2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed an SUV but didn't want to compromise on style or budget. It offered a range of trims starting from the base LS at $33,700, with the High Country trim reaching $53,400. The Traverse featured a modest restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline Edition. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, though it was marred by hard plastic surfaces in some areas. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Tundra pickup truck. The Capstone trim level exuded luxury with its leather, wood, and metallic finishes, and a massive 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard. Prices for the Sequoia ranged from $59,895 for the base SR5 to $79,895 for the Capstone. While the Sequoia's interior looked upscale, some materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck roots. The TRD Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities, and the Sequoia's hybrid powertrain provided improved fuel efficiency and towing capacity compared to its predecessor.

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, with a fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving. On highways, it excelled in comfort, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with limited body roll and a flat cornering attitude, but its all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It boasted a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds and improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg for 4WD models. The Sequoia's ride quality varied depending on the driving mode, with Sport and Sport+ modes offering better control but a firmer ride. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt heavy and unresponsive at times. Despite these quirks, the Sequoia's powertrain provided robust performance and an appealing engine note.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers in the RS trim, thanks to its captain's chairs. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse provided ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo capacity was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with comfortable front seats and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was mounted high, reducing comfort and cargo space. The Sequoia's cargo capacity was limited, with just 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the overall utility was compromised by the hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall infotainment experience. The Traverse also featured a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera system for improved visibility.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and an Intelligent Assistant. The system allowed for user accounts and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Capstone trim added a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with the Intelligent Assistant.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, were available on higher trims. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Tundra, on which the Sequoia is based, received high marks from the IIHS.