads lacked physical feedback. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, while other trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse’s infotainment system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. The Traverse also featured a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera for improved visibility.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. However, it received a “Marginal” headlight rating and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The optional Safety Package added rear parking assist sensors and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings in most IIHS categories but had an Acceptable rating in the new side impact test and Poor ratings for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.