2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant, which was more successful in capturing the nostalgic aesthetic than the four-door version. The Sasquatch Package, a notable upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and purposeful look. Without this package, the Bronco's factory tires appeared awkwardly small within the fender flares. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the Raptor performance model, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $91,930, including destination charges. The test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim with the Sasquatch Package, was priced at $55,415. Inside, the Bronco featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a design that echoed the original 1960s Bronco. Despite its rugged charm, the marine-grade upholstery was not breathable, potentially causing discomfort in hot weather.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a modern and appealing exterior design, consistent with Chevrolet's recent SUV lineup. However, the interior materials, particularly the hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall quality feel. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices from $41,095 to $55,495, including destination charges. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. It accommodated up to eight passengers, with captain's chairs in the second row for added comfort. However, the third row lacked USB ports and a clear view, which could be inconvenient for passengers. The Traverse offered ample cargo space, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded, though folding the third row required adjusting the second row.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came equipped with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a seven-speed manual transmission with a low first gear for rock crawling or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. An optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, requiring the 10-speed automatic transmission. The Raptor model featured an exclusive 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque, boasting a higher 4,500-pound tow rating. The Bronco's part-time four-wheel-drive system was standard, with an advanced system available as an upgrade. Off-roading technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist enhanced its capability. The test vehicle's base engine and automatic transmission provided satisfying acceleration and clean shifts, though fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg combined. During testing, the Bronco averaged 16.9 mpg. On-road, the Bronco was easy to park and offered a unique driving experience, though it was loud and unrefined.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive provided controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse's off-road capabilities were tested on trails with fresh ruts and divots, where it performed well. The Z71's tires and suspension also provided a smoother ride on rough pavement. The Traverse offered driving modes like Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it felt large and less sporty on winding roads. The all-terrain tires provided good grip and minimal noise. The Traverse Z71 was EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 21.5 mpg.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly in the Big Bend Sasquatch trim, required some effort to enter and exit due to its lifted stance and lack of running boards. Inside, the Bronco was comfortable in both two-door and four-door configurations, with ample space for four adults in the two-door model. The four-door version offered even more room and lacked a rollbar in front of rear-seat passengers, unlike its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery, while durable, trapped moisture and could be uncomfortable in wet conditions. The Bronco's two-door model featured a standard hardtop with removable roof panels, while the four-door had a fabric soft top with an optional hardtop. Cargo space in the two-door model was 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door offered 38.3 cubic feet with the soft top and 83 cubic feet with seats down, though the hardtop reduced these figures slightly.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, particularly in terms of width. The front seats were comfortable, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Traverse accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the test vehicle featured captain's chairs for added comfort. The third row, while comfortable, lacked a clear view and USB ports, which could be inconvenient for passengers. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with seats folded and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down. Folding the third row required adjusting the second row, which could be cumbersome. Storage space in the front was adequate, though the second row lacked smartphone pockets and easily reachable USB ports.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a seven-speaker stereo system. Higher trims offered a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 4 technology experienced issues, such as dropping Apple CarPlay connections and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and Google Play Store access. It also included Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The large touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, and Google Assistant was particularly effective. The Traverse also featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend was equipped with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Bronco received favorable crash test ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, which was rated Marginal. The NHTSA awarded the Bronco a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came 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, and more. The Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.