2025 Chevy Traverse vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
From families carting their youngsters around town to those traveling with multiple passengers and loads of gear, three-row midsize SUVs are ideal for a multitude of drivers. For many, there’s no competition with the Chevy Traverse, which is armed with state-of-the-art tech, unimaginable space inside its carefully laid-out cabin, and Chevy-level reliability and durability coursing through it. It’s been on the scene since 2009, replacing the Trailblazer, which was much larger than it is today, and since then, it has collected fans all over the nation, but there’s a newcomer on the streets. The Toyota Grand Highlander, which just made its debut for the 2024 model year, seeks to stir up some competition amongst the three-row midsize travelers. The question is, will it be successful?
Here at DePaula Chevrolet, we want to help you get into the best-suited vehicle for you, and if you want to compare the 2025 Chevy Traverse vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, you’ll find that although they have some similarities, they go about the daily ride in very different ways. New for 2025, the Traverse unveils a more elegant flair, with the High Country making its way back into the trim lineup. The Toyota Grand Highlander showcases some minor changes in its second year on the scene, such as new paint colors and a handful of interior convenience features. Diving into the areas of cargo and convenience, innovative tech, and design, you’ll quickly realize that the Traverse clearly outperforms the other in all areas.
| 2025 Chevy Traverse | VS | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| $40,700 [a] | MSRP | $40,860 |
| 328 | Horsepower | 265 |
| 326 lb-ft | Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| 17.7 in. | Screen Size | 12.3 |
Convenience
Three-row midsize SUVs are extremely accommodating, perfect for families and those traveling with more, all wrapped up in an easier-to-maneuver package than their full-size SUV siblings. When you need ample cargo space for all the items accompanying you and the kiddos on the road, the 2025 Chevy Traverse delivers, offering a best-in-class cargo volume of 98 cu.ft. Plus, with One-Touch Fold second-row seats and a power-folding third row, making room for all the gear you require is as easy as ever in the Traverse. Unfortunately, the Grand Highlander just doesn’t offer the most cargo space in its class, which already places it at a disadvantage. It does showcase power-folding seats for easy configurability, but if you require more space, you’ll find it in the Traverse.
Not only can you expect ample space for up to eight inside the Traverse and Grand Highlander, they can both accommodate adult passengers in the third row, which is something that many three-row midsize SUVs struggle with. The Traverse makes the most of its spacious cabin by offering convenient features to enhance the experience, like second-row captain’s chairs, a third-row 60/40 split bench seat to accommodate people and gear effortlessly, and an AutoSense Power Liftgate, which makes loading up your cargo hold a breeze—even when your hands are full. If you want more space for your gear, as well as more configuration options, the Traverse delivers.
Technology
Inside every 2025 Chevy Traverse lies a massive 17.7-inch center touchscreen display, which provides you with everything you could ever want, tech-wise, in your vehicle. From Google built-in, which allows you to access apps, maps, and more, to a wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi capabilities, remaining connected to your day, no matter where you’re traveling, is what you can expect in the Traverse. You’ll also find a standard 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center located behind the steering wheel to provide you with pertinent details about your ride, like speed, safety alerts, navigation prompts, and more.
Despite the fact that there’s plenty of tech inside the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, it’s not quite what you can expect in the Traverse, as the Grand Highlander only offers a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display and a seven-inch digital gauge display behind the steering wheel. If you want larger displays, you’ll definitely want to check out the Traverse, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ride with access to all the tech you need to stay focused on the highway.
Your vehicle has the potential to be your trusted assistant on the road, especially when it comes to staying safe. Not only does the Traverse come standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which showcases a slew of advanced safety features to harness absolute control and security on the road, but it can also be armed with Super Cruise hands-free driving capabilities. This is something that can’t be found in the Grand Highlander.
With the ability to operate your vehicle hands-free on approximately 750,000 miles of compatible roadways across the continent, Super Cruise is a game-changer in the industry. Steering, braking, and adjusting to the speed of traffic, Super Cruise allows you to truly sit back and relax during your time on the road. The Grand Highlander does have a nice safety suite through Toyota Safety Sense 3.0; however, true hands-free driving tech isn’t on the menu. What you will find is Traffic Jam Assist, which can help you navigate stop-and-go traffic at low speeds but is only available with a subscription.
Design
Both the Traverse and Grand Highlander exhibit confident builds, with rugged yet refined features that make them stand out in a crowd. For 2025, however, the Traverse radiates with high-end elegance through many design improvements that will be noticeable from the moment it pulls up to you on the streets. From 22-inch wheel designs on top-level RS and High Country trims to sultry dark elements available on the Midnight and Sport Special Editions, like a black grille, black badging, and black-painted aluminum wheels, the Traverse is eye-catching from every angle.
Opting for the top-of-the-line RS unlocks access to sporty yet stylish features, including a blacked-out grille and roof rails, while the timeless High Country shines with chrome and Dark Gray accents from front to back. The Grand Highlander is a modern machine; there’s no denying this. Unfortunately, if you want to enjoy premium features, you’re going to have to prepare yourself for a premium price point. Stellar exterior design elements can be enjoyed on the Hybrid MAX Platinum trim, like 20-inch two-tone wheels, a panoramic roof, and brilliant lighting elements; however, with a sticker price of approximately $58K, this may be out of budget for many. With the Traverse, you’re able to get into the highest-level RS trim for thousands less, making the Traverse a better deal when style is on your mind.
Like their exteriors, the Traverse and Grand Highlander extend their confidence inside, with access to a spacious and comfortable experience that’s difficult to rival. Maintaining its upscale appeal inside its carefully laid-out cabin, the 2025 Traverse stuns from every angle, with access to posh appointments in its High Country trim, including leather-appointed seating with Bronze accents, while the sassy RS showcases sporty elements to amplify your time sitting in the school pickup line. From a flat-bottom steering wheel to a red and black color scheme throughout and exclusive badging, the RS is one knockout of a traveler.
Even the Traverse’s entry-level options showcase a comfortable ambiance inside, with its LT trim offering second-row captain’s chairs, cozy seating elements, and a practical yet refined aura that makes any trip more enjoyable for all on board. There are plenty of trims to choose from in the Grand Highlander’s arsenal as well—just remember that the higher you climb, the higher the sticker price will be. Those who demand upscale opulence will find it on board top-of-the-line trims, which feature leather seating elements, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a panoramic roof. Entry-level models are quite sparse, with fabric upholstery, a silver-painted dashboard, and simple elements throughout that almost force you to upgrade in order to enjoy the ride. If you want to get more for less, enhancing comfort and the overall driving experience, the Traverse is the better pick here.
Visit Us at DePaula Chevrolet Today
If you want to get into a vehicle that checks all the boxes on your wishlist, the 2025 Chevy Traverse is surely it. Not only does it offer more space inside for your cargo, but it’s also highly convenient and comfortable, exceptionally intuitive with access to hands-free driving tech, and designed to impress inside and out. You’re able to get a class-leading touchscreen, best-in-class cargo volume, and elegant features throughout for much less than what you’ll find in the Grand Highlander, which makes the Traverse an excellent pick for those with high standards regarding their three-row midsize SUV. The Grand Highlander fails to provide the space and tech that many drivers are seeking out these days, and when it comes to style, although it offers premium features, they come at a much higher price than the Traverse.
Getting into the right vehicle for you takes a selection of models that won’t let you down, as well as a team of professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable to help you pick the best option. This is why many local drivers turn to DePaula Chevrolet when they want to be totally satisfied with their vehicle buying experience. From our impeccable inventory to our exceptional service and outstanding financing rates to our pristine facility, we have it all to appeal to our area drivers seeking out their ideal travel companions. So, stop by today and check out the Traverse to see how it will make all of your journeys more satisfying than you ever imagined.