2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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 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 was 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 and a logically laid-out interior. However, the use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside. The Traverse's interior design was simple yet functional, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more understated luxury compared to its flashier competitors. It offered options for added visual drama with the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions, which included unique styling elements and larger wheels. The interior of the GLS 450, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated into the dashboard. The GLS 450's interior was high-quality and felt appropriate for a luxury SUV, though it might have been too subdued for some tastes.

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 compliant ride, though it required caution over larger road anomalies. On highways, it provided a comfortable ride, albeit with noticeable road and wind noise. The Traverse's handling was predictable, and it performed well in mountainous terrain, though its all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power, and the electric assist was seamlessly integrated. The GLS 450's air suspension offered a smooth ride but exhibited poor body control over bumps and in corners. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading. The GLS 450's inline-six engine was smoother than a V6, making it a suitable choice for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a seven-passenger seating configuration with captain's chairs in the second row for RS, Premier, and High Country trims. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. Cargo space was abundant, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,781 litres with all seats folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide and fold for third-row access, and the GLS offered excellent legroom in the second row. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading. However, some ergonomic issues, such as the touchscreen's reach and small sun visors, were noted.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim, with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system and a digital rearview mirror. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. Visibility was generally good, though the rear liftgate obstructed the rearview mirror in its normal view.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and navigation. The voice recognition system was effective, allowing for hands-free operation. However, the touchpad controller was cumbersome, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The graphics on both the touchscreen and instrument cluster were visually appealing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, were available on higher trims. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but had some areas for improvement.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.