2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the highly anticipated 2026 Chevrolet Traverse pits reliability against raw punch. The Grand Highlander excites with its renowned efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined on regular unleaded, perfect for consistent cruising. Conversely, the Traverse unleashes a potent 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, a massive 63 hp advantage over the Toyota’s 265 hp output, promising spirited acceleration. While the Traverse leads in sheer utility, boasting 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Highlander's 20.6 cu ft, Toyota maintains a slight edge in fuel economy (28 highway MPG versus 27 highway MPG). Both measure over 201 inches in length, but the Chevy’s wider stance (79.6 inches) hints at more interior elbow room, making this comparison hinge on whether you prioritize enduring efficiency or immediate power.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 24 MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is better for families because it offers slightly more cargo capacity at 22.9 cubic feet compared to the Toyota's 20.6 cubic feet.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse as it boasts a significantly higher output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers better stated efficiency (24 MPG combined vs. 23 MPG combined) for a virtually identical starting MSRP.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You prioritize dependable, slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined.
- You prefer a slightly smaller overall footprint for urban navigation (201.4 inches long).
- You require the lowest initial barrier to ownership with a starting MSRP of $40,860 (being $60 cheaper than Car 2).
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You crave immediate power, benefiting from the massive 63 hp advantage with 328 hp.
- You need maximum storage space, utilizing the Traverse's 22.9 cubic feet of rear cargo volume.
- You appreciate the higher torque rating of 326 lb-ft for towing or passing maneuvers.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 204.5" |
| Width | 78.3" | 79.6" |
| Height | 70.1" | 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 | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 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 | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 388.0/523.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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. |
| 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 and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Grand Highlander and the 2026 Traverse?
The primary difference is the engine output; the Traverse generates a robust 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly outgunning the Grand Highlander’s 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.
Which crossover is better for maximizing cargo room behind the third row?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the winner in base cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet, whereas the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander provides 20.6 cubic feet in the same configuration.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare between these two large crossovers?
The Toyota Grand Highlander holds a slight advantage in fuel efficiency, achieving a 24 MPG combined rating compared to the Traverse’s 23 MPG combined rating.
Are the base prices significantly different for these models?
The pricing is nearly identical; the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse starts at $40,800, making it only $60 less expensive than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's $40,860 MSRP.
Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately for budget-conscious drivers, neither the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander nor the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse demands premium fuel, as both are specified to run on regular unleaded.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is slightly larger in length (204.5 inches vs. 201.4 inches) and width (79.6 inches vs. 78.3 inches), though the Toyota is slightly taller.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool