2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

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 modest ground clearance of 19 centimetres, making it suitable for snowy conditions and light off-road trails. The 2022 model received a subtle facelift with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated wheel options and colour choices. The RS trim, which we tested, showcased blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, though the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was straightforward, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 maintained its design from 2019, with the Trail trim featuring a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim added blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and orange interior accents, giving it a rugged look. The RAV4's interior included a frameless rearview mirror and a basic centre console with orange accents. The LE and XLE trims offered fabric upholstery and heated front seats, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim featured heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings. The RAV4's interior was practical, with ample storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The RAV4 provided a more truck-like experience compared to the car-like Toyota Venza.

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 offered a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped and featured driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, though it could be noisy under acceleration. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 L/100 km in combined driving, with our test vehicle achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The ride quality was generally pleasant, with a firm feel on the road, though it could be prone to scraping over speed humps. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The V6 drivetrain and suspension performed well in mountainous terrain, offering a flat cornering attitude. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and soft suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard across all trims, with a Snow drive mode included. The RAV4's engine provided adequate performance, though it was not particularly exciting. The Trail trim came with 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, sharing the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. The RAV4's ride quality was more rugged, with a truck-like feel compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the second row, though this reduced capacity compared to trims with a second-row bench seat. 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 made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse provided 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 seats were adjusted forward. The Traverse offered ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,637 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five, with 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row. The RAV4's interior offered practical storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4's cargo capacity was competitive, though not class-leading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS trim, with an 8-inch display in higher trims. The system 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 Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful features.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, and a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice command. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim. The Trail and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added 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 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured standard safety equipment, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. The RAV4 was equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.