2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander have gone toe-to-toe in the three row SUV market, each offering exceptional seating capacity as well as impressive capabilities. Both vehicles boast cutting edge technology while providing customers with convenient features that enable a truly enjoyable driving experience.

The Powertrain

With the Chevrolet Traverse, you can take control and drive with power. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine puts forth a remarkable 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque—all while effectively carrying passengers to their destination in comfort thanks to its nine speed automatic transmission that allows for both manual shifting capabilities as well as an optimal amount of power no matter what velocity your foot is pressed on the pedal at.

If properly equipped, the Towing capacity of Traverse is 5,000 pounds which is the same as the Toyota Highlander. It gives the drivers a lot more freedom to haul work equipment, small boats, bikes, ATVs, or even small campers.

The Traverse also offers a hitch guidance feature as part of its rear vision camera which can make it easier to line up the vehicle perfectly with a trailer along with a close-up hitch view that's available on select models. The Highlander doesn't possess this particular feature; however, it does have trailer-sway control to help drivers maintain control.

The Traverse is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive where the all-wheel-drive system is always on and ready to make adjustments if any of the wheels encounter traction challenges. The SUV is equipped with a standard five-link rear suspension, front stabilizer bar, and MacPherson strut coil spring suspension in the front to manage difficult terrain.

Toyota Highlander drivers have two options for powering their rides: the traditional powertrain and a hybrid system. The standard engine is similar to that of its counterpart, Traverse —a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horses and 263 ft-lbs of torque—but only differs by 15 horsepower. Meanwhile, the hybrid version employs electric motors running on 2.5 liters generating a combined 243 hp output; however this isn't necessarily more powerful than other hybrids available in its class due to lack of difference between regular and highlander models' engines.

Toyota Highlanders offer customers the convenience of both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The hybrids come outfitted with an electronic on-demand AWD system, while nonhybrids feature regular or advanced dynamic torque vectoring AWD to optimize performance in varying conditions. This striking setup is made possible by two electric motors for FWD models, and a third motor that delivers power directly to the rear wheels making them more responsive - giving everyone better control over their adventurous drives.

The Highlander offers a unique XSE trim, boasting a sport-tuned suspension, in order to exhibit better handling. All non-hybrid trims are equipped with eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissions, while all hybrid trims are equipped with continuously variable transmissions.

Toyota has equipped the Highlander with a few different drive modes whereas the regular models have Sport, Eco, and Normal modes, in addition to Snow mode. The Snow mode feature is available even with front-wheel drive, which can give people some peace of mind if they ever have to deal with wintry weather.

An all-wheel-drive system will come along with a Multi-Terrain Select program, offering mud and sand as well as rock and dirt modes. The hybrids possess an EV mode that can be used to conserve fuel that allows them to run solely on electric power for short distances; however, this mode's usefulness is time-bound. Hybrids with all-wheel drive have Trail mode, too.

The Highlander Hybrid is an impressive leader when it comes to fuel efficiency. With 36 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, you can trust that your road trips are as efficient –and green!–as possible without sacrificing space or luxury for size's sake.

The Highlander guarantees an efficient commute - capable of up to 21 mpg in city driving and a remarkable 29 on the highway. For those looking for extra stability, all-wheel drive provides added control while still providing 20mpg within cities and 27 out on the open road.

The Traverse offers an economical option with its front-wheel drive system, averaging 18 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on highways. You won't get amazing fuel efficiency from this model, but it's comparable to a non-hybrid Highlander - giving you peace of mind for your next road trip! Making the switch to all wheel drive will take one mile off each gallon; so if eco friendliness is important to you stick with FWD.

Drivability

Since the Traverse and Highlander both possess a bigger size than usual, it might get some time for people who are used to compact vehicles to get to adjust these two. The Traverse is the longer vehicle out of the two, having a length of 205.9 inches while the Highlander, in comparison, is 194.9 inches. The Traverse is about two inches wider as well, so it may be harder to fit in certain parking spots.

On the other hand, the Highlander boasts a higher ground clearance than the one possessed by Traverse. However, this difference is only about half an inch.

When getting a three-row SUV, the interior size is an important factor to consider. Some of the models possess smaller third rows which are not that ideal for adults or taller passengers. Some might be of the opinion that the Highlander fits in this category having 42 and 41 inches of legroom in its first and second rows, respectively, but it only has 27.7 inches of legroom in its third row.

Passengers tend to be more comfortable in the Traverse offering 33.5 inches of third-row leg room. On longer road trips, things might be cramped, but many adults could fit back there. The Second-row legroom is 38.4 inches, which is not as much space as the Highlander offers, while for the front seat it offers 41 inches of legroom.

Both models come with the option of getting the captain's chairs in their middle rows which would bring seating capacity down from eight to seven. Some people may find the compromise just fine as it would open up a bit of room in the middle of the cabin. Otherwise, it could be a little challenging for heavier passengers to climb all the way into the back row.

Presumably, anyone considering purchasing a vehicle of this size will be most certainly concerned with cargo space. The Maximum cargo capacity offered by Traverse is 98.2 cubic feet, a number that's quite impressive. This is significantly more space than the Highlander, which has 84.3 cubic feet.

The Traverse provides 23 cubic feet of storage space behind the back seat which can be increased to 57.8 cubic feet by lowering the rear row. The Highlander, on the other hand only has 16 cubic feet of space behind its third row however by lowering its third-row cargo space can expand to 48.4 cubic feet. If cargo space is your primary issue, the Traverse is the clear winner.

The modern vehicle industry has pushed the boundaries of innovation, providing drivers with a unique experience tailored to their individual needs. Chevy Traverse models are leading this charge by offering three distinct sizes of in-dash information displays; from compact 3.5" screens up until expansive 8" options - no matter your preference we've got you covered!

In addition, the SUV can either have a seven-inch or eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It comes with Voice recognition as a standard feature, as well as SiriusXM and Wi-Fi capability. All of these features are very convenient for long trips and passengers can take advantage of the fast internet connection. Select trims also come with integrated navigation and wireless charging.

The Highlander possesses similar components entailing the digital information display that can either measure 4.2 or seven inches. It is conveniently placed directly in front of the driver, making it simple to read.

Toyota models with lower trim levels come equipped to keep drivers connected, offering an eight-inch touchscreen which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as SiriusXM. They also provide easy access to Amazon Alexa - perfect for communicating with other devices or searching the web on the go! The Highlander takes tech integration even further giving customers who upgrade their trims a Wi-Fi compatible option and optional navigation program all powered by a roomy 12.3 inch interactive display.

It is conceivable that these vehicles will carry many mobile devices when their passenger compartments are full. Fortunately, the Traverse contains six standard USB ports having a few ports placed in each row of seating in addition to wireless charging. The Toyota on the other hand comes with five USB ports, and it can have wireless charging as well.

Safety

Many people will find the fact delightful that both of these models come standard with driver-assist technologies. As a precautionary measure to avoid frontal collisions, both possess collision alert systems and automatic emergency braking, having pedestrian detection as a very useful feature in parking lots and urban areas. They also boast automatic high beams, lane keep assist, and rear vision cameras.

The Highlander has blind spot monitoring as standard, however on the entry-level trim of the Traverse, it's only optional. The same is true for rear cross-traffic alerts. The higher trims of both SUVs can possess 360-degree cameras, while only the Highlander is available with a head-up display.

Having adaptive cruise control as a standard component in Toyota contributes towards the formation of a better safety package. Adaptive cruise control can maintain a set pace, but if the leading vehicle slows down, the program can make the necessary modifications so that the Highlander securely follows traffic patterns. Unfortunately, adaptive cruise control is not available on the Traverse's base trims. However, it is included in the mid-level and higher trims.

The Traverse does have a Teen Driver program, a setting that can be activated when new drivers are behind the wheel. It can restrict some features, activate certain safety systems automatically, and generate a report on the driver's performance. It offers a "Buckle-to-Drive" feature that ensures that the driver's seat belt has been fastened before someone can shift from Park to Driving.

Which Has the Best Value?

If you're looking for a new vehicle with bang-for-your buck, the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander are both solid options. The entry-level trim of the Chevy gives drivers plenty to love: technology package galore, helpful driver aids plus climate control across three zones all wrapped up in an affordable price tag starting at $33,700 – substantially cheaper than its competitor's base price point of $35,855.

With the Highlander Hybrid Platinum and Traverse High Country representing their respective lineups' top ends, it is a tale of two extremes when comparing pricing. The Toyota counterpart might cost more for its premium trim--the Highlander Hybrid Platinum ringing up at $49,500 while regular Platinum's are comparably priced around $48,000 -- but that pales in comparison with the Chevy's most expensive offering: the Traverse High Country comes with a whopping price tag of over fifty-one thousand dollars.

Climb into luxury with two powerful trims of the Highlander and Traverse. Each offering their own unique features that will satisfy any discerning car enthusiast, from a power-folding third row in the High Country to a panoramic sunroof on Platinum trim - it's almost impossible to decide which is superior! 20" wheels, perforated leather seats, heated front & second rows as well as 360° camera all come standard when choosing one of these top tier options.

Which is Better?

Families who need ample space and cargo capacity should take a close look at the Chevy Traverse. With its generous third row, it has all the possibilities for larger getaways or everyday adventures. Those seeking more advanced features might opt for Toyota's Highlander with their impressive touchscreen technology like safety programs to give you peace of mind on every road trip – plus the bonus of going hybrid-mode which can help your wallet in the long run.

If your car shopping revolves around the Traverse and Highlander, you may want to diligence research a bit further. While its base trim looks like better value for money on paper, going up a few levels might mean that it pays off more to go with the Highlander instead!