2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a bold departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with a more angular and aggressive design. The new model featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more vertical and assertive front end. The side profile of the GX was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility for off-road adventures. The interior of the GX combined luxury with practicality, offering heated and ventilated front seats, a flat dashboard, and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The GX was available in six trim levels, with the Overtrail models focusing on off-road capabilities and the Luxury trims emphasizing comfort and style.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more traditional SUV design with a focus on practicality and versatility. The Traverse was available in four trims, with the Z71 model catering to those interested in moderate off-roading. The interior of the Traverse was spacious, with seating for up to eight passengers in the LS model and seven in the higher trims. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row made accessing and expanding cargo space easy. The Traverse also featured a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument display, providing a modern and user-friendly experience. The Traverse's design prioritized functionality, with ample storage options and a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This new powertrain provided more power than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range for off-road driving. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the standard full-time 4WD system included a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. Despite its size, the GX demonstrated controlled handling on-road and impressive off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 3.6-liter 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 the outgoing V6, providing acceptable acceleration and passing power for a vehicle of its size. The Traverse's AWD system, particularly in the Z71 trim, featured a dual-clutch arrangement for improved traction in slippery conditions. The ride quality was commendable, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. The Traverse's steering was adequate for most driving situations, and the brakes provided a controlled stopping experience. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 17 to 26 mpg, depending on the drivetrain configuration.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a significant departure from its predecessor, with a more minimalist and sophisticated design. The cabin offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was best suited for children due to its limited legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers in the LS model and seven in the higher trims. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row made accessing and expanding cargo space easy. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to approximately 96 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks and cubbies, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. The Traverse's outward visibility was generally positive, though the third row's view was somewhat restricted.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Drive Connect and Remote Connect subscription services. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, some features required subscription plans after an initial three-year trial.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument display. The system ran on Google-based software, offering intuitive voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Traverse's wireless charging pad securely held smartphones during driving. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though some driving mode controls were less conveniently placed. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, for the first time, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature was also included. While the GX had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, its modern architecture and comprehensive safety features inspired confidence.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a wide range of standard driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. While the Traverse had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, the extensive safety features provided peace of mind during our test drive.