2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty aesthetics and practical features. The LT trim came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while higher trims boasted a V6 engine with standard AWD. The RS trim featured a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed the Camaro's style with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls, though it was marred by hard plastic surfaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, a practical alternative to larger SUVs, was priced from $39,498 in Canada, with AWD as standard. It underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, positioned above the LS, LT, and True North models, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels. The Traverse's design was praised for its restrained styling, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the RS trim featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims offered a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic. The RS trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system, enhancing its performance on low-traction surfaces. The Blazer RS delivered a firm and sporty ride, with decent grip and capable brakes. However, its performance on winding roads was less impressive, with a suspension that felt too bouncy and a transmission slow to downshift. The Blazer's fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but our test vehicle averaged 11.5 L/100 km.

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 nine-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and offered driving modes for different conditions, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and its fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it was prone to scraping the front air dam on larger road anomalies. On highways, it was comfortable but had noticeable road and wind noise. In mountainous areas, the Traverse felt more athletic, with good steering and braking performance, though its tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's interior was comfortable and practical, with black leather upholstery and red accents lending a sporty appearance. The front seats offered power adjustment and heating, though they lacked thigh support. Dual-zone climate control and effective air conditioning ensured comfort, while the rear seat provided ample space and adjustability. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for its class.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in RS trim, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, with triple-zone climate control ensuring comfort for all passengers. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse offered generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. Storage was abundant, with hidden compartments behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with all seats folded, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Blazer's voice recognition system was effective, reducing confusion and frustration. Visibility was generally good, though the rear liftgate obstructed the rearview mirror. The digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were helpful features.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS model, while other trims featured 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 RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility. The RS trim also featured a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing safety in parking lots.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. The Blazer's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were effective, though its LED headlights were rated poorly by the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse also featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The Traverse RS, Premier, and High Country trims included 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 LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.