2022 Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The three-row SUV has become the ultimate family vehicle for many drivers. As a result, most brands have at least one offering in this segment of the market. Buyers typically have to choose between midsized and full-sized options.

One of the more popular midsize three-row SUV options out there is the Chevrolet Traverse. Now in its second generation, it has worked out many of the kinks that people disliked when it first hit the scene. The 2022 Traverse adds a few extra driver aids to build up its appeal to families. It also gets the wireless version of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When it comes to buying a new SUV, it is not as simple as simply choosing a brand and model. The Chevrolet Traverse, for example, is available in six distinct trim levels. Although all six do share some things in common, they all also have their own standard feature list and their own starting price. Choosing the right Traverse will mean finding one that meets the driver's needs and also falls into their price range.

To help achieve this goal, this guide will detail the differences between all of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse trim levels.

Compare the LS vs LT Cloth Trims. What is the difference?

The powertrain for the Traverse will not help buyers decide which version they want. All are moved around town by a 3.6L V6 engine that creates 310-horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard across the board. Even the entry-level LS can be upgraded to all-wheel drive.

One thing that the base LS cannot have equipped, however, is the towing package. This package includes a heavy-duty cooling system, trailer hitch, and advanced hitch guidance features. It is available starting with the LT Cloth model and allows the Traverse to tow up to 5,000 pounds. This package remains optional until buyers hit the High Country, where it becomes finally joins the standard equipment list.

As far as fuel efficiency goes, the 2022 Traverse does decent. With front-wheel drive, it is estimated to get 18mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway. Upgrading to all-wheel drive will mean going down to 17mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway.

Heated and power-adjustable side mirrors come standard for the Traverse LS. Other exterior features that drivers can look out for are automatic high beams, LED headlamps, and LED taillamps. An appearance package that blacks out many exterior features, including the grille and emblems, is available for the LS.

In total, drivers will find ten cupholders spread out inside the cabin of the 2022 Traverse. A six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat comes standard, and the front passenger has a four-way manual adjustment to work with. Active noise cancellation is another standard feature to enjoy.

A 7-inch touchscreen is at the heart of the Traverse LS's infotainment setup. Other tech features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The smartphone integration tools are wireless, which is something that people who like a clutter-free cabin are sure to enjoy.

It is worth noting that the Traverse has better than average cargo capacity for all trim levels, including the entry-level LS. Behind the third-row, drivers get 23 cubic feet. Folding down the third row means getting access to nearly 58 cubic feet, while behind the first row there are 98 cubic feet to fill with miscellaneous gear.

There are a respectable amount of driver aids equipped on the entry-level LS. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard, along with rear parking sensors. All 2022 Traverse models also have lane-keeping assist, which will steer the SUV back into the lane if it starts to drift over visible lane markings. Another feature found standard across the board is a rear seat alert, which reminds drivers to take a look in the backseat for children or animals before leaving their vehicle.

Moving up to the LT Cloth model will give buyers foglights and roof rails for the exterior of their Traverse. The side mirrors are also equipped with turn signal integration. Although a manual liftgate remains standard, this is the first trim level to offer a power programmable liftgate as well.

While the LS came standard with a second-row bench seat and seating for eight, the LT Cloth has seating for seven instead. This is due to the second-row bench seats, which make it easier to access the very back of the Traverse. The driver's seat gains power adjustment, and they get to enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel. On the tech front, this trim is home to satellite radio and a wireless charging pad, further reducing the clutter needed inside the Traverse.

Compare the LT Cloth vs LT Leather. What is the difference?

As far as standard features go, the LT Leather gains quite a bit. Obviously, this is the first trim to come standard with leather for the seats. The front seats are also heated, along with the steering wheel. To make sure the Traverse is the perfect temperature before getting in, the LT Leather gets a remote start. A six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat is also added.

There are a couple of noteworthy tech upgrades here. This is the first model to get the larger 8-inch touchscreen standard. It also adds color to the 4.2-inch multi-color driver instrument display.

This trim level has an exclusive feature package to offer. Called the LT Premium package, it bundles navigation, a digital rearview mirror, and a premium sound system. There are also extra driver aids, like adaptive cruise control to make driving in heavy traffic easier and enhanced automatic emergency braking.

Compare the LT Leather vs RS Trim. What is the difference?

There are many upgrades found on and in the RS trim of the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. This model swaps out the 18-inch wheels for 20-inch wheels instead. A washer for the rearview mirror is standard, along with a programmable power liftgate. The liftgate has an emblem projection feature that makes it easier for drivers to find the spot they need to swing their foot under to open it. This liftgate can be programmed to open to a certain height for added convenience.

One feature that really sets the Traverse RS apart is the automatic heated steering wheel. Based on the temp inside the SUV, the steering wheel can turn its heat function on and off. Drivers can opt to turn this feature off completely.

A 10-speaker premium Bose sound system is standard for the RS trim level. The infotainment system is upgraded to include an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation. This system can support streaming from two devices as well. Essentially, the RS has all of the features found in the LT Premium package on its standard feature list.

Multiple driver aids are added to the RS trim level of the Traverse. It has the enhanced automatic emergency braking, which essentially means that the feature will work at higher speeds. There is also a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control standard. Perhaps most impressive is the digital rearview mirror, which allows drivers to have a clear view of what is behind the Traverse even if the cargo area is packed with gear.

Compare the RS vs Premier Trims. What is the difference?

Like the RS trim, the Premier sits on 20-inch wheels. This model goes with a metallic finish for them to help set it apart. For the side mirrors, the Premier adds an auto-dimming feature for the driver's side. This is on top of the power-folding, heating, and turn signal integration found on previous models.

The Premier has an available Redline package for drivers to check out. It is an appearance package that adds things like red accents to the wheels and special decals. The package blacks out many exterior details, including the mirror caps and door handles. Also included in the package is a dual-pane sunroof and trailering equipment. This package can only be added to models with Cherry Red, Pearl Tricoat, Silver Ice, Black Metallic, or Summit White paint. It also requires the jet-black leather interior.

Drivers who share their vehicle with someone else will appreciate the memory settings that come standard on the Premier model. Two different drivers can save their preferred positioning for the driver's seat, side mirror, and even the steering column. On that note, the steering column is power-adjustable for the Premier trim level and up.

The Premier trim level is also home to ventilated front seats and heated rear ones. Safety features remain identical when comparing the RS to the Premier model of the 2022 Traverse.

Compare the Premier vs. High Country. What is the difference?

Reigning supreme for the Traverse lineup is the High Country. It has polished aluminum 20-inch wheels to show off around town. The two panel power sunroof is also standard for the borderline-luxury model.

The High Country gets its own design for the floor mats that are color-keyed to match the interior. This is the only trim to get a power-folding feature for the third row. Drivers can choose to fold down one side or both with the push of a button. Up front, the driver benefits from a safety alert seat that helps bring their attention to potential hazards by vibrating. The side of the seat that vibrates indicates which direction the danger is coming from. If drivers do not enjoy this feature it can easily be shut off.

This model comes standard with the trailering equipment that allows the 2022 Traverse to tow up to 5,000 pounds. It includes the heavy-duty cooling system, along with a trailer hitch and hitch guidance. That last feature helps guide drivers using the rearview camera when backing up to a trailer.

Final Thoughts

While all of the trim levels of the 2022 Traverse are appealing, buyers should know that the prices start to escalate quickly when looking at the upper trims. That is why most people will want to skip the RS, Premier, and High Country models. Luckily, most of the extra features added there are bells and whistles anyway.

On the flip side, the entry-level LS is a bit lacking. For that reason, most buyers will want to look at the LT trim levels. The LT Cloth has the second-row captain's chairs, satellite radio, and a power-adjustable driver's seat, all of which can actually improve the quality of everyday drives. If features like heated front seats and a power liftgate are necessities, the LT Leather is worth serious consideration.

Depending on which features are needed, buyers should choose between the 2022 Chevrolet LT Cloth and LT Leather trim levels.