2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its recent facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille that gave it a wide stance. However, the standard GLE SUV's proportions appeared somewhat odd, especially in the Coupe models, where the bulky lower body contrasted with the fastback-style roofline. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz. For 2025, buyers could personalize their GLE with new paint colors and interior options, including Nappa leather upholstery in vibrant shades like Yacht Blue, which added a touch of luxury to the interior.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a stylish exterior that aligned with Chevrolet's successful SUV designs. Its interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials used in the Traverse left something to be desired, with hard, glossy plastics and artificial leather that didn't convincingly mimic the real thing. The Traverse offered various trims, with the Z71 spec being the off-road version, equipped with features like a panoramic sunroof and enhanced driving packages. Despite its attractive design, the Traverse's interior materials and quality fell short of expectations for its price range.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG performance models. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist, offering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an EPA-rated 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, generating 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models provided even more power, with the latter producing a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE's size and weight made it feel larger than it was, impacting its agility on backroads and maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, 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 Z71, designed for off-road adventures, featured an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. It offered a commendable 7.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, but it lacked a truly sporty driving experience. Despite its size, the Traverse handled reasonably well, with minimal tire noise and decent grip. It achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not provide specifications for third-row space. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom in the front and second rows, with slightly more space than most competitors. It provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class. The GLE's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds matched that of the Audi Q7, although some rivals offered similar capabilities. The interior featured a bulky center console with ample storage space for small items.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space, offering a roomy cabin with a substantial width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, and the eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat made it easy to find a comfortable position. The Traverse accommodated up to eight passengers with its second-row bench seat, while our test vehicle featured individual captain's chairs. The third-row seats provided adequate comfort, although the view was limited due to the rear window design. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a dual 12.3-inch screen setup, combining a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and steering-wheel controls, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system was effective. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some GLE models included off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps navigation, and Google Assistant voice recognition. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The user interface was intuitive, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands. The Traverse's climate controls were conveniently located, with separate knobs for temperature adjustments. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel provided customizable views, and the test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, although some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system aimed to mitigate collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a generous list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, 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.