2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

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 received a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated 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 featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, though the use of hard plastics on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate settings.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 presented a modern take on the SUV, with subtle styling changes for the year, including new wheel designs and a light-up rear VW logo. While it didn't have the traditional SUV profile, it was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs. The interior carried over the minimalist design from VW's gasoline models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The ID.4 offered a spacious cabin with more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs, and its cargo space was generous, making it a practical choice for families. The interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage.

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 when properly equipped 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 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. On the highway, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The V6 engine performed well in mountainous terrain, but the all-season tires and softer suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model, available with RWD or AWD. The RWD models produced 201 horsepower, while the AWD version delivered 295 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed for coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting available. While the ID.4 had impressive acceleration, it allowed too much body roll on twisty roads, limiting its handling capabilities.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for seven in the RS trim, featuring captain's chairs in the second row. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse provided ample storage space, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with all seats folded. However, the third-row seats required sliding the second-row chairs forward to fold flat.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more legroom and headroom than many affordable EVs. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD models and 1,225 kilograms for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. 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 responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital instrument cluster. The user interface included haptic touchpads, which lacked physical feedback, but the voice recognition system was effective. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with standard Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated Poor for its LED headlights.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, with new features for 2023 like Park Assist Plus and a 360-degree camera system.