2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

$40,700 · Crossover

$44,815 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse bursts onto the scene with a muscular 328 hp turbocharged engine ready to pull its sizable 204.5-inch frame, aiming for brute-force utility, contrasted sharply by the highly efficient 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid. The Traverse boasts superior power output and a cavernous size, even if its 23 MPG combined lags far behind the RAV4 PHEV's stellar 38 combined MPG. While the Traverse offers significant standard space, the RAV4 PHEV counters with an impressive 42 miles of electric-only driving capability before relying on its efficient hybrid system. The price gap starts at $4,115, with the Traverse being the cheaper entry point despite the Toyota's advanced electrification technology. For drivers prioritizing raw towing capacity and interior volume (though cargo is tighter at 22.9 cu ft vs 33.5 cu ft for the Toyota), the Traverse is built large; for efficiency champions, the RAV4 PHEV reigns supreme.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid’s ability to deliver 42 miles on electricity makes it dramatically cheaper and quieter for daily city driving compared to the Traverse’s 20 MPG city rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The substantially larger dimensions of the Traverse (204.5 inches long) suggest superior passenger and third-row space compared to the smaller RAV4 PHEV.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse offers a higher peak output with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, offering more immediate thrust than the RAV4 PHEV's 302 hp total system output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid

Despite costing $4,115 more upfront, the RAV4 PHEV’s 15 MPG efficiency advantage easily offsets the premium over the long term.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You absolutely require the largest physical footprint available, measuring 204.5 inches in length.
You prefer the immediate surge of power from a traditional turbocharged engine delivering 328 hp.
You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $40,700 for a vehicle of this size.

Choose the Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid if...

Maximizing fuel economy is crucial, as shown by the RAV4 PHEV's outstanding 38 combined MPG.
Your daily commute fits within the 42 miles of pure electric range offered by the plug-in system.
You prioritize maximizing utility cargo space, boasting 33.5 cu ft versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Length	204.5"	180.9"
Width	79.6"	73.0"
Height	69.6"	67.0"
Wheelbase	121.0"	105.9"

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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	302 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	40/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	580.0/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	14.5 gal.
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	94 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	42 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	36
Charging Time (240V)	—	4.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

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.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	57.8 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	54.3 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	47.7 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	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	225/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse than the RAV4 PHEV?

The Traverse holds a distinct advantage in raw power, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, whereas the RAV4 PHEV provides a combined 302 hp. This difference in horsepower, totaling 26 hp, gives the Traverse more authoritative acceleration when both vehicles are running solely on gasoline.

Is the RAV4 PHEV better for long highway road trips despite the Traverse's better highway MPG?

The Traverse does edge out the RAV4 PHEV slightly on the highway with 27 MPG versus 36 MPG for the Toyota (when running as a hybrid). However, the RAV4 PHEV’s lower base weight and efficient transmission might make it more comfortable and less strained overall when cruising.

Which vehicle offers more functional space for hauling cargo?

The Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid provides superior dedicated cargo capacity at 33.5 cubic feet, significantly outperforming the 2025 Traverse’s 22.9 cubic feet. This makes the smaller Toyota surprisingly better equipped for carrying luggage or supplies behind the rear seats.

What is the initial cost difference between these two crossovers?

There is a notable $4,115 gap in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse begins at $40,700, making it the more budget-friendly choice at the dealership compared to the RAV4 PHEV’s starting price of $44,815.

Can the Traverse match the RAV4 PHEV's electric capability?

No, the Chevrolet Traverse does not offer any battery-electric driving capability. The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid is specifically designed to cover 42 miles solely on electricity, a feature the standard gasoline-powered Traverse cannot emulate.

How does the drivetrain and transmission differ between the two models?

The Traverse utilizes a front-wheel-drive setup paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the RAV4 PHEV benefits from All-Wheel Drive (AWD) managed by a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).