2022 Chevy Traverse Review

While compact SUVs are ultimately more popular, three-row crossovers remain a profitable business model for automakers. They're especially important for domestic manufacturers putting all their eggs in the SUV basket. That's why the 2018 debut of the second-generation Chevrolet Traverse felt like such a missed opportunity. While there wasn't anything offensively bad about it, there also wasn't anything unique. Now, midway through its life cycle, the Chevrolet Traverse has been refreshed for 2022 and looks to flip the script with a handful of updates to make it competitive.

The refreshed Traverse borrows the Blazer's front-end styling and sleek and slim headlight design, which incorporates the turn signal into the daytime running light. It's a cool visual trick that distinguishes the Traverse's headlight signature even from far away. The taillights are also redesigned to carry on the new narrow theme.

Interior additions are primarily limited to tech offerings. The central touchscreen is loaded with Chevrolet's newest infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. A handful of previously optional driving aids are now standard on all models. These changes address some of the current Traverse's flaws, but not all of them. In particular, we're still unimpressed with the Traverse's overuse of hard plastic interior panels and its poor rearward visibility.

The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are the newest kids on the block, and like the Traverse, they offer excellent interior space. On top of that they also have upscale cabin materials and loads of features at a compelling price. The Volkswagen Atlas got a mild refresh for 2021, and we think this passenger- and cargo-friendly SUV is ideal if you need space for a full house of adults. The Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot are solid picks too. Overall, we're glad to see Chevy's improvements for the 2022 Traverse, but it needed a few more to be a truly compelling choice for a three-row crossover SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse is available in six trim levels: LS, LT Cloth, LT Leather, RS, Premier and High Country. All Traverse models use a 3.6-liter V6 (310 horsepower, 266 lb-ft of torque) and a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional across the board.