Toyota Highlander vs Chevy Traverse: SUV Showdown
Trying to find the best mid-size SUV for you? The match-up between Toyota Highlander vs Chevy Traverse highlights each model’s special features and specs.
As leading options in the mid-size SUV market, understanding their performance, comfort, and tech is key.
We’ll compare their engine performance, inside design, safety, and prices to aid your decision. Mid-size SUVs are getting more popular in the USA.
Knowing the differences between the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse can help pick the right one for you. Let’s dive into the important details to help you find the ideal SUV.
Introduction To The Mid-Size SUV Market
The mid-size SUV market has grown a lot in popularity, especially with American families. These vehicles mix versatility, roominess, and cutting-edge tech.
They fit various lifestyles. With more people wanting family-friendly rides, knowing the latest SUV trends is key for shoppers.
People are drawn to mid-size SUVs for many reasons. Families want cars with lots of space for kids and stuff. They also want to save on fuel.
And safety features are super important because they keep everyone protected. With so many mid-size SUVs out there, buyers have lots of choices.
They often compare models to find what suits them best. This shows how savvy consumers are about the options and what different brands offer.
Overview of The 2024 Toyota Highlander
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is built for powerful driving and plenty of room for families. In its class, it shines due to its strong performance and modern features.
It has a Toyota Highlander engine that’s both powerful and fuel-efficient.
Performance and Specifications
The 2024 Toyota Highlander’s heart is a 2.4-liter turbo engine with 265 horsepower. This engine stands out for its fuel savings, offering 25 MPG overall.
It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, perfect for everyday needs and weekend trips. Let’s look into its key specs:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 265 hp |
| Fuel Economy | 25 MPG Combined |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
| Trim Options | Standard, Hybrid, and more |
You’ll find many trims, including eco-friendly hybrids. Toyota focuses on making the Highlander both reliable and easy to use. This makes it a great pick for families who want a trustworthy SUV.
Interior Features and Design
The inside of the 2024 Toyota Highlander blends comfort with flexibility. It has high-quality materials that give it a luxury feel.
It’s practical for daily use, thanks to its roomy seats, advanced tech, and storage spots. The interior is designed to keep everyone happy and comfy on any drive.
Overview of The 2024 Chevy Traverse
The 2024 Chevy Traverse shines as a top choice in the mid-size SUV world. It packs a 315-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, balancing power with good fuel economy.
It scores 23 MPG combined. You’ll find models like the LS, LT, Z71, and RS, each designed for different tastes and needs.
Performance and Specifications
Driving the 2024 Chevy Traverse is all about excitement and control. Let’s look at what makes it stand out:
| Performance Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Torque | NA lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 MPG combined |
| Cargo Capacity | 98 cu. ft. |
Interior Features and Design
The inside of the Chevy Traverse focuses on comfort for up to eight people. It uses top-quality materials to make the space welcoming.
Plus, Super Cruise technology makes long drives easier. It’s also practical, with lots of room for your stuff and controls that are easy to use.
The tech setup is modern, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a hit with tech lovers.
Toyota Highlander vs Chevy Traverse: Key Differences
The Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse are top options in the mid-size SUV category. Knowing the differences between Highlander and Traverse helps buyers choose wisely.
Each model has special features that suit different needs. The 2023 Toyota Highlander comes with two engine choices.
These are a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 265 horsepower and a 2.5-liter hybrid with 243 horsepower.
The 2023 Chevy Traverse, however, has a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower. Although the Traverse is more powerful, the Highlander is better for city driving because of its easier handling.
Highlander beats Traverse in fuel efficiency too. Its gas model gets up to 25 mpg combined, and the hybrid gets 36 mpg combined.
The Traverse only gets up to 21 mpg combined. So, the Highlander is the go-to for saving on gas.
Roominess is vital too. The 2023 Traverse has 157 cubic feet of passenger space and up to 98.2 cubic feet for cargo.
The Highlander, however, offers 141.3 cubic feet for passengers and 84.3 cubic feet for luggage.
The Traverse also has more room behind the third row, 23 cubic feet, versus the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet.
Both SUVs come with great tech features. The Highlander boasts touchscreen systems and Bluetooth, with optional navigation and premium audio.
The Traverse adds a head-up display and rear entertainment, making it great for families.
Performance Comparison and Driving Dynamics
When comparing the SUVs, the 2024 Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse, we look at their engines and driving styles. Each SUV has its own set of strengths to match various driving needs.
Engine and Transmission Details
The Toyota Highlander comes with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower.
It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This gives smooth gear changes and quick acceleration.
In contrast, the Chevy Traverse sports a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It delivers 310 horsepower and works with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This setup provides steady power and helps save on fuel while offering lively performance.
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 3.5L V6 | 295 hp | 8-speed automatic |
| Chevy Traverse | 3.6L V6 | 310 hp | 9-speed automatic |
Ride Quality and Handling
The Highlander has a suspension that makes rides smooth and comfy. It handles bumps well.
The steering is precise, making it easy to control in many situations. The Traverse, however, offers a sportier feel. Its chassis is made for agility.
The steering gives good feedback, connecting drivers more to the road. It’s great for those wanting an exciting drive.
While both models are excellent, what you prefer in terms of handling and comfort can guide your choice. Knowing the differences can help you decide the right SUV for you.
Exterior Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The outer look of a vehicle is key in drawing in buyers. In the tough mid-size SUV market, how a car looks is very important.
The Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse both have their own special looks that reflect their brand’s ideas.
Looking at the SUV’s outer design can show you which one matches your taste.
Styling Differences
The Toyota Highlander style shows off a sleek and up-to-date design. It boasts a sharp grille with thin headlights, giving it a polished yet bold vibe.
The lines on the body smoothly connect from the front to the back, adding to its classy look. On the other hand, the Chevy Traverse style goes for a classic SUV look.
It features a broader grille for a strong front and squared edges for a tough appearance. This shows how each brand tries to win over their customers with different looks.
Size and Dimensions Comparison
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Chevy Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9 inches | 204.3 inches |
| Width | 76 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches | 120.9 inches |
Looking at size, the Chevy Traverse is clearly bigger, giving more room inside. The Highlander, though smaller, mixes a stylish compact look with function.
Your choice might depend on what design fits your lifestyle and taste.
Interior Comfort and Technology Comparison
Choosing between the 2024 Toyota Highlander and the Chevy Traverse is crucial. Especially when considering interior comfort and tech.
Both SUVs are great for families and individuals, offering lots of space. This review will look at their seating, comfort, and tech to help you decide.
Seating and Cargo Space
It’s important to compare the seating capacity and cargo space of these two models. The Highlander can carry up to eight people, perfect for big families.
Meanwhile, the Traverse also holds up to eight but gives more interior space for comfort. Let’s dive into how they compare:
| Model | Seating Capacity | Legroom (Front/Rear) | Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 7-8 | 42.0 in / 38.4 in | 16.0 cubic feet |
| Chevy Traverse | 7-8 | 41.0 in / 38.4 in | 23.0 cubic feet |
The Highlander has slightly more legroom in the front. But the Traverse shines with more cargo space behind the last row. This makes it great for carrying things like bags or groceries.
Infotainment and Connectivity Features
Both SUVs have cool infotainment systems. The Highlander comes with an 8-inch screen. It supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Traverse has a similar system, but you can choose a bigger screen if you want. They both have layouts that make using tech easy.
You can even get things like wireless charging and better sound systems as extras. These options are great for those who love tech.
To sum up, look closely at each SUV’s seating, cargo space, and tech before choosing. Pick the SUV that matches what you and your family need the most.
Safety Features and Ratings
Choosing between the 2024 Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse means looking at how they protect passengers. Both these brands focus on keeping you safe with their advanced safety tech.
Checking their safety features shows us how well they do in crash tests and what safety systems they have.
Toyota Safety Sense vs Chevy Safety Features
The Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense. This package includes tech like pre-collision systems and adaptive cruise control.
These features help drivers be more aware and react better. The Chevy Traverse keeps up with its own safety features like automatic emergency braking.
Both brands are dedicated to making driving safer, giving peace of mind to drivers and passengers.
Crash Test Ratings Comparison
Looking at crash test ratings tells us a lot about these SUVs’ safety. The Highlander gets top marks, with a five-star overall rating from federal tests.
The Traverse also scores well, with high ratings in crash tests. Reviewing these ratings shows that both cars are safe choices for families.
Pricing and Trims Overview
Knowing SUV pricing and trims is key to smart choices. The 2025 Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse offer a range of prices and trims.
We’ll look at the base models and their upgrades. This makes choosing easier for you.
Base Models and Configurations
The starting point for comparison is the base models. Let’s check out their starting prices and what they offer:
| Model | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Highlander LE | $40,970 | Advanced safety features, infotainment system |
| 2025 Chevy Traverse LT | $41,995 | Turbocharged engine, safety technologies |
Additional Features and Options
Each SUV has trims that add more comfort, tech, and performance. The Highlander offers upgrades like:
- XLE starting at $44,120
- XSE starting at $47,790
- Limited starting at $48,225
- Platinum starting at $53,375
The Traverse also has special trims:
- Z71 starting at $48,995
- High Country starting at $54,995
- RS starting at $56,795
Both vehicles let you add better driving packages and tech. You can tailor your SUV as you explore the pricing options.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
When picking a car today, how much gas it uses is very important. SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse have improved in this area.
They appeal to people who care about the environment. Knowing their miles per gallon (MPG) helps you choose wisely, affects your driving, and impacts your budget.
Comparing MPG Ratings
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Chevy Traverse | 18 | 27 | 22 |
Real-World Fuel Efficiency Insights
How much gas a car uses can change a lot depending on how and where you drive. People say the Highlander, because of its design and materials, does better in the city.
But the Traverse, even though it uses more gas in the city, is still preferred by families for its big space inside.
Resale Value and Reliability
When you’re buying a car, how much you can sell it for later is important. The Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse are both from well-known brands.
Yet, they’re different in how reliable they are and how much they’re worth later on.
Brand Reputation and Reliability Scores
Toyota is often at the top for being reliable. The Highlander gets good reviews from both consumers and experts.
On the other hand, the Chevy Traverse is reliable too but isn’t as famous as Toyota for being dependable.
Reports show the Highlander is very reliable, which families and long-term owners love. The Traverse is reliable as well but ranks a bit lower due to some reported issues.
Predicted Resale Values
The Highlander does better than the Traverse in holding its value. Toyota cars, especially the Highlander, stay valuable longer compared to many others, like Chevy.
This is because the Highlander is reliable, durable, and has many loyal customers. The Traverse loses value faster, likely because people think it’s not as reliable.
If you plan to keep your SUV for a long time, the Highlander is likely a better bet for keeping its value.
Conclusion
In this SUV battle, the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse show their unique strengths. The 2023 Toyota Highlander shines with great fuel efficiency.
It gets an impressive 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. This means you save money on gas, especially if saving at the pump matters to you.
On the other hand, the 2023 Chevy Traverse leads in space. It offers up to 98.2 cubic feet for cargo and 33.48 inches of legroom in the third row.
This makes it perfect for big families or those carrying lots of items. Plus, its starting price of $34,520 is appealing for those watching their budget.
So, think about what you need most. The Highlander is a safety star, getting an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. But the Traverse has more room for people and things.
Look at your lifestyle and what you value to choose between the Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse wisely.
FAQs
What is the horsepower of the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has a 265-hp engine. It’s a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
How does the Chevy Traverse compare in terms of cargo space?
The 2024 Chevy Traverse stands out for its cargo space. It offers up to 98 cu. ft. with the back seats down.
What are the fuel efficiency ratings for the Highlander and Traverse?
The 2024 Highlander’s fuel economy is 25 MPG combined. The 2024 Traverse has a 23 MPG combined rating.
Which vehicle has better safety features?
Both the Highlander and Traverse come with advanced safety tech. The Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense. The Traverse has Chevy’s Safety features, offering unique driver-assist technologies.
What is the starting price for the 2024 Highlander?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander’s starting price is competitive in its class. Price varies with different trims.
Can you explain the towing capacity for both SUVs?
The Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The Chevy Traverse has a similar rating, suited for family and recreational use.
Which SUV is more reliable according to industry reports?
Toyota is known for its reliability and resale value, more so than Chevy. This makes the Highlander a top pick for those planning to keep their vehicle for a while.
