2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Hyundai Palisade

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, which replaced the Santa Fe XL as Hyundai's flagship SUV, presented a sophisticated and striking exterior design. It stood out with its distinctive lines, prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, creating a visually appealing profile. The continuous strip of glass around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof, while expressive LED headlights and taillights added to its signature look. Inside, the Palisade offered an elegant and polished interior with high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and spacious seating arrangements, including optional captain's chairs in the second row. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making it a worthy flagship for Hyundai.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, despite being a glorified minivan, offered a stylish and appealing design with a light restyle for the model year. It featured new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with attractive dark gray 20-inch wheels on the RS trim. The Traverse's interior was logically laid out, with black leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were present, the switchgear was designed to reduce glare and reflections. The Traverse provided a comfortable ride with a firm feel for the road, though it required careful handling over speed humps and drainage dips. On the highway, it excelled, offering a pleasant ride quality despite some road and wind noise.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a balance of power and efficiency. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. It featured a four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The Palisade could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes, making it a capable family SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The Traverse featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, to adapt to different conditions. Its fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test car achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse provided a firm yet compliant ride, excelling on highways and offering good handling in mountainous areas. However, its all-season tires and softer feel at higher speeds required careful driving on undulating roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and versatile interior, with comfortable seating in all three rows. The third row provided easy access and cupholders, while the second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and offered ample legroom. The front row featured multiple storage compartments, including a centre console and door panel bottle holders. Luggage space behind the third row measured 509 litres, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and 2,447 litres with both rows down. The Palisade's shift-by-wire setup and logically arranged controls added to its user-friendly design. A dual-panel sunroof and various luxury features were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, offered a seven-passenger seating configuration with captain's chairs in the second row. It 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 facilitated easy access to the third row. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support for adults. Storage space was abundant, 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 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and 2,781 litres with all seats down.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard display audio system featuring a 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen. Most trims received a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers and Clari-Fi music restoration technology. The infotainment system included wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. USB ports were available in all rows, along with a Qi wireless charging pad on Ultimate Calligraphy models. The Palisade also featured a rear-view monitor, surround view function, and a head-up display on higher trims. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system and a digital instrument cluster were standard on upper trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch high-definition display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Teen Driver technology allowed parents to monitor their child's driving. The 8-inch touchscreen system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system on RS trim and above. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the user experience. Visibility was good, with a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera available on higher trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, and active head restraints. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection. The Palisade also offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and trailer sway control. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A Safety Package added rear parking assist 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 was rated Acceptable in the new side impact test and Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.