2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design. It came in various trims, with the Touring trim being the most visually appealing due to its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, resembling a smaller Subaru Ascent. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs for controls, which made it user-friendly. However, the interior was busy, with a combination of hard plastics and exposed stitching, reflecting a back-to-basics approach.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse introduced a new Z71 trim aimed at moderate off-road enthusiasts. The Traverse's design was more modern, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Z71 model, which we tested, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. Inside, the Traverse offered a Jet Black interior with "Torch Red" accents, and optional synthetic leather seating. The Traverse's design emphasized spaciousness and ease of use, with features like Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row. The exterior design was sleek, with a sporty upsweep of the rear fender, although it slightly compromised third-row visibility.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios, and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Forester's off-road capabilities were supported by the X-Mode traction management system, available on all trims except the Base. During testing, the Forester handled various weather conditions with ease, showcasing its excellent driving dynamics, light steering, and effective brakes. However, the engine was considered merely adequate, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 25.9 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine provided more power and torque than the V6, enhancing acceleration and passing power. The Traverse's all-wheel-drive system, especially in the Z71 trim, featured a dual-clutch arrangement for improved traction. The ride quality was exemplary, even with all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. The Traverse's steering was adequate, and the brakes offered a progressive feel. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway, depending on the trim and drivetrain.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's visibility was excellent, thanks to its tall glass and thin pillars. However, the panoramic sunroof lacked sufficient tinting, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller adults. The Forester provided ample cargo space, with 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for up to eight in the base LS model, with captain's chairs available in higher trims. The Z71 and RS trims were seven-seaters, providing easier access to the third row. The Traverse featured Smart Slide second-row seats and a power-folding third row, enhancing cargo capacity. The Autosense power liftgate was standard, allowing easy access to the 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Traverse's interior included numerous storage compartments, and the driver's seat was power-operated for easy adjustment.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and voice commands.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard across all trims, with rapid response times and intuitive menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided customizable information. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Traverse included a wireless charging pad and retained physical controls for volume and HVAC functions. The Super Cruise hands-free driving aid was available, expanding its functionality to single-lane roads.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. It included Automatic Emergency Steering, blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) on higher trims. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in new side-impact and frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse also featured a surround-view parking camera and Super Cruise for hands-free driving.