Chevy Traverse vs Toyota Highlander

The Chevy Traverse and the Toyota Highlander offer seating for eight people with lots of room in each row. That way, your entire family or your college buddies will feel comfortable sitting in any row.

Seven-seat configurations are also available! You can opt for a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs. The Traverse’s available captain’s chairs come with SmartSlide technology, which eases access to the third row—even with a car seat installed! The Highlander goes without a similar amenity.

The Chevy boasts more cargo room, too, for errands, vacation, and the like. When the second and third row are folded flat, you’ll have 98 cubic feet of cargo room. For the Highlander? There’s just 84.3 cubic feet overall. As a result, you may have an easier time packing all your necessary belongings into the Traverse over the Highlander.

When your arms are full, the Traverse’s available Smart Sense Liftgate will recognize your presence and open the trunk without needing to put down what you’re carrying or fumble for keys. The Highlander offers a similar feature.

The Traverse comes standard with a turbocharged 2.5L engine that churns out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Plus, it’s mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and effortless shifting for your daily drives.

Meanwhile, the 2.4L turbocharged engine found in the Highlander produces just 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; however, its lower engine output may leave you craving more.

Looking for sure-footed control and a balanced ride? Both models are available with all-wheel drive. Power is distributed evenly among all four wheels when the road starts to get a bit slick. As a result, you’ll have maximum traction to stay the course, no matter what the weather.

Sure, the Chevy Traverse and the Toyota Highlander come standard with many driver-assistive systems—and they make even more available. You’ll find a rearview camera standard in both vehicles, for instance. You’ll be able to see more of what’s happening as you back up with an unobstructed camera view.

Only the Traverse, however, offers standard Teen Driver. This handy feature lets you set limits for secondary drivers. If your teenager needs to drive the Traverse, for instance, simply set speed and audio limits. It even includes a Buckle to Drive feature.

With Teen Driver in the Traverse, you’ll get an in-vehicle report card that shows how your teenager performed in certain categories. If there are problem areas, you’ll know, and can use it as a teachable moment! The Highlander does not offer a similar feature, unfortunately.