2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$40,700 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The comparison between the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reveals a $6,320 difference in MSRP, favoring the Traverse at $40,700 against the Highlander Hybrid’s $47,020. The most significant numerical disparity lies in fuel economy, where the Highlander Hybrid achieves a combined 35 MPG, significantly eclipsing the Traverse’s 23 MPG combined rating. Power output is another major divergence, with the Traverse offering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Hybrid’s 243 hp. Dimensionally, the Traverse is the larger vehicle, measuring 204.5 inches in length versus the Highlander Hybrid’s 194.9 inches. This size translates to substantially greater cargo utility, with the Traverse offering 22.9 cu ft compared to the Highlander Hybrid’s 16 cu ft, despite the latter's superior efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Highlander Hybrid wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined efficiency versus the Traverse's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Traverse is better suited for families, providing 22.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse appeals more to performance enthusiasts by generating 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Highlander Hybrid's 243 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Traverse provides greater horsepower (328 hp vs 243 hp) and significantly more cargo volume for a $6,320 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You require maximum storage, as the Traverse offers 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Your priority is maximizing available horsepower, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You seek the lower initial purchase price point, starting at $40,700.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the Highlander Hybrid achieves an impressive 35 MPG combined.
You prefer All-Wheel Drive standard capability over the Traverse’s FWD setup.
You value a smaller overall footprint, with the Highlander Hybrid being 9.6 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	243 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	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	17.1 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	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.6 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	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

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.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

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	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

What is the MPG difference between the 2025 Traverse and the 2026 Highlander Hybrid?

The difference in fuel efficiency is substantial; the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined, whereas the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is rated at only 23 MPG combined. This results in an 12 MPG advantage for the Highlander Hybrid.

Which vehicle offers better utility for large families regarding size and cargo?

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is the physically larger vehicle, offering 204.5 inches in length and a superior 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Highlander Hybrid is smaller overall and offers only 16 cu ft of cargo space.

How does the horsepower rating compare between these two crossovers?

The Chevrolet Traverse is significantly more powerful, outputting 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid produces a lower 243 horsepower.

What is the exact MSRP difference between the two models?

The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) shows the 2025 Traverse at $40,700, which is $6,320 less expensive than the 2026 Highlander Hybrid’s starting MSRP of $47,020.

Do the drive types differ between the standard configurations?

Yes, the base 2025 Traverse comes standard with front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Highlander Hybrid includes all-wheel drive utilizing a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.