2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was a testament to Chevrolet's knack for crafting visually appealing SUVs, with its exterior styling drawing praise across the board. Inside, the Traverse continued this trend with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, offering an attractive layout. However, the quality of materials used left much to be desired. The hard, glossy plastic and the Evotex artificial leather in the Traverse test vehicle failed to convincingly mimic genuine leather, which was disappointing given the vehicle's price point. The Traverse was available in several trims, including the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 spec, which was the off-road version, featured extras like Radiant Red paint and a panoramic sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $55,900.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and came with nearly every factory option. Despite its hefty price tag, the RX Hybrid's design was somewhat unremarkable, with only a few standout features like orange brake calipers and a large front grille. The RX Hybrid offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine, was the most powerful but least fuel-efficient. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and baffling. Lexus avoided the common single curved display approach, opting for a more traditional layout.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power, its exhaust note was less than pleasing. The Traverse's AWD system allowed for controlled acceleration, and the Z71 trim offered off-road capabilities with features like a Twin Clutch AWD system and all-terrain tires. Despite its size, the Traverse handled trails well, though it felt large and unwieldy on narrow roads. The Z71's tires and suspension provided a smoother ride on rough pavement, and the vehicle achieved an average of 21.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly better than the EPA estimate.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance levels. The RX 350h was the least powerful but most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 6.2-second zero-to-60 time, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension and advanced AWD system, offering quick acceleration but lower fuel efficiency, averaging 20.9 mpg. While the RX 500h was capable on twisty roads, it lacked communication between the road and driver, making it less rewarding to drive. The RX 500h's performance was more about appearance and straight-line speed than dynamic capability.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior, particularly in terms of width. The front seats were comfortable, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated features. The Traverse could seat up to eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs providing good comfort. However, the third row lacked a view and USB ports, making it less appealing 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 was inconvenient.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug but not very comfortable for long drives. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row created 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with a large touchscreen and effective voice recognition. The Traverse also had an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The RX 500h featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though the steering wheel controls were distracting to use. The RX Hybrid also offered connected services like Drive Connect and Wi-Fi Connect, though it experienced occasional glitches with satellite radio.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise 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.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX Hybrid also had Predictive Driving Assist and an optional surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it a Poor rating for occupant protection in a frontal-impact test.