2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous image to emerge as a more stylish and modern vehicle. The redesign embraced a "longer, lower, wider" philosophy, resulting in a vehicle that was 11 inches longer, four inches lower, and two inches wider than its predecessor. This new design borrowed elements from the midsize Chevy Blazer, such as a prominent grille and distinctive rear styling, giving the Trax a commanding presence despite its compact size. The Trax offered various trim levels, including the LS with 17-inch steel wheels and higher trims with 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Activ and RS trims added rugged and sporty styling cues, respectively, enhancing the Trax's appeal.

Inside, the Trax featured a mix of materials typical for an entry-level model, with cloth upholstery and a plastic interior. However, clever design choices, like a freestanding touchscreen and large air vents, added interest to the cabin. Higher trims offered Evotex upholstery, aiming for a leather-like appearance, and unique design elements like contrast stitching and piano-black plastic trim. The Trax's interior design prioritized functionality without sacrificing style, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable yet visually appealing vehicle.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse continued Chevrolet's trend of attractive SUV designs, both inside and out. The Traverse featured digital instrumentation, a Google-based infotainment system, and a well-thought-out interior layout. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, left something to be desired, especially considering the Traverse's higher price point. The Traverse offered various trims, including the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, came equipped with features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax featured a new 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This change resulted in a slight decrease in power, with the new engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, compared to the previous 155 hp and 177 lb-ft. Despite the reduction in power, the Trax managed to outperform its predecessor in acceleration, reaching 60 mph about a second faster. The engine's flat torque curve provided strong response, making highway overtakes smooth and turbo lag minimal. The Trax retained its six-speed automatic transmission and was available only with front-wheel drive, differentiating it from the all-wheel-drive Trailblazer.

The Trax's handling was tuned to be more car-like, with a wider track providing a planted feel. While it wasn't a hot hatch, the Trax offered predictable and nimble handling, reminiscent of small cars. The ride quality was slightly rough, but the Trax's active noise cancellation helped reduce unwanted sounds. Overall, the Trax delivered a refined driving experience for a subcompact crossover.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it provided ample power, allowing the Traverse to accelerate rapidly, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured an off-road suspension, unique wheels, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its capability. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, but the vehicle's size and off-road tires made it feel less sporty on winding roads.

The Traverse's all-terrain tires and suspension excelled in off-road conditions, handling trails and rough terrain with ease. The vehicle's ride quality was smooth, even on poorly maintained roads, making it suitable for daily commuting. The Traverse's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle achieved 21.5 mpg.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax offered increased interior space, with three more inches of rear-seat legroom and a slight increase in front-seat legroom. However, headroom in the second row decreased by 0.7 inches, and shoulder room was reduced, resulting in a snugger fit. The Trax's passenger space was comparable to its rivals, with the most rear-seat legroom among the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. The Trax's car-like driving position and low window sills provided excellent visibility, but SUV enthusiasts might miss the elevated seating position.

Cargo space in the Trax increased by 12%, offering 25.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. This improvement made the Trax more competitive in terms of cargo capacity, surpassing the Venue and slightly edging out the Kicks.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted impressive interior volume, particularly in terms of width. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, and the eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat made finding a comfortable position easy. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse's Evotex artificial leather, while not genuine, did not detract from comfort.

With a second-row bench seat, the Traverse accommodated eight passengers, matching its rivals in capacity. The test vehicle had individual second-row captain's chairs, providing good comfort and support. However, the lack of side window shades was a drawback for families with children. The third-row seats offered adequate comfort, but the view was obstructed by the rear window design, and there were no USB charging ports in the third row.

The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a large compartment under the trunk floor. Folding the third row increased cargo volume to 56.6 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, the maximum capacity was 97.6 cubic feet. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax received significant infotainment upgrades, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on LS and 1RS trims, and an 11-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on LT, 2RS, and Activ models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging, were available for the first time. The Trax's infotainment system was user-friendly, with crisp graphics and a logical menu layout. However, the screen's tilt toward the driver made it less accessible for passengers. The Trax also featured a digital instrument cluster, providing a modern and easy-to-read display.

The Trax included two front USB ports and additional ports for rear-seat passengers on higher trims. Wireless phone charging was optional, but the charging pad's shape and angle might not accommodate all phones.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standout 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and access to the Google Play Store. The system also supported Alexa, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio.

The Traverse's infotainment system impressed with its large touchscreen, simple user interface, and effective Google Assistant. However, the lack of a tuning knob was a minor drawback. Climate controls were conveniently located, with separate knobs for temperature adjustment. The Traverse also featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views, controlled via the steering wheel.

Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Trax's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. However, the Trax offered a decent array of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Trax also featured the Teen Driver system, which activated certain safety features and monitored driving behavior.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection braking, and rear automatic braking. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a Safety Alert Seat.

The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package included the hands-free Super Cruise driving assist system and remote-parking technology. Super Cruise provided hands-free driving assistance, with clear communication of its status and functionality on more roads than before.

The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.