We love a good SUV battle, and the Kia Telluride has been dominating rivals for years. The Chevrolet Traverse is stuck in the Telluride’s rearview mirror, but does it deserve to be? Let’s see why the 2022 Chevy Traverse can’t keep up. 

2022 Chevy Traverse vs. 2022 Kia Telluride 

According to  U.S.News, the 2022 Chevy Traverse ranks in 4th place on the list of Best Midsize SUVs for families, while the 2022 Kia Telluride comes in second place. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is in the first place, but we’re going to focus on more affordable models today. 

The U.S.News uses credible reviews from respected automotive journalists to score each vehicle based on its performance, interior quality, fuel economy, safety, and more. It basically creates an average score based on independent reviews. 

But the one negative feature listed about the Traverse includes some cheap materials in the cabin. Meanwhile, the Telluride is listed as only having a so-so acceleration and a lackluster amount of power. 

Does the Traverse or Telluride have a better performance? 

The 2022 Chevy Traverse comes with a 3.6-liter V8 engine with 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. 

With the 2022 Kia Telluride, you get a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 290 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. 

Both SUVs have confident brakes and limited body roll. However, the Traverse may have a stronger AC system and a smoother ride over the pavement. The Telluride might be a little louder too. 

Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 lbs and can be equipped with AWD. The Chevy Traverse has a 7.5-inch ground clearance, and the Kia Telluride has an 8.0-inch ground clearance, making it slightly better for off-roading. 

The Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 27 mpg on the highway. The Telluride receives an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. 

You can access 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat of the Telluride and up to 87 cubes total. The Traverse offers 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 98.2 cubes total. 

Does the Traverse or Telluride have better features? 

You can get started in a 2022 Chevy Traverse for about $33,700. The Kia Telluride begins at $33,390. The Traverse has a durable and functional interior, but the Telluride offers plush upgrades such as Napa leather upholstery. 

The Traverse has an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Telluride has a 10.3-inch unit. But the Traverse offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both SUVs have an optional wireless charging pad. 

Both the Telluride and Traverse come with standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance. The Telluride also has standard blind-spot warning. 

So the Traverse is stuck behind the Telluride because it has more plastics in the cabin and fewer standard safety features. But maybe it deserves a chance because of its power, more comfortable ride, and extra space.