2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8, a plug-in hybrid, offered the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Volvo offered the XC90 in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trims, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued, earthy color palette and various wheel designs up to 21 inches, with a Bright theme contrasting the blacked-out trend. Inside, the design was dated but luxurious, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. The interior design followed suit, featuring digital instrumentation, Google-based infotainment systems, and appealing layouts. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall experience. The Traverse was available in LT, Z71, High Country, and RS trims, with base prices from $41,095 to $55,495, including a $1,395 destination charge. The Z71 test vehicle, designed for off-road use, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, a Driver Confidence Package, and an Enhanced Driving Package, with an MSRP of $55,900, including the destination charge. The Z71 trim added unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, red tow hooks, and a Twin Clutch AWD system, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its rugged appearance, the Z71 provided a smoother ride on rough pavement, making it suitable for daily use.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. Despite its luxury status, the XC90's ride quality was firm, and its handling was not particularly thrilling. The 21-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension contributed to a firm ride, and the cabin was not as quiet as expected for its price. The steering lacked sharpness and communication, and the brakes faded during prolonged use in hot conditions.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, the engine exhibited torque steer, but engaging AWD provided controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, red tow hooks, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled off-road trails with ease, and its suspension absorbed rough pavement well. The Z71's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though the Traverse felt large and unwieldy on narrow roads. The all-terrain tires provided good grip and minimal noise, but the steering lacked road feel, and the brakes were touchy. The Traverse Z71 achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 offered a well-equipped interior, even in Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims included features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and rear door sunshades. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good sightlines, though the climate control struggled in hot conditions. The SUV seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo space ranged from 65.5 to 85.7 cubic feet, depending on seat configuration.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. The front seats were spacious, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and effective heated features. The Z71 trim used Evotex artificial leather, which did not detract from comfort. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. The third row was comfortable but lacked a view due to window design and did not have USB ports. Storage space was good but not exceptional, with limited second-row amenities. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. Folding the third row required adjusting the second row, complicating the process.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with optional Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The infotainment system was intuitive, despite its small size, and included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also had a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and SiriusXM 360L radio. The large touchscreen was user-friendly, with effective Google Assistant voice recognition. Climate controls were accessible via separate knobs. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel provided various display options, and the test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as competitors. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the system.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The test vehicle’s Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system. Super Cruise was effective but not flawless, with occasional disengagements. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.