2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the new Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (car1) and the redesigned Chevy Traverse (car2) often boils down to prioritizing long-term savings versus immediate power and space. The Traverse is substantially cheaper upfront, starting at $40,800 compared to the Highlander Hybrid's $44,210 MSRP. However, fuel economy swings the pendulum dramatically: car1 boasts an impressive 36 combined MPG, crushing car2's 23 combined MPG—a massive 13 MPG difference that adds up quickly over the years. While the Traverse leads in raw output with 328 horsepower versus the Highlander's 245 hp, the efficiency trade-off is significant for daily drivers. Furthermore, the Highlander offers slightly better height at 72.1 inches, whereas the Traverse provides marginally more cargo volume at 22.9 cubic feet versus 20.6 cu ft, making this a tough choice between budget-friendly efficiency and straightforward muscle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the clear commuter winner due to its exceptional 36 combined MPG, vastly reducing running costs.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse wins for families due to its slightly larger 22.9 cu ft cargo capacity and lower entry price of $40,800.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Traverse for its superior performance figures, offering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Despite a higher initial cost, the Grand Highlander Hybrid offers better long-term value because of the substantial 13 MPG fuel economy advantage.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- You commute daily and prioritize maximizing fuel savings, leveraging the 36 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the assurance of the Toyota hybrid powertrain and reliability reputation.
- You need a taller vehicle, as the Grand Highlander stands at 72.1 inches compared to the Traverse's 69.6 inches.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You need the absolute best power output, as the Traverse offers 328 horsepower.
- You want the lowest possible purchase price, starting $3,410 below the Highlander Hybrid at $40,800.
- You value maximum dedicated cargo space, where the Traverse provides 22.9 cubic feet versus car1's 20.6 cubic feet.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 204.5" |
| Width | 78.3" | 79.6" |
| Height | 72.1" | 69.6" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 121.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 388.0/523.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 19.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 17.7 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 42.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 62.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 58.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 62.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid than the 2026 Chevy Traverse?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a higher starting MSRP of $44,210, meaning it costs $3,410 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, which starts at $40,800.
Which vehicle offers significantly better fuel economy for highway driving?
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is significantly better, achieving 34 MPG highway compared to the Traverse's 27 MPG highway, resulting in a 13 combined MPG overall difference.
If I value acceleration and passing power, which crossover should I choose?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the performance winner here, putting down 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 245 horsepower.
Does the larger Traverse have more practical cargo space than the Highlander Hybrid?
Yes, the 2026 Traverse offers slightly more room behind the last row, boasting 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid's 20.6 cubic feet.
Are there differences in the type of gas required for these vehicles?
Fortunately, both vehicles run on readily available regular unleaded gasoline, so you won't need premium fuel for either option.
Which car is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is longer at 204.5 inches and wider at 79.6 inches, though the Toyota Grand Highlander is notably taller by about 2.5 inches (72.1 vs 69.6 inches).
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