2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Acura RDX

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the aesthetics of an SUV. It offered a range of trims, starting with the base LS at $39,498 in Canada, and all-wheel drive was standard. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated colour choices. The RS trim, which we tested, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was simple and logical, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, offered subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model. The RDX lineup included the base model and various trims, with prices ranging from $45,800 to $61,500. Our test vehicle featured the A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada. The RDX boasted high-quality interior materials and a quieter cabin, thanks to sound-deadening measures. While the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved, the RDX maintained a stylish edge over many competitors. The interior featured a sporty driving position, a thick steering wheel, and comfortable seats, though the back seat lacked support for adults. The RDX's cargo space was generous, with 835 litres available behind the rear seats.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by 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 when properly equipped and featured driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. 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 ride quality was generally pleasant, though the Traverse felt softer at higher speeds, making it prone to scraping on larger road surface anomalies. On the highway, it provided a comfortable ride, albeit with noticeable road and wind noise. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse demonstrated athleticism, with its V6 engine, steering, and brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the vehicle's tendency to float on undulating pavement detracted from the driving experience.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could send up to 70 percent of power to a single rear wheel. The RDX's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres, but our test vehicle averaged 11.4 L/100 km. The RDX's driving dynamics were enhanced by a revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension, providing a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX offered a quieter ride than before, thanks to sound-insulation measures. While it was enjoyable to drive in everyday situations, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, and driving enthusiasts might prefer German alternatives.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven passengers in the RS trim, with captain's chairs in the second row. The interior 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 seat. While the all-black cabin lacked ventilated front seats, the air conditioning system was effective. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat accommodated adults if the second-row seats were adjusted forward. Cargo space was abundant, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres. Hidden storage compartments added convenience.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat lacked support for adults. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with additional hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor. Folding the back seat down expanded the cargo area to 1,668 litres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS model, while other trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The infotainment system offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, allowing parents to monitor their child's driving. The 8-inch touchscreen system was available with navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, reducing confusion when using infotainment features. Visibility was generally good, with the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhancing safety.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The TTI required a learning curve, as it offered a direct one-to-one relationship between the touchpad and the screen. The RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available in higher trims. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard equipment, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. A new Safety Package was optional for the Traverse LS, adding rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher 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 Acceptable in the new side impact test and Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Traverse at the time of writing.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the standard AcuraWatch collection of driver-assist systems. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were mostly accurate, though they occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.