2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior materials were of high quality, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 3D speedometer and tachometer. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, lacking open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often seen as a glorified minivan, offered a practical and stylish alternative for those needing a family SUV. Prices started at $33,700 for the base LS model, with the top-tier High Country trim costing $53,400. The 2022 model received a light restyle, including new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated aluminum wheels and color choices. The RS trim, which was tested, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, making it one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment.

Inside, the Traverse RS came with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. While the materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents, the design was simple and logical. The switchgear was decorated in matte-finish black with white markings, reducing glare and making it easier to use. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers, though the captain's chairs in the second row lacked leg support for adults.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the car's speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system capable of making 650 instantaneous adjustments, providing a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes. The V6 engine provided adequate power for the Traverse's size, and the official EPA fuel economy rating for the AWD model was 20 mpg combined. During testing, the Traverse returned 20.9 mpg.

The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections while requiring caution over speed humps and drainage dips. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were more pronounced than desired. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt more athletic than some rivals, with the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and extended-life Duralife brakes performing well. However, the RS trim's all-season tires and the vehicle's tendency to feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds were drawbacks.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude into the cabin, road and wind noise were minimal. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, offered seating for seven with standard power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs featured a Smart Slide function, making it easier to access the third row. The all-black cabin was comfortable, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support for adults. The third-row seat was adequate for adults if the second-row seats were slid forward.

The Traverse excelled in storage space, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. However, the third-row seats required the second-row seats to be slid forward to fold flat, which could be inconvenient.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on higher trims. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering remote start, climate control, and vehicle-finder functions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services including a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, allowing parents to monitor their child's driving. Higher trims offered an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel, integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published 2022 Traverse crash-test ratings at the time of writing.