2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$40,700 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the roomy 2025 Chevy Traverse and the efficient 2025 Toyota Highlander often boils down to balancing power against fuel economy in the three-row segment. Buyers facing this choice will notice the Traverse offers significantly more muscle; it boasts 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, ready for heavier hauling or highway merging. In contrast, the Highlander prioritizes efficiency, achieving a higher 25 MPG combined compared to the Traverse's 23 MPG combined. While the Traverse is physically larger at 204.5 inches long, offering a competitive 22.9 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row, the Highlander remains slightly easier to manage at 194.9 inches long. With starting MSRPs so close—$40,700 for the Traverse and $40,320 for the Highlander—the decision hinges on whether you prioritize the Traverse's added passenger/cargo space and power boost or the Highlander's superior mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Highlander wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the Traverse's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Traverse is better for families because its larger exterior dimensions result in significantly more available cargo capacity at 22.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts will prefer the Traverse because it delivers substantially more power, producing 328 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers better long-term value by providing superior MPG while having a slightly lower initial MSRP of $40,320.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You need maximum space, as the 2025 Traverse is 204.5 inches long and offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo space.
You frequently drive on the highway and want more passing power, benefiting from its 328 hp engine.
You prefer a regular unleaded fuel requirement paired with a higher torque output of 326 lb-ft.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Maximizing fuel stops is key, as the 2025 Highlander achieves 29 MPG on the highway.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle for city parking, as the Highlander is over 9 inches shorter in length.
Your budget is tight, as the Highlander starts slightly lower at an MSRP of $40,320.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander
Length	204.5"	194.9"
Width	79.6"	76.0"
Height	69.6"	68.1"
Wheelbase	121.0"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	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	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse actually bigger than the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Yes, the Traverse is noticeably larger in overall size; it measures 204.5 inches long compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches. This size difference translates directly into greater utility, giving the Traverse 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

Which crossover is better for long road trips regarding fuel economy?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the more efficient choice for road trips, posting a 29 MPG highway rating. The Traverse, while capable, is rated for 27 MPG highway, meaning you will stop for gas slightly more often.

How much more powerful is the Traverse, and does it matter?

The Traverse generates 328 hp, which is a significant 63 hp advantage over the Highlander's 265 hp. For drivers who frequently load up their vehicle or live in hilly areas, this extra power and 326 lb-ft of torque will feel noticeably stronger during acceleration.

Are the starting prices for these crossovers similar?

Yes, the entry prices are very close, making it a decision based on features rather than a large price gap. The Highlander starts at $40,320, while the Traverse is slightly higher at $40,700 MSRP.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?

Both the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying your fueling choices regardless of which one you choose.

How does the handling difference generally manifest between these two front-wheel-drive models?

Since both models default to front-wheel drive with 8-speed automatic transmissions, the primary driving difference will stem from power and size; the lighter and less powerful Highlander might feel nimbler around town, while the Traverse's higher horsepower offers better momentum when merging.