2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS SUV

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS is a trim level sitting at the middle of the Traverse lineup. Pricing for 2022 MY Traverse RS will start at around $45,395. The Traverse is a big crossover that can comfortably seat seven or eight passengers. There is a generous amount of space inside, so it is suitable for large families. All the models of the SUV get a standard 3.5-liter V6 motor mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission along with a standard FWD layout. 

The AWD layout is offered as an option. As for some of the features of Traverse RS, it has 20" aluminum wheels, Chevrolet Safety Assist, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, 10 Bose premium speakers, heated front seats, remote engine start, integrated navigation system, digital rearview mirror, and power-folding ORVMs with integrated turn signals and heating function.

Which trim should you buy?

We would suggest you have the vehicle with the AWD layout since it is a single trim option of the vehicle and comes in an extremely well-equipped form as well.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS Release Date

There has been no official announcement about the release date of the 2022 Traverse from the brand. However, the brand made it official that the SUV will hit production by August 18, 2021. As per that, we can expect this vehicle to hit the dealerships by the fourth quarter of 2021.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS will be powered by the same 3.6L V6 engine as before. The motor generates a handsome power figure of 310 hp and an adequate torque of 266 lb-ft. With this, it can make a 0-60 mph run within 6.9 seconds, which is pretty fast for a crossover like the Traverse. Together with its engine, the 9-speed automatic transmission provides effortless performance. Alternatively, Traverse is also offered as an FWD or AWD variant. A powertrain is a brilliant unit in terms of performance, and it will never make you want for more whether you're driving in the city or on the highway. 

Additionally, the Traverse RS is capable of towing up to 5000 pounds thanks to its factory-installed Trailering package. It also has an automatic stop/start feature, which shuts off the engine when you come to a complete stop and restarts it when you release the brake. Compared to its competitors, the Traverse rides fairly well but lacks some agility. Other than that, the steering feels light, and driving this big SUV around the city isn't a big deal. This suspension is also finely tuned so that it can pass through mid-sized potholes without causing any discomfort inside the cabin. 

In addition, the driving seat is positioned high, giving the driver a commanding view, and the visibility is wide, making it easy for the driver to maneuver. Additionally, the drive mode selector allows you to choose between four driving options depending on driving conditions. When cornering, the body roll of the Traverse remains controlled, no matter whether it's FWD or AWD. Like its performance, the Chevrolet Traverse RS is also exceptional when it comes to braking. Its braking is quite potent, so this big SUV can come to a complete stop at 127 feet from 60 mph. 

*Some data were taken from the 2021 MY for reference

Although the stopping distance is not the best in its class, it is still adequate for a vehicle of this size. There are 12.6" brake rotors at the front and 12.4" at the rear. Moreover, emergency braking assist has also been made a standard feature for this year, which makes the overall safety and braking system better than ever before. While the brake rotors on the Traverse are among the smallest in its segment, they still provide strong braking performance.

The Traverse RS has a lower base price than almost all of its competitors hence its price to performance ratio is quite impressive as compared to its rivals. The Kia Telluride gets a sizable 3.8-liter naturally aspirated motor yet falls short in terms of both power and performance stats in front of the Traverse. The Hyundai Palisade shares a similar powertrain from the Telluride hence its power output and acceleration times are identical to its sibling. The Ford Explorer makes full use of its EcoBoost tech and pushed out an impressive 300 horsepower along with a segment-leading 310 lb-ft of torque from a small 2.3-liter four-pot motor and is the quickest to the 60mph and quarter-mile mark clocking 6.8 and 15.3 seconds, respectively.

Big and hefty utility vehicles loaded with all the modern techs and goodies along with sizable powertrains do not aim to offer exceptional fuel economy numbers and the Traverse is no exception here. Despite the Traverse being equipped with fuel-saving features such as idle start/stop, the fuel economy of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse remains average as compared to other rivals. The vehicle returns 27 MPG on highways and 18 MPG in the city. The combined economy is rated at 21 MPG. These figures are only applicable to the FWD variant, and for the AWD variant, you will have to sacrifice 1-2 miles on a gallon of gas for added practicality.

*Some data were taken from the 2021 MY for reference

Comparing the Traverse to other models in its segment, the only drawback is its fuel economy numbers. The Ford Explorer takes the top spot owing to its exceptionally engineered, compact, and potent motor that offers a perfect balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Both the Kia Telluride and the Hyundai Palisade share the same powertrain yet the latter has marginally lower city and combined mpg figures of 19 and 22 MPG, hence having a difference in the overall driving range as well. 

The Chevrolet Traverse truly impresses with its spacious and comfortable cabin with adequate seating space for seven to eight occupants with full comfort. For the 2022 model year, the only change the Traverse will receive is in its upholstery design. Apart from that, everything in the interior will be carried over from last year. Driver's seats can be adjusted in eight directions along with the lumbar support, while the co-passenger seats can be adjusted in six directions. There is also a heating feature on the front bucket seats, which is very convenient. Whereas the captain's chairs in the second row are comfortable with lots of room to move into the third row. Additionally, the captain's chair features sliding and folding functionality.

The third-row seats are 60/40 split and can be power folded, giving them the ability to maximize cargo space. For added convenience, the cabin also features a variety of open and hidden storage areas. There is also tri-zone automatic climate control, a universal remote transmitter, a day/night rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and phone controls. As standard, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS offers 23 cubic feet of cargo space, the best in the segment. If needed, you can fold the second and third-row seats to expand its cargo space.

*Some data were taken from the 2021 MY for reference

The Kia Telluride takes the second spot in the above competition right after the Traverse in terms of cabin space. The Telluride also boasts a superb cabin design along with a long list of standard features and excellent comfort levels. The cargo space on offer is close to the Traverse measuring 21 cu-ft. The Hyundai Palisade interior design shares some key design similarities with the Telluride yet its design has more appeal and a plush feeling to it. 

Moreover, the Palisade offers segment-leading legroom at the front further enhancing the comfort factor. The Ford Explorer might not appeal to the buyers with its comparatively simple interior design as compared to the rivals here such as the Telluride and the Palisade, yet its overall spaciousness and build quality hold an edge over the rivals. However, it falls short in front of the Traverse in terms of cargo capacity and front headroom. Some key interior features are:

• Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Front bucket seats with lumbar support
• Second-row captain chairs with sliding function
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with heating function
• Leather upholstery

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Chevrolet Traverse RS comes with a big 8.0" touchscreen infotainment display that can slide vertically to reveal a hidden space to store some small items. The system is based on the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 premium system that is also available with Navigation in the RS trim level. Additionally, Alexa’s built-in voice recognition system allows the system to be controlled by voice commands. 

Apple Carplay and Android Auto will be made standard this year, which will allow users to connect their smartphones wirelessly. As for the audio, there's a premium Bose system with 10 speakers that are placed throughout the cabin to provide crystal clear sound. Some key infotainment features are:

• 8" touchscreen display
• Bose Premium Audio with 10 Speakers
• Wireless Apple Carplay And Android Auto
• An Alexa-built voice recognition system
• Navigation and Bluetooth
• Sirius XM

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS will get some major updates to its exterior, making it look more stylish and bold than before. These changes were originally planned for 2021 MY, but Chevy confirmed they will be implemented for the 2022 MY. With the redesigned grille and sharper headlamps, the SUV's front fascia will look much better. On all trim levels, including RS, LED headlamps and daytime running lights are now standard. The turn signal has also been incorporated into the DRL for this year. 

Additionally, this year's model features a new roof rail design, an LED tail lamp design, and a new wheel design. As a result of all these changes, it now ranks among the best-looking three-row SUVs in this segment. Specifically, the Traverse RS trim comes with a unique black accent design. The 20" aluminum wheels are also exclusive to the RS trim. Talking about some features, power-folding and heated side mirrors have been added to the list.

*Some data were taken from the 2021 MY for reference

The Chevrolet Traverse has an impressive wheelbase that results in all those spaces inside the cabin. The most iconic and bold design will be seen on the Hyundai Palisade owing to its redesign like the Traverse. Yet, the Kia Telluride will continue with its existing design that might look and feel slightly dated when pitted against the Traverse and the Palisade. 

The Ford Explorer will continue with its existing design too that might lack the flashy and bold appearance of the rivals yet it has a distinct rugged design that gels in with the everyday traffic. The Traverse’s ground clearance is relatively low, while Telluride offers the highest ground clearance at 8". Moreover, all the SUVs here weigh almost the same in terms of curb weight. Some key exterior features are:

• LED Headlamps
• LED Brakelights
• Black Roof Rails
• Auto High-Beam Daytime Running Lights With Turn Indicators
• Body-colored Power Heated Side Mirrors
• 20" Aluminium wheels
• Dark Accent Theme

A sturdy body and several standard safety features make the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS one of the safest vehicles in its segment. This year, it has also received more standard safety features. Chevrolet Safety Assist is standard this year, along with rear pedestrian alert. There's also the Chevrolet Safety Assist system that offers a host of advanced safety features.

The outgoing model was awarded a perfect five-star rating by the NHTSA for its crashworthiness. Alternatively, the IIHS awarded it "Top Safety Picks for 2021" and gave it a Good rating overall. With more advanced features available as standard, the 2022 Traverse should receive a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Some of the key safety features on offer are:

• Automatic Emergency Braking Assist
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Pedestrian Alert
• IntelliBeam Automatic High Beam Control
• Forward Collision Alert
• Following Distance Indicator
• Front Pedestrian Braking

2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS vs 2022 Kia Telluride

In terms of pricing, Traverse RS and Kia Telluride are almost identical. Yet, the Traverse is better in terms of performance and power output. Whereas, the Telluride is superior in terms of fuel economy.

Other than that, the Traverse excels in one of its greatest strengths, which is the space available to third-row passengers. Moreover, the Traverse's cabin is exceptional in terms of comfort, and after the upcoming updates, it will be even better.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

In addition to the excellent power output and acceleration of the Chevrolet Traverse, it is comfortable and convenient as well. On the other hand, the Hyundai Palisade comes with more standard features, and the price is higher as well.

Thus, the Traverse is the better SUV in this case because it is cheaper, more practical, and has a superbly spacious interior with plenty of cargo space.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is the most expensive vehicle in its segment, almost $2k more expensive than Traverse. With its 4 cylinders inline turbocharged engine, the Explorer offers a little bit quicker acceleration than the Traverse while delivering class-leading fuel economy.

Nevertheless, the Traverse with adequate space inside the cabin and nearly identical performance is a better value. Nonetheless, the Ford Explorer Limited isn't a terrible choice either, except for the price.

When you are shopping in this segment, you should certainly add the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS to your list. The Traverse was already well-equipped with features and specs, and its looks were also commendable. However, the 2022 Traverse will offer more safety and infotainment features, as well as bolder exterior styling that will make it stand out even more among its competitors. Therefore, yes, you can certainly opt for the new Traverse RS. However, we recommend that you check out other trim levels within the Traverse lineup before making a final decision.