Chevy Traverse Vs. Toyota Highlander:
Head-To-Head Comparison
The market for family-friendly three-row SUVs is competitive, which is why the Chevy Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander comparison is so important. The Highlander markets itself as the ideal family vehicle. However, when put side by side with the Traverse, it starts to show some downsides. See how these two SUVs compare below, then visit Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall to experience the Traverse, which excels in numerous categories.
Engines & Performance
The Honda Accord has a more affordable cost of entry on the base model and comes with additional unique warranties that you won't find in the Toyota Camry coverage package, making the Honda sedan the winner for this category.
The new 2025 Chevy Traverse is the preferred option for performance. That's largely thanks to its 328-horsepower engine, easily overcoming the 265-horsepower engine of the Toyota Highlander.
- Chevy Traverse: The standard engine of the Chevy Traverse, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, outputs 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This SUV offers both FWD and AWD.
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander SUV's standard 2.4-liter turbocharged engine creates just 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. However, it also has an eight-speed automatic transmission and options for FWD and AWD.
Fuel Economy
The Honda Accord has a more affordable cost of entry on the base model and comes with additional unique warranties that you won't find in the Toyota Camry coverage package, making the Honda sedan the winner for this category.
Fuel economy is the one place where the Highlander has an advantage in this Chevy Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander matchup. However, the 2025 Traverse has a slightly larger fuel tank of 19.4 gallons; the Highlander features a 17.9-gallon fuel capacity.
- Chevy Traverse: The Traverse is rated for an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with FWD.
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander earns an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 with FWD.
Towing & Capability
The Honda Accord has a more affordable cost of entry on the base model and comes with additional unique warranties that you won't find in the Toyota Camry coverage package, making the Honda sedan the winner for this category.
These two SUVs share a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds.3,4 Where the new 2025 Chevy Traverse for sale gets its win is through off-road capabilities.
- Chevy Traverse: The Traverse achieves a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,3 further complemented by available off-road equipment like a skid plate, an advanced twin-clutch AWD system for enhanced traction, an off-road suspension, and splash guards.
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander boasts an equal maximum towing capacity,4 but its off-road features severely lack in comparison. While it has a dynamic torque-vectoring AWD system and mud guards, it fails to provide a skid plate and an off-road suspension. However, it does offer a Terrain setting within its drive modes, but so does the Traverse.
Ride & Comfort
The Honda Accord has a more affordable cost of entry on the base model and comes with additional unique warranties that you won't find in the Toyota Camry coverage package, making the Honda sedan the winner for this category.
This category is rather close, but with a more solid, larger wheelbase, specially designed suspensions, and available twin-clutch AWD, the Traverse does more for ride quality than the Highlander overall.
- Chevy Traverse: This SUV comes standard with a 121-inch wheelbase, a Ride and Handling suspension, an engine block heater, Super Cruise technology, and Active Noise Cancellation; an off-road suspension is also offered.
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander has a smaller 112.2-inch wheelbase, which can contribute to better maneuverability, and a standard suspension system. While it integrates acoustic noise-reducing front-side windows, they are simply no match for the Active Noise Cancellation technology in the Traverse. This SUV also does not feature an engine block heater or a similar hands-free driver assistant.
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 Chevy Traverse LT |
 Toyota Highlander LE |
|
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 328 | 265 |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (Comb) | 231 | 252 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 19.4 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Length | 204.5 in | 194.9 in |
| Width | 79.6 in | 76 in |
| Height | 69.6 in | 68.1 in |
| Base Curb Weight | 4,504 lbs (FWD) | 4,155 lbs (FWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 / 8 | 7 / 8 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd, 2nd, 1st Row) | 22.9 / 56.6 / 97.6 cu ft | 16 / 48.4 / 84.3 cu ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Standard & Available Interior Feature Highlights |
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| Standard & Available Exterior Feature Highlights |
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| IIHS Safety Rating | Top Safety Pick5 | Top Safety Pick6 |
| Factory Warranty | 3-yr/36,000-mi Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty7 | 3-yr/36,000-mi Basic Warranty7 |
| 2025 Chevy Traverse | Used Toyota Highlander |
Space & Seating
The Honda Accord has a more affordable cost of entry on the base model and comes with additional unique warranties that you won't find in the Toyota Camry coverage package, making the Honda sedan the winner for this category.
The 2025 Traverse and 2025 Highlander both seat up to eight, but the Chevy SUV comes out ahead in numerous areas, such as cargo space and third-row room.
- Chevy Traverse: Legroom measures 44.3, 41.5, and 32.1 inches in the front, second, and third rows, respectively. Its standard 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space is impressive and expands to a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander simply can't keep up. Its legroom dimensions for the front, second, and third rows are as follows, respectively: 42, 38.7, and 28 inches. In terms of cargo volume, it starts at 16 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold both rear rows, and it only opens up to 84.3 cubic feet.
Interior & Tech
The Honda Accord has a more affordable cost of entry on the base model and comes with additional unique warranties that you won't find in the Toyota Camry coverage package, making the Honda sedan the winner for this category.
When it comes to interior amenities, the Traverse has the upper hand. In not only technology and comfort but also convenience and safety, it surpasses the Highlander.
- Chevy Traverse: Two massive display screens (17.7 inches and 11 inches) are standard in the Traverse. Wireless charging, heated front seats, an LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert, and an HD Rear Vision Camera are also standard.
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander SUV's standard displays measure 8 inches and 7 inches, and it does not come equipped with any of the aforementioned features. Wireless charging and heated front seats are offered in top trims only, and it has just a standard Backup Camera; there is no similar feature to the LED Reflective Windshield Collision Alert.
Conclusion
- Choose the Chevy Traverse if you want a more thrilling ride, a more spacious cabin, and enhanced standard features. It is the preferred choice for growing families or groups that need vast room and flexibility for adventures.
- Choose the Toyota Highlander if you want a slightly higher fuel rating or a more basic driving experience. It is generally better suited for smaller or less busy families.
Are you in the market for a smaller SUV? We can help you find the perfect-sized option. For example, with our Chevy Trailblazer vs. Toyota RAV4 guide, you can see how a compact Chevy SUV compares to its Toyota equivalent.
Or, get even more compact with our Chevrolet Trax vs. Toyota Corolla Cross comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chevy Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander
Which has more cargo space: Traverse or Highlander?
The Traverse has significantly more cargo space than the Highlander. With a base cargo volume of 22.9 cubic feet and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the rear seats down, the Chevy Traverse is the better vehicle for spaciousness. By comparison, the Toyota Highlander has a passable cargo area, ranging from 16 to 84.3 cubic feet.
Which offers more third-row room: Traverse or Highlander?
The Traverse offers more third-row headroom and legroom than the Highlander. It features 32.1 inches of legroom and up to 38.5 inches of headroom. With 28 inches of legroom and 36.1 inches of headroom, the Toyota Highlander SUV's third row is more suited for children. As your little ones grow into teenagers, the Traverse will provide comfortable space to stretch out.
Which has a bigger touchscreen: Traverse or Highlander?
The Traverse has a bigger touchscreen than the Highlander, which is 17.7 inches. This massive screen crafts an easy-to-use and accessible interface for both the driver and front passenger. The Toyota Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch display – less than half of the Traverse SUV's display; it only upgrades to 12.3 inches in higher trims.
Chevy Traverse Driver Reviews
1EPA-estimated 20 city/27 hwy 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/chevrolet/traverse-4-door-suv/2025.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2025.
7Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.