2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

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 featured a light restyle for 2022, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages. The RS trim, priced at $52,997, included black leather upholstery and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls and a comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, with its chiseled styling and SUV detailing, was designed to appeal to a broad audience. It offered trims from the base S FWD at $30,898 to the Platinum at $43,748. The Platinum trim, which we tested, included AWD, two-tone paint, and a host of upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats. While the Rogue's interior was generally comfortable, the rear seat lacked support. The Rogue's design was practical, with large side mirrors and a straightforward control layout, though the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 2,268 kg 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 L/100 km in combined driving. It excelled on highways, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with good steering and braking performance, though its tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT. It offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. The Rogue's VC-Turbo engine was responsive in urban settings but lacked highway passing power. It averaged 8.1 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly below expectations. The Rogue's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads. The steering felt lifeless, but the overall handling was secure.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim. It featured power-adjustable heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated third-row access. The Traverse provided ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen. Cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row and up to 2,781 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a practical family vehicle, accommodating four comfortably, with room for a fifth. The Platinum trim included premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, aiding access, and the back seat offered climate controls and USB ports. However, rear seat comfort was lacking. The Rogue's cargo area provided up to 1,028 litres with the back seat up and 2,064 litres with seats folded, featuring the Divide-N-Hide system for flexible storage.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included a digital instrumentation panel and a Bose sound system. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy, and the digital rearview mirror improved visibility. The RS trim also featured a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen. It included Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. The test vehicle had a 12.3-inch digital display and a head-up display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with certain commands. The Rogue's infotainment system was complemented by a wireless charging pad and a Bose audio system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for Acceptable in the side impact test and Poor for headlights.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted Safety Shield 360, with features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored lower in some specific tests.