2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 red and light gray stitching, though the use of hard plastics was noticeable. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, was built on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. It had a sleek, modern design with a scalloped body side and LED lighting, giving it a Lexus-like appearance. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, with a focus on style and comfort.

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 in mountainous terrain.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. It offered a balance of electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with AWD provided by the rear electric motors. The Venza had drive modes including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, and utilized regenerative braking to recharge its battery. It offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive cornering. The Venza's hybrid system was efficient, with a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain’s chairs in the second row, providing easy access to the third row. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Traverse had generous interior space, with 651 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,781 litres with all seats folded. It featured hidden storage compartments and Smart Slide second-row seats for easy access to the third row.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five with a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. It offered good headroom and legroom, with a spacious feel enhanced by the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza included convenience features like an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and ample storage options. It provided 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. The Venza's cabin was designed for quiet travel, with sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims included a digital instrumentation panel and a Bose premium sound system. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and higher trims offered a 12.3-inch display with a JBL audio system. The Venza included Toyota Connected Services, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. Its hybrid system was efficient, with a Predicted Efficient Drive program optimizing battery charging based on driving habits.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS but had some lower ratings for side impact and headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and pedestrian detection. It also included eight airbags and a blind-spot monitor. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.