2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels. This design showcased the subtle seductiveness that had characterized Mazda's vehicles for the past decade. However, the CX-50 also introduced a rugged aesthetic with blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body and wheel arch cladding, and fake front and rear skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being offensive to the eye.

When paired with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels, these elements created an appealing exterior. Later in the model year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition joined the lineup with exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform. Inside, the CX-50's interior featured black leather with caramel-colored accent stitching, a mix of driver-focused design, quality materials, and polished metallic trim. Despite a few design quirks, the CX-50 was a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition aimed at three-row SUV shoppers interested in moderate off-roading. Chevrolet representatives clarified that the Z71 wasn't meant for extreme off-roading like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but was capable of handling reasonably rugged terrain. Pricing for the Traverse started at $38,995 for the LS and went up to $55,595 for the RS, which came loaded with nearly every available feature.

Our test vehicle was a Z71 model with a starting price of $47,795. It featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, one of six available colors. The Jet Black interior was accented with "Torch Red" along the doors and dashboard. The standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable, though synthetic leather was available for an additional $1,000. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row, making it easy to boost cargo capacity.

Most buyers of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 were likely to choose the more affordable and fuel-efficient 2.5 S model, which had a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, with an estimated 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking stronger acceleration and increased towing capacity, the 2.5 Turbo variant was the better choice. It featured a turbocharged version of the standard engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type, and torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The 2.5 Turbo was predicted to get 25 mpg in combined driving, though our tests averaged 23.4 mpg.

The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration across a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. It featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, working with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure natural vehicle behavior. The CX-50 felt firmer in ride quality compared to the CX-5, and we detected a hint of torque steer during tight turns. Despite its higher ride height and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the CX-50 felt more like a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment. It was capable of tackling off-road situations, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-hp 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the V6. AWD was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. On highways and twisty roads, the Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a surprisingly nice exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, though the Traverse's 204.5-inch length was noticeable.

The ride quality was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. EPA estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the FWD Limited to 17/25/20 for the AWD Limited. Estimates for other trims were not yet released.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo came equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were also included. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional bins were missed. The power rear liftgate revealed 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model came with seating for eight, while the LT, Z71, and RS offered seven seats with second-row captain's chairs. The third row was suitable for average-size adults, though taller passengers might need the second row to slide forward. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. The Autosense power liftgate was standard on all models, making it easy to open when hands were full. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Numerous storage nooks and cubbies were scattered throughout the cabin, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base 2.5 S had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a 10.25-inch display. Historically, Mazda Connect did not offer touchscreen control, but the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display could be configured to show various information and vehicle functions. The infotainment system ran on Google-based software, with intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the center console held the phone securely during cornering. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominently placed. The headlight functions were buried in the infotainment system, which was less convenient. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 750,000 miles of roads by 2025.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS, but Mazda's vehicles typically rated high for safety. The CX-50 came with a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control system had a minor issue with recognizing slower vehicles cutting in, but overall, the driving assistance systems worked well.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These systems provided a comprehensive safety package for the Traverse.