2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed an SUV but didn't want to invest in a larger, more expensive, and less fuel-efficient vehicle. 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, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more appealing vehicles in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, though the use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside. The interior was logically laid out, with easy-to-use controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, was a luxury compact SUV that drew styling cues from the G70 sedan. Its interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, with top-notch materials and a design that was both contemporary and classic. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. Available in five trims with two powertrains, the GV70 catered to a range of preferences. The Electrified GV70 impressed with its luxury credentials, featuring cream-coloured seats with quilt stitching and a high-contrast design. The GV70's blend of comfort and sharp handling made it a refined driving experience.

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's V6 engine provided adequate power, though it could whine under acceleration. It returned a fuel economy of 11.3 L/100 km during testing. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it was prone to scraping the front air dam over speed humps. On the highway, it was a capable cruiser, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The GV70's turbo-four provided ample power, while the V6 offered a more engaging experience. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery with dual motors producing 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It had a range of 383 kilometres and could charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, with a slight bias towards comfort.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim. It 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 access to the third row. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom in the second row, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third row was suitable for adults if the second row was adjusted. The Traverse provided 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 and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and decent storage options, including large cupholders in the centre console. The GV70's front seats were comfortable, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

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 digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were appreciated features.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and a Lexicon 18-speaker audio system.

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 rear parking assist sensors, 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.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.