2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

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, priced at $52,997, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty touch. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate functions.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, received a styling update that enhanced its road presence. The new front fascia and squared-off grille gave it a stronger look, complemented by standard LED lighting. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim stood out with premium features like a unique grille and rear accent lighting. In Canada, 20-inch alloy wheels were standard, and a new Robust Emerald colour was introduced. The interior of the Ultimate Calligraphy trim was stylish, featuring premium Nappa leather and a dual-pane sunroof. The Palisade offered a range of seating configurations, with captain's chairs standard on the top trim, and a focus on comfort with heated and ventilated seats across various trims.

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 driving modes for different conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it could whine under acceleration. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The ride quality was pleasant, with a firm feel on the road, though it could scrape on larger road anomalies. On highways, the Traverse was comfortable but had noticeable road and wind noise. In mountainous areas, it felt athletic, with good handling and predictable behaviour.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system was standard in Canada, and the Palisade demonstrated its capability on a muddy off-road test. It offered a comfortable ride, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a dedicated Tow Mode. The Palisade's fuel economy was 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.5 on the highway, and 11.2 combined. While not suited for rock-crawling, it provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, appealing to its target audience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim, featuring 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. The interior provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The Traverse had 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, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade accommodated seven or eight passengers, with 1,052 millimetres of legroom in the front, 1,077 in the second row, and 798 in the third. Passenger volume was 4,397 litres, and the third row was accessible via one-touch seat slide. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second, and 2,447 litres with all but the front seats folded. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all rows, cupholders for each passenger, and a hands-free smart liftgate on all but the base trim.

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. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was effective, and a digital rearview mirror was available. The RS trim also featured a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. Bluetooth connectivity allowed for two devices, and USB ports were available throughout the cabin. The Palisade offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims, along with an in-car intercom and a colour head-up display. Hyundai's Bluelink system provided remote accessibility and management features, including remote start presets.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. A Safety Package added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but had some lower ratings for side impact and headlights.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It came with Hyundai's Smart Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist was standard on higher trims, and a full-display digital rearview mirror was available. The Palisade also featured safe exit warning and rear seat occupant alert, enhancing safety for all passengers.