2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's design, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear boasted distinctive toothy taillights, illuminated by LEDs in most trims, setting the Tucson apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, skid plates, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, and higher trims offering leather-trimmed seats and a spacious, uncluttered dashboard design.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, often seen as a glorified minivan, offered a practical alternative for those seeking an SUV without the bulk and expense of larger models. Starting at $39,498 in Canada, the Traverse came standard with all-wheel drive, making it suitable for snowy conditions and light off-road use. The 2022 model received a light restyle, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated wheel options and colour choices. The RS trim, positioned above the LS, LT, and True North models, featured blacked-out trim and dark grey 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for stereo and climate functions.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain was notably more powerful and efficient, with a fuel consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km combined. The Tucson also offered an upcoming plug-in hybrid variant with an estimated 261 horsepower. All-wheel drive was standard on the hybrid and optional on ICE models, providing reliable performance in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a single engine option: a 3.6-litre V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 L/100 km combined. The Traverse offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with good handling and predictable performance. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and softer suspension made it feel disconnected on undulating roads.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a compact SUV with a well-appointed interior, offering a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with higher trims featuring an eight-way version with lumbar support. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with a 1,095-litre cargo area and a 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with ample passenger volume and comparable legroom to other compact SUVs.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, featured captain's chairs in the second row, reducing seating capacity to seven. The RS trim included 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 access to the third row. The Traverse offered generous legroom and headroom, with a wide pass-through for easier third-row access. Cargo space was abundant, with a hidden storage compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. The Traverse provided 651 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, though the lack of physical buttons made it challenging to use while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were more heavily relied upon.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS model featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims receiving an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The voice recognition system was effective, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

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. 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 Poor for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.