2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a vehicle that combined ruggedness with luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, with a design that could be customized extensively through the G Manufaktur Program.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical family SUV that offered a balance between utility and style. While it lacked the sliding doors of a minivan, it compensated with a spacious interior and a range of trims to suit different needs. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages. The RS trim, in particular, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding a touch of sportiness to its appearance. Inside, the Traverse provided a comfortable cabin with black leather upholstery and thoughtful storage solutions, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, allowed the G550 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The G-Class boasted a robust suspension system with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. With a ground clearance of 9.5 inches and impressive approach, departure, and breakover angles, the G-Class was well-equipped for off-road adventures. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't match the G-Class in raw power, the Traverse offered a respectable tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. It featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, to adapt to different conditions. The Traverse provided a comfortable ride with a firm feel on the road, though it exhibited some road and wind noise at higher speeds. Its handling was predictable, and the V6 engine performed well in mountainous terrain, making it a reliable choice for family road trips.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage options. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the standard sunroof added to the airy feel. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse provided generous interior space, with seating for up to seven passengers in the RS trim. It featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs offered a wide pass-through for easy access to the third row. The Traverse excelled in storage solutions, with hidden compartments and ample cargo space. It offered 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, and a maximum cargo volume of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the layout and content to their preferences. The G-Class featured the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The Burmester Surround Sound system provided an immersive audio experience, and standard features included WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS and LT Cloth models, while higher trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones simultaneously. The Traverse also included Teen Driver technology, allowing parents to monitor their child's driving habits. The RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, though it wasn't particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall infotainment experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a suite of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision-related tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.