2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the new 2025 Toyota Highlander and the redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Traverse boils down to power versus efficiency and size. If saving money at the pump is your priority, the Highlander offers a superior combined MPG of 25, bettering the Traverse's 23 MPG, despite the Highlander’s lower 265 hp output. However, the Traverse steps up significantly in performance, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque versus the Highlander’s 310 lb-ft. Size is another major factor: the Traverse is nearly 10 inches longer at 204.5 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, translating directly into its much larger 22.9 cu ft cargo capacity (versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft). The initial cost is comparable, with the Highlander starting at $40,320 and the Traverse at $40,800, but buyers must weigh the efficiency and compact footprint of the Toyota against the sheer space and performance offered by the Chevy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Highlander wins for daily commuting due to its slightly better fuel economy of 25 combined MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Traverse is the better family hauler because its larger dimensions provide 22.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to 16 cu ft in the Highlander.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Enthusiasts will prefer the Traverse, as it offers a substantial 328 hp, a 63 hp advantage over the Highlander.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers better fuel efficiency and a lower MSRP for buyers prioritizing long-term running costs over sheer power.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You frequently drive longer distances and prioritize fuel economy, achieving 29 highway MPG.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable size, with the Highlander measuring 194.9 inches long.
- You want the lower entry price point, starting at $40,320 versus the Traverse's $40,800.
Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, benefiting from the class-leading 22.9 cu ft of cargo room.
- You enjoy stronger acceleration from the segment-leading 328 horsepower rating.
- You don't mind the increased size, as the Traverse is nearly 4 inches wider and taller than the competition.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | 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 | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 388.0/523.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 62.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | 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 Highlander and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.
Is the 2026 Traverse significantly more powerful than the 2025 Highlander?
Yes, the 2026 Traverse packs a significant punch with 328 horsepower, which is 63 more ponies than the Highlander's 265 hp, suggesting quicker acceleration times.
Which crossover is better for road trips regarding fuel stops?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the better choice for minimizing fuel stops, netting a combined 25 MPG versus the Traverse’s 23 MPG, using regular unleaded fuel in both.
How much more physical space does the 2026 Traverse offer?
The Traverse is larger overall, boasting a length of 204.5 inches compared to the Highlander's 194.9 inches, which translates to notably better storage space, delivering 22.9 cu ft versus the Highlander’s 16 cu ft.
Are the price differences between the two models significant?
The difference is minor initially; the Highlander starts at $40,320, while the Traverse is listed at $40,800. However, long-term operational costs may differ based on fuel efficiency.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Highlander and the 2026 Traverse specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for optimal performance.
What transmission do these crossovers share?
Both models utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting similar refinement in daily driving experiences despite their power differences.
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