2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse bursts onto the scene with raw, turbo-charged muscle, boasting a formidable 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear powerhouse in this crossover showdown. Conversely, the striking 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe charms with efficiency and aggressive pricing, asking only $34,300 versus the Traverse’s $40,700 entry point. While the Traverse stretches to 204.5 inches in length, offering a commanding presence and significant presence, the Santa Fe prioritizes maneuverability with a sleeker 74.8-inch width. Performance seekers will note the Traverse’s 51-hp advantage, but commuters might lean toward the Santa Fe’s slightly superior 24 combined MPG compared to the Traverse’s 23 combined MPG, highlighting a choice between brute force and budgetary elegance in these family haulers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe wins for commuters due to its slightly better 24 combined MPG and significantly lower starting MSRP of $34,300.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is better suited for large families due to its larger physical footprint and superior 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will favor the Traverse because its 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque offer substantially more power than the Santa Fe's output.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe provides significantly better entry-level value, undercutting the Traverse’s starting price by $6,400.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You absolutely need the top-tier performance, leveraging the 328 hp engine for confident highway passing.
- Your family demands maximum storage space, utilizing the class-leading 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer the larger, more substantial road presence provided by the Traverse's 204.5-inch length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Fe if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $35,000 is a primary objective, given the $40,700 MSRP of the rival.
- Optimizing fuel economy is key, as the Santa Fe achieves 29 highway MPG versus the Traverse's 27 MPG.
- You prefer a vehicle built around an 8-speed automated manual transmission over a standard automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Traverse | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.5" | 190.2" |
| Width | 79.6" | 74.8" |
| Height | 69.6" | 67.7" |
| Wheelbase | 121.0" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 277 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 311 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 354.0/513.3 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 17.7 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 44.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.3 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.6 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Traverse and the 2025 Santa Fe?
The difference is notable; the Traverse unleashes 328 horsepower, a full 51 hp more than the Santa Fe's 277 horsepower rating. This power gap suggests the Traverse will offer quicker acceleration, especially when fully loaded.
Which crossover offers better practicality for hauling large items?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row compared to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe’s 14.6 cubic feet. This nearly 8 cubic foot advantage makes the Traverse better for large family trips.
Is the higher price tag of the Traverse justified by fuel economy?
No, the Traverse is the less fuel-efficient choice; it delivers 23 combined MPG versus the Santa Fe’s 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Traverse starts at $40,700 while the Santa Fe begins at just $34,300, making the Santa Fe superior in overall value metrics.
What are the differences in the transmissions used in these two crossovers?
The Traverse uses a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for smooth power delivery. In contrast, the Santa Fe employs an 8-speed automated manual transmission, which can sometimes offer a different shift characteristic.
Are both vehicles similar in physical size for parking convenience?
Not at all; the Traverse is significantly larger, measuring 204.5 inches long and 79.6 inches wide. The Santa Fe is more compact at 190.2 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, making it potentially easier to maneuver in tight urban environments.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool