2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and additional styling elements like bronze accents on the Sport trim. The Forester maintained its large-greenhouse shape but introduced geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window shape. Inside, the Forester offered a more intentional design with structural dash elements and various upholstery options, including the easy-to-clean StarTex material in the Sport trim. The cabin was designed to be practical and user-friendly, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, continuing Chevrolet's trend of attractive SUV designs. Inside, the Traverse offered digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, but the quality of materials, such as hard plastic and Evotex artificial leather, left something to be desired. The Traverse Z71 trim, tested for its off-road capabilities, featured unique styling elements like Radiant Red paint and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse's interior materials did not match the expectations set by its price point.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system. The Forester's engine was quieter than previous models, providing a more pleasant driving experience at lower speeds. The X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester Sport's performance was stable and confident on various surfaces, although acceleration was not particularly brisk. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine provided strong acceleration, especially with AWD engaged, reducing front wheel spin and torque steer. The Traverse Z71 trim offered off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Z71's suspension handled rough terrain well, and its driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with the test vehicle achieving 21.5 mpg.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space slightly to 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats up and 74.4 cubic feet with them folded. The Forester's cargo area featured eight heavy-duty hooks, and the interior offered a roomy second row. The Premium trim included a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with additional features like heated seats and driver memory available on higher trims. The Forester's interior was designed for practicality, with a dark headliner to resist marks from pets and gear.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats provided comfort, while the Z71 trim featured Evotex artificial leather. 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 lacked USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second row, which could be inconvenient.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model featured two 7-inch touchscreens with wired smartphone projection. Higher trims offered additional features like a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring trim included a voice-activated navigation system and advanced driver-assistance features. Subaru's Starlink connected services suite added new capabilities for 2025, enhancing the Forester's technology offerings.

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 Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Traverse's technology impressed with its user-friendly interface and effective voice recognition. The test vehicle included options like a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system. The Traverse's digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered advanced safety features, including Emergency Stop Assist, which activated if the driver became unresponsive. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with Emergency Stop Assist available on the Touring trim. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technology included enhancements like a wider field of view and an electric brake booster. While the 2025 Forester had not yet been crash-tested, the 2024 model received high safety ratings, suggesting continued safety excellence.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added features like a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, indicating strong occupant protection.