2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the styling of an SUV. It offered a range of trims, starting with the base LS at $39,498 in Canada, with AWD 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, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, though the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV with a balanced and characterful design. It featured a welcoming Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and offered a range of interior colours, including light grey premium leather. The Nautilus Reserve, the only model available in Canada, started at $59,800. Our test vehicle included the optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, which were perfect for long drives. While the interior was generally luxurious, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared less premium. Overall, the Nautilus provided a decadent experience with a focus on comfort and style.

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 tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. On the highway, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and good performance from the V6 drivetrain and brakes.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine offered 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with adaptive suspension available with the V6. It achieved a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Nautilus excelled on road trips, offering a quiet and comfortable ride with excellent audio quality from the 19-speaker Revel system. In the mountains, the twin-turbo V6 and adaptive suspension provided a graceful and athletic driving experience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim, along with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. While the second-row captain's chairs provided a wide pass-through, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults. The Traverse boasted ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo capacity was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,781 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight. Storage space was adequate, with a hands-free power liftgate revealing a well-finished luggage compartment. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,948 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was effective, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software, offering over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The intuitive user interface and natural voice recognition system were highlights, and the Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphone-based access and ignition.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Black Label trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.