2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those seeking an SUV with the utility of a minivan. It offered a balance between style and functionality, with a design that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse RS trim featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate settings.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design, focusing on clean lines and understated luxury. The test vehicle featured Eiger Grey paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and a Black Exterior Pack. Inside, it exuded luxury with Deep Garnet over Ebony themes and Windsor leather upholstery. The Range Rover Sport offered a high-tech appearance with premium LED headlights and flush-mounted door handles. Despite its luxurious appeal, it lacked the flashy elements some might expect from a high-end SUV.

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 comfortable ride, though it was prone to scraping on larger road anomalies. On highways, it provided a pleasant driving experience, albeit with noticeable road and wind noise. The V6 engine performed well in mountainous terrain, offering predictable handling.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The Range Rover Sport offered a refined ride with adaptive damping air suspension and various driving modes. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned rivals on twisty roads. Off-road, it excelled with impressive ground clearance and advanced terrain management systems.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for seven in RS trim, featuring captain’s chairs in the second row. It provided ample legroom and headroom, though the third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, with 651 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 2,781 litres. It included clever storage solutions, such as a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained a commanding driving position with a tall, airy feel. The front seats were comfortable, with Windsor leather and 20-way power adjustments. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard seatback panels. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport included thoughtful features like a power liftgate and controls for lowering the air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with excellent voice recognition capabilities. The Traverse also featured a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera for enhanced visibility.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. While it offered advanced features like wireless connectivity and Amazon Alexa, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport included impressive Meridian audio systems and a wireless charging pad, though accessing the pad was challenging.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlights and seatbelt reminders.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. It also offered Remote Park Assist and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. However, the steering assist was less reliable, especially on highway curves.