2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, with the Wilderness trim receiving a subtle update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, which was described as a “green-tinged dark khaki.” The Outback's exterior design varied across trims, with tasteful chrome accents on the Touring trim and different wheel designs, ranging from black 17-inch alloys to matte black versions on the Wilderness trim. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru, while other trims featured a mix of leather, synthetic leather, and cloth seating options.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased Chevrolet's knack for stylish SUV designs, with a handsome exterior and a well-laid-out interior. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, left something to be desired, especially for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse offered trims like the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with prices starting at $41,095. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driver assistance packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse's material quality did not match its visual appeal.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a signature “Boxer” engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more robust 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT test car, with its turbo engine, provided a well-balanced driving experience, aided by Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT that mimicked an eight-speed transmission. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, especially in the Wilderness trim, made it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced an impressive 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it provided ample power, especially in AWD mode, where it delivered controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse's driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, catered to various driving conditions, though the vehicle felt large and less sporty on winding roads. The Z71's suspension and tires provided a comfortable ride on rough terrain and city streets alike.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, especially in the front seats. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat starting from the Premium trim. Higher trims offered additional comforts like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, enhancing convenience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width, providing ample space for front-seat occupants. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, though the third row lacked USB ports and a clear view due to window design. Cargo space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring trim featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining a dual-7-inch system. The Subaru Starlink platform, while dated, offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed 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. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Traverse's user interface was intuitive, with Google Assistant providing accurate voice command responses. The digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system enhanced convenience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims, with the Touring trim adding a wide-angle camera and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package offered Super Cruise hands-free driving 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.