Test-Driving The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse
2025 Chevrolet Traverse Z71
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize three-row crossover that is the second-largest SUV in Chevrolet's consumer offerings. It sits just below the Tahoe and Suburban in size and offers seating for up to eight people. We recently took a week-long road trip through four states in the base LT AWD trim, covering more than 2,200 miles.
The Traverse was completely re-engineered for the 2024 model year. This year, the third-generation Traverse returns with four trim levels: LT, Z71, High Country, and RS (Chevrolet dropped the base LS trim and reintroduced the premium High Country trim this year). The Trailering package, offering a 5,000-pound towing capacity, is now standard on the LT trim; there is a new Sun and Wheel package and new 22-inch wheel designs. The automaker discontinued a few features—OnStar Remote Access is no longer free for the first three years—and reconfigured some of the equipment packages.
View of collapsed third row seats and cargo space in 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71
Chevrolet loads the Traverse with current technology, including a standard 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch primary gauge cluster, yet those only distract occupants from average interior appointments. Our test vehicle, an LT trim, had synthetic Evotex upholstery (faux leather) that felt cheap. Most dashboard surfaces are hard plastic, and the chrome-plated plastic trim accents will fool nobody—the interior of the base LT trim is a letdown.
The passenger cabin of the Traverse is cavernous—spacious for both passengers and cargo. We tested a seven-passenger variant, with second-row captain's chairs, keeping the third row folded so we could load it with boxes and other household items during a move (our dog, with his soft bed, occupied the second row—we put a box between the seats to level the floor). The Traverse swallowed everything easily in its cargo area, and there is a nice stow compartment at the end of the floor to hold additional items (we put snow chains and safety equipment in that area). In terms of space, the Traverse is top-notch.
Chevrolet equips all Traverse trims with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder combustion engine rated at 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front or all four wheels (all-wheel drive, engineered to maximize on-road traction, is offered on all trims). On paper, the turbocharged engine reads like a potent powerplant, yet the behind-the-wheel experience is a disappointment. The engine sounds raspy and unrefined, and the power output feels lethargic and underwhelming. Despite its lackluster audio track, the 0-60 mph sprint takes about 7.5 seconds—about average in the segment.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Z71 dashboard
The Traverse drives comfortably well on the open road—it eats up the miles on long trips without much effort, the cabin is quiet, and the ride relaxing—kudos to the standard 18-inch wheels that provide plenty of impact-absorbing sidewall height (the ride is likely worse on the RS, with its 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires). Around town, it's easy to maneuver and park, and the view out of the cockpit is good. Regarding driving dynamics, the LT is tuned for non-enthusiasts—the steering is numb and lifeless, and the cornering grip is average. High-speed stability is satisfactory (we set cruise control at 89 mph on several posted '80 mph' highways). On a positive note, the brakes are strong and have a good pedal feel.
The EPA rates the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse FWD at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined on regular unleaded gasoline. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse AWD is rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined. During our 2,200-mile test drive in an LT AWD model, we often saw a cruising average of 25 mpg on the highway (cruising range is a bladder-busting 400+ miles per tank, thanks to a 19.4-gallon fuel tank). According to the trip computer, we averaged 21.5 mpg overall—validating the accuracy of the EPA's estimates.
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LT FWD starts at $42,095, while the range-topping RS model, with standard all-wheel drive, starts at $57,495.
2025 Chevrolet Traverse LT AWD
If you are shopping for a mid-size three-row crossover with passenger capacity and utility high on your 'needs' list, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse deserves a closer look. The base LT trim is roomy and comfortable. It is loaded with standard safety equipment and infotainment features, yet it lacks the luxury quotient many will expect—shoppers will have to bump to the higher (and more expensive) trim levels for satisfaction. And while the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine has ample power and decent fuel economy, its lackluster soundtrack won't impress anyone.
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High-quality metal trim pieces dot the dash and center console, making it all feel more premium. The gas Equinox doesn't feel as nice inside; there are still faux leather seats on this RS model—including eight-way power adjustability on the driver's side—and some nicer materials on the door panels and dash. But there's still a lot of hard plastic, particularly around the A/C vents and central dials. Beyond technology, both cabins are well-finished and comfy as heck. The back seats on both SUVs are roomy, but adults will probably be happier in the second row of the gas Equinox. The standard Equinox has 39.9 inches of rear legroom and 39.2 inches of rear headroom compared to the EV's 38.0 inches of rear legroom and 38.5 inches of rear headroom. That said, the Equinox EV's flat floor, thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, does give you a little extra space to stretch out your feet. The gas Equinox also has more cargo space behind the second row: 29.8 cubic feet vs 26.4 cubic feet in the EV. Fuel Economy: Great Range & Efficiency Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Comparing the Equinox EV's range to the gas Equinox's fuel economy is like comparing apples to potatoes. That said, the Equinox EV does return an impressive 319 miles of range in the base rear-drive model, while this all-wheel-drive version gets a still-impressive 307 miles of range. The gas Equinox gets up to 27 miles per gallon combined with the base front-wheel-drive setup, or 26 combined with AWD. Those numbers are good for 400 miles of range and 406 miles of range, respectively. Pricing & Verdict: One Standout Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 The great news is that both of these SUVs are extremely affordable (relative to current market prices, at least). The gas Equinox starts at $31,995 with destination, while the EV is just a titch more at $34,995 to start. Opt for the loaded Equinox RS with AWD like the one tested here, and that will set you back a still reasonable $36,890 before options. The Equinox EV tested here is a base LT2, which starts at $43,295 before options. Options hike the price of the EV to $52,040 as tested, while the gas Equinox is $40,370 post options. Truth be told: You can't really go wrong with either of these SUVs at that price. The gas Equinox has stiff competition from the likes of the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and so many others, which makes it a tougher sell when it's lacking in a few key areas. The Equinox EV has equally stiff competition in the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and others. But more so than its gas counterpart, Chevy nailed it with the Equinox EV. From the exterior styling and interior comfort, to the technology, driving experience, and range. If we had to pick one, it's the Equinox EV. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT2 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS Dual Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors Turbocharged 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine 220 Horsepower / 243 Pound-Feet 175 Horsepower / 203 Pound-Feet Front-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive 4,776 Pounds 3,690 Pounds 319 Miles 24 City / 29 Highway / 26 Combined $34,995 (Base) $31,995 (Base) $52,040 (As Tested) $40,370 (As Tested) Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
