2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed an SUV but didn't want to compromise on style. It offered a range of trims from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, with prices starting at $33,700. The Traverse featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, was particularly appealing. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, though it had some hard plastic surfaces. The interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged look. However, its design felt disjointed compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment screen. The Bronze Edition introduced a light gray fabric upholstery with a unique pattern, though it was prone to dirt and stains. The Softex synthetic leather was less convincing than alternatives. The third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable. Despite its styling quirks, the Highlander Hybrid remained a popular choice due to its hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride, though it required caution over speed humps. On the highway, it was comfortable but had noticeable road and wind noise. The V6 engine performed well in mountainous areas, and the suspension limited body roll. However, the RS trim's tires were not ideal for spirited driving.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The braking system transitioned smoothly from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, and the cabin remained quiet on the highway, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain’s chairs in the RS trim. It featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors made third-row access easier. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom, though the third row was less comfortable for adults. It had ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large center armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities. A second-row bench increased capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror improved visibility. The surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert were helpful in parking lots.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons for ease of use. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a wireless charging pad on XLE trims and above. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top ratings in most IIHS tests but was rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally worked well but needed some refinement. Adaptive headlights were available only on the Platinum trim.