2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,700 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the spacious 2025 Chevy Traverse and the efficient 2026 Subaru Outback often boils down to size versus savings. If you need serious passenger volume, the Traverse delivers, boasting an imposing length of 204.5 inches and significantly more power with 328 hp, though this comes at the cost of efficiency, returning a combined 23 MPG. Conversely, the Outback is the clear budget and fuel-saver, starting at just $40,700 (versus the Traverse's $40,700 MSRP) and achieving a better 27 MPG combined, saving roughly $5,705 upfront. While the Traverse is larger overall (Width: 79.6 inches), the Outback actually offers superior cargo space at 34.6 cu ft, a surprising advantage for a smaller vehicle. Buyers must weigh the Traverse's muscle against the Outback's practical footprint and 4 MPG better fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Outback wins for daily commutes due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Traverse's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Traverse offers a larger physical footprint (204.5 inches long) better suited for carrying multiple passengers and their gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse is the performance choice, producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly overshadowing the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides a better immediate financial value with a lower MSRP of $34,995 and better ongoing running costs due to higher MPG.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You frequently need to tow or accelerate quickly, as the Traverse boasts 328 hp.
Maximum interior comfort for taller passengers is key, given its larger height and width dimensions.
You need substantial muscle, evidenced by its 326 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Keeping purchase price low is critical, with an MSRP $5,705 less than the Traverse.
Maximizing cargo area inside the cabin is necessary, as it offers 34.6 cu ft versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft.
You prioritize long-term efficiency, benefiting from 27 MPG combined fuel economy.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Subaru Outback
Length	204.5"	191.7"
Width	79.6"	74.0"
Height	69.6"	67.5"
Wheelbase	121.0"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
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	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	12.1 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	55.5 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	Subaru
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	55.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Subaru
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which vehicle is significantly more powerful for passing on the highway?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is substantially more powerful, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This massive 148 hp advantage over the 2026 Subaru Outback's 180 hp means merging and overtaking will feel much easier in the Traverse.

Does the smaller Outback actually have more cargo room than the larger Traverse?

Yes, surprisingly, the 2026 Subaru Outback provides 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, beating the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse's 22.9 cu ft. If pure storage volume behind the rear seats is the goal, the Outback is the winner despite being smaller overall.

What is the initial purchase price difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,700 MSRP, which is $5,705 more than the 2026 Subaru Outback's starting MSRP of $34,995. This is a significant upfront saving if you choose the Outback.

How big is the difference in fuel economy for city driving?

The 2026 Outback is notably more efficient for stop-and-go driving, achieving 25 MPG in the city, compared to the Traverse's 20 MPG in the city. This 5 MPG difference adds up quickly over a typical commuter's weekly routine.

Since both use regular unleaded, which vehicle is better for regular driving ease?

While both accept regular unleaded, the Outback, with its standard All-Wheel Drive and better 27 MPG combined efficiency, is generally better suited for consistent, worry-free driving across varying conditions. The Traverse prioritizes power over efficiency.

Is the Traverse's larger size noticeable in parking situations?

Yes, the Traverse is substantially larger, measuring 204.5 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, whereas the Outback is 191.7 inches long and 74.0 inches wide. Maneuvering and parking the longer, wider Traverse might prove more challenging in tight city garages.