2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback offered six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition becoming more accessible due to its availability with the base powertrain, starting at $33,495. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was available in various trims, while the turbocharged XT models provided more satisfying acceleration. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with a standard powertrain, featured a Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, offering a cohesive and upscale interior despite some hard plastic elements.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse introduced the Z71 trim, designed for moderate off-roading, alongside the LS, LT, and RS trims. The Z71, which we tested, was not intended for extreme off-road adventures but could handle reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LS starting at $38,995 and the RS reaching $55,595. Our Z71 test vehicle, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. Inside, the Jet Black interior was accented with "Torch Red" details, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats provided comfort and breathability. The Traverse's design and features made it a strong contender among its rivals, including the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped reduce the vehicle's center of gravity and provided a characteristic grumble and vibration. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but our 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, but we achieved only 25.6 mpg over 600 miles. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, offering better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. All Outback models came with a CVT and standard AWD, featuring an Active Torque Split system and X-Mode traction for off-road capabilities. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions and city driving, but the standard engine lacked urgency, making the turbocharged XT models more appealing for those seeking better performance.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than its predecessor. AWD was optional on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. During our test drive on highways and country roads, the Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, and the ride quality was excellent, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway, depending on the drivetrain configuration.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. Our Touring test vehicle offered comfort with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The rear seats were also heated, providing warmth in cold climates. The Outback's interior was spacious, accommodating two adults and two teens comfortably during long drives. Cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The robust roof rack and flat door sills added practicality, though more storage space in the cabin would be beneficial.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, while the LT, Z71, and RS trims featured second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger capacity. The Smart Slide second-row seats allowed easy access to the third row, which could accommodate average-size adults. The power-folding third row and Autosense power liftgate enhanced cargo capacity, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and approximately 96 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Traverse provided ample storage options, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row felt slightly enclosed due to the rear fender design.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate functions. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with subscription-based Starlink services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was improved for 2023, though the graphics and voice recognition system were not ideal. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information, enhancing navigation. The system ran on Google-based software, offering intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 was effective, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated. The Traverse also introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist felt artificial. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, requiring manual deactivation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone crash tests, but it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids as standard. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view parking camera. While we didn't test these systems, their presence provided peace of mind during our drive.