2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 wheel options and colour choices. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. 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.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was designed by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, resulting in a more coupe-like appearance. This change, along with a lower roofline and shorter length, gave the Cross Sport a bold and sporty look, especially in the Execline trim with 21-inch wheels. The interior was spacious, with ample room for five adults and generous rear legroom. The test vehicle featured a Pure Grey exterior with a Dark Burgundy and Titan Black interior, exuding an upscale vibe. However, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a well-appointed cabin with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone climate control system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a single engine option, a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, with Normal mode being the default. The V6 engine, while slightly noisy under acceleration, delivered adequate power for the vehicle's size. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The ride quality was generally pleasant, though the suspension could feel soft at higher speeds, leading to potential scraping on larger road anomalies. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were more pronounced than desired.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, provided a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system standard in Canada. The V6 felt more energetic in the Cross Sport compared to the larger Atlas, though it lacked some refinement. The test vehicle averaged 12.3 L/100 km, slightly higher than the larger Atlas. The ride quality was harsh at lower speeds due to the 21-inch wheels, but the Cross Sport shone on the highway, where the ride was more agreeable. However, the suspension felt too soft on winding roads, leading to a floaty sensation.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, though the RS, Premier, and High Country trims were limited to seven-passenger seating due to the inclusion of captain's chairs. The RS trim 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 easier access to the third row. While the all-black cabin lacked ventilated front seats, the air conditioning system was effective. The third-row seating was adequate for adults, provided the second-row seats were adjusted forward. The Traverse boasted ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,637 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, resulting in a roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while rear side-window sunshades provided added comfort. Storage was plentiful, though many compartments lacked lining, leading to potential rattling. The cargo area offered ample space, with deep wells for additional storage. Despite the reduced cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model, the Cross Sport could easily accommodate full-size suitcases and other items.

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 system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was a highlight, responding accurately to commands. Visibility was generally good, with the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera aiding in parking and maneuvering.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster paired with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system offered Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which was exceptional for the price point. Automatic high beams and other advanced features were also part of the package.

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, such as rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, were available. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Travel Assist were standard in Canada. The Execline trim added adaptive LED headlights and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.