2022 Chevrolet Traverse Test Drive Review: Do-It-All Dependability

After the world was sent into disarray by the super-flu of the century, the facelifted Chevy Traverse has arrived a year later than planned as a 2022 model. But never late than never, right. The Traverse, now in its second generation, is a three-row midsize crossover that comes standard with an abundance of interior room as one of the larger entrants in this segment. Think of it as the modern-day minivan for the masses and a suitable alternative to rivals like the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, and Ford Explorer. It drives and feels like a traditional car rather than an SUV, which is part of its vast appeal but lacks any sense of overall excitement despite its punchy engine. Motivation is sourced from a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. And thanks to optional all-wheel drive, the Traverse can be well-equipped to handle rough road conditions despite not being a genuine off-roader.

Those in the market for a dependable, spacious, three-row crossover and bring themselves to buy a minivan, then the 2022 Traverse is an overall solid choice despite some extremely tough competition.

What's the Price of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse?

The base price of the Chevrolet Traverse begins at an MSRP of $33,700 for the LS. This increases to $36,200 for the LT Cloth, $39,900 for the LT Leather, and $44,200 for the RS. The Premier retails for $46,600 while the cost of the Chevy Traverse exceeds $50k in the High Country; this model costs $51,200. Those prices exclude a $1,195 destination charge in the US, and any options.

For $2,000 more, you can upgrade from FWD to AWD on the base trim, and for a similar amount on any trim that deviates from this increase.

Our RS AWD sampler carried a starting price of $48,845. Combined with $2,645 in options, including the $495 Cherry Red Tincoat exterior paint, and a $1,195 destination fee, the total bill of sale came to $50,040.

2022 Traverse Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Traverse Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Traverse is by no means exciting behind the wheel. It was never meant to be. The strong NA V6 combined with that nine-speed slushbox is a solid combination. We found ourselves somewhat surprised by just how strong the acceleration was when entering a highway, effortlessly reaching cruising speed without any discomfort. It's no drag racer but you'll certainly have no problem keeping up with traffic.

Maneuvering the Traverse was also a simple task because it feels like a passenger car and not a bulky SUV. Despite its size, it's not a body-on-frame SUV, feeling like a high-riding minivan in the way it maneuvers. The steering is precise, which is a boon for parking in tight spots. Rearward visibility, however, was not the easiest but far from terrible. The standard rear-view camera very much came in handy to help resolve this.

Those hoping the RS designation means a sportier affair with refined suspension and chassis tuning will be sorely disappointed. The Traverse drives and handles like a large family sedan or minivan and the RS badging does nothing to change this. That's just fine for a majority of buyers.

2022 Traverse Interior

2022 Traverse Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse A Good SUV?

We very much enjoyed our time with the 2022 Chevy Traverse. It's by far not the most exciting midsize, three-row crossover in its class, but it's still a highly capable family hauler. Having a standard Wi-Fi hotspot will make long-distance travel a much easier task and, if you can swing the extra cost, the panoramic sunroof brings plenty of light into the normally dark cabin. With standard V6 power, a smooth-shifting transmission, and confident and mostly precise handling, the Traverse is very easy to live with.

An abundance of standard safety and driver-assist features is another huge plus. The dashboard layout and touchscreen position are very well thought-out. If you're looking for a minivan alternative that gets the job done in every key category, you can't go wrong with the Traverse.

What Chevrolet Traverse Model Should I Buy?

If we had our pick of the litter, we'd get the RS AWD. It's the middle fun child, so to speak, of the lineup. You get premium features like leather seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, and second-row captain's chairs for a starting price of $46,200. You can keep the monthly payment slightly lower by omitting the panoramic sunroof and Trailering Equipment Package ($650). But no matter which Traverse trim suits your needs and budget, know that you'll be getting a family-friendly three-row crossover with standard V6 power, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for as little as $33,700. Sure, tacking on AWD is a $2,000 option, but it can be had even on the base model. Those who live in regions with wintry weather will find that added cost to be worth every penny.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse Comparisons

2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs GMC Acadia

These two both come from the same GM stable. At $34,800, the Acadia starts at just over $1,000 more than the Traverse. However, unlike the Chevy, the base GMC only comes with a less powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 228 hp. Besides that, the Traverse has far more cargo space by comparison (nearly double the volume behind its third row), so it's easily the more practical proposition between these two. J.D. Power's Chevy Traverse ratings also trump those of the GMC. The Acadia is a pleasant enough vehicle to drive, and you can have it with the same V6 engine if you pay a bit more. But all things considered, the Chevy Traverse is the smarter buy between these two.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs Ford Explorer

The Ford is another practical three-row SUV, and of course, it has the badge that will win over a fair percentage of buyers on its own. It starts at a slightly lower price point than the Traverse, and the Ford has a broader range of power plants. In ST guise, it's much more powerful with 400 hp. But the Traverse is once again the king when it comes to sheer space. Its third row is more comfortable than the Ford's, and the latter's cargo space behind each row is less than what the Chevy can muster. On a positive note, the Explorer has a comfortable ride and can tow more. While the Traverse's space utilization is a major selling point, the Ford lineup as a whole seems to offer more. That's why the Explorer is our choice.