2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Honda Passport

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, with all-wheel drive as standard. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated colour choices. The RS trim, which we tested, included blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a logically laid-out interior, though it was criticized for its use of hard plastics in some areas.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, giving it a familiar look. It was available in three trims: Sport, TrailSport, and Touring, with prices ranging from $45,570 to $52,170. The TrailSport trim, which we tested, aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts with its rugged design elements, though it was more about looks than capability. Inside, the Passport offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with quality materials and thoughtful design. The TrailSport trim added unique stitching and ambient lighting, enhancing the interior's appeal.

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 had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it was prone to scraping on larger road anomalies. On the highway, it provided a smooth ride, albeit with noticeable road and wind noise. The Traverse's handling was predictable, and it performed well in mountainous terrain, though its tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, also mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It boasted Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system, which could deliver up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. The Passport offered a firm and communicative ride with athletic handling, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. However, its brakes were a concern, as they could heat up and vibrate during mountain descents. The Passport's towing capacity matched the Traverse at 2,268 kilograms.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with its RS trim, featuring captain's chairs in the second row. It provided ample legroom and headroom, though the third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. The Traverse excelled in storage space, with hidden compartments and generous cargo capacity. It offered 651 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Passport was easy to enter and exit, with comfortable front seats and a spacious second row. It featured leather upholstery, heated seats, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Passport's interior was well-designed, with ample storage options and a generous cargo area. It offered 1,430 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,854 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and Teen Driver technology. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system and a digital rearview mirror. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy and ease of use.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim included a navigation system and a premium audio system. The Passport's infotainment system was functional but lacked advanced features, and its navigation system was clunky. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.

The 2022 Honda Passport came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also included blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat reminder system. However, some driver aids were less refined, and the lane-keeping assist was intrusive. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for front passenger protection in a frontal collision.