2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet impactful changes. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model, adorned in the new "Pluton Blue" paint, stood out sharply. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though our test model featured the standard black interior. The most striking interior update was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. However, the interior materials, particularly the hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather, fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. Our test vehicle, a Z71 spec, featured extra-cost Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Traverse's interior quality did not match its exterior allure.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll, making it suitable for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging AWD resulted in controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured an off-road suspension, increasing ground clearance to 7.7 inches. It also included unique 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails and rough terrain effectively, with its suspension and tires providing a smoother ride during daily commutes. Despite its size, the Traverse offered sound handling and a comfortable driving experience, achieving an EPA-rated 21.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim offered a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos featured an upright seating position, ample headroom, and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim added a removable cargo cover for additional storage flexibility.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats enhanced comfort. With a second-row bench seat, the Traverse accommodated eight passengers, while captain’s chairs provided comfort and support. However, the third-row seats lacked USB charging ports and a clear view, potentially causing discomfort for passengers. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. Folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate, with the SX trim offering an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also offered Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Traverse's technology impressed with its user-friendly interface and effective voice recognition. Additional options included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim offered advanced features like smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse included a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package introduced 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.