2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$46,820 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse lies in fuel economy, with the Highlander achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the Traverse’s 23 MPG, representing a 12 MPG advantage for Toyota. Conversely, the Traverse dominates in raw power, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Highlander's 243 hp. Pricing also presents a stark contrast, as the Traverse starts at an MSRP of $40,800, undercutting the Highlander’s $46,820 by $6,020. While the Traverse offers superior utility with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft, the Highlander’s efficiency-focused powertrain utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, while the Traverse employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic. These specifications dictate vastly different priorities for potential owners.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner for commuters due to its 35 MPG combined efficiency rating, significantly lowering ongoing operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Traverse caters better to families needing space, offering 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Performance enthusiasts favor the Traverse for its 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque output, offering 85 more horsepower than the Highlander.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse provides better immediate value by starting $6,020 lower in MSRP while delivering significantly higher horsepower.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Primary concern is minimizing fuel expenses, supported by a 35 MPG combined rating.
A smaller exterior footprint is required, noted by the Highlander's 194.9-inch length versus the Traverse's 204.5 inches.
A focus on sustained cruising efficiency is prioritized over quick acceleration due to the CVT.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

Maximum immediate cargo utility is necessary, as evidenced by 22.9 cu ft versus 16 cu ft.
The driver demands superior powertrain performance, seeing 328 hp compared to 243 hp.
The buyer seeks a lower initial investment, with a starting MSRP $6,020 less than the hybrid model.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander Hybrid	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	194.9"	204.5"
Width	76.0"	79.6"
Height	68.1"	69.6"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog 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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

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	243 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

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	35/35 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	598.5/598.5 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.1 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	8.0 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
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	62.3 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 in.	58.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

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 Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.

What is the difference in engine power between the two crossovers?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse produces substantially more power, rated at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is rated at 243 hp.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid than the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?

The Highlander Hybrid has a higher entry price, starting at $46,820, which is $6,020 more than the Traverse’s base MSRP of $40,800.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for long-distance driving?

The Highlander Hybrid is superior for fuel economy, achieving a 35 MPG combined rating, while the Traverse records 23 MPG combined.

Is the Traverse or the Highlander better for hauling cargo?

The 2026 Traverse provides significantly more space, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 16 cubic feet available in the Highlander.

What is the difference in drivetrain and transmission between the two models?

The standard 2025 Highlander Hybrid uses All-Wheel Drive with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the standard 2026 Traverse reviewed here is Front Wheel Drive, utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.