2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling market of wagons in the United States. It embraced the crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias, which clearly communicated its off-road intentions. The Crimson Red Pearl paint of the test car was striking, complementing the black leather interior, though the Outback arguably looked best in earthy tones. Subaru's focus on off-road capabilities paid off, as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers for the brand. The 2025 model saw no major changes, but the Limited trim gained features like a power moonroof and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. The Touring XT trim offered Nappa leather and ventilated front seats, enhancing the interior's appeal.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. The interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials, such as hard plastic and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall experience. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, tested with Radiant Red paint and additional packages, was priced at $55,900. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse's material quality left room for improvement, especially given its price point.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the XT trims boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The turbocharged engine provided smart acceleration, though it wasn't a performance car. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness model offering 9.5 inches of clearance and additional features for serious adventurers. The Outback's smooth ride, light steering, and powerful brakes made it a comfortable companion on rough roads, though the stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, but it provided ample power, especially with AWD engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and additional off-road features like a skid plate and hill descent control. The Traverse's suspension handled trails well, and the Terrain mode moderated power application in challenging conditions. Despite its size, the Traverse offered a smooth ride on rough pavement, though it felt large on narrow roads. The all-terrain tires provided good grip and minimal noise, while the brakes were touchy. The Traverse Z71 achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations during testing.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a lower roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for quick direction changes. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded, though slightly smaller than some crossovers. The Outback's 109 cubic feet of passenger volume was larger than its competitors, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the driving experience varied. The standard towing capacity was 2,700 pounds, increasing to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered substantial interior volume, particularly in width. The front seats were spacious, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated features. The Z71 trim used Evotex artificial leather, which didn't detract from comfort. The Traverse accommodated eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though our test vehicle had captain's chairs. The third row was comfortable but lacked a view due to window design and USB ports. Storage space was adequate, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. Folding the third row required adjusting the second row, which was inconvenient.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless functionality except on the base model. The Harman Kardon audio system was effective, though navigation alerts limited audio to the rear speakers. The dashboard featured a mix of buttons and knobs, appealing to less tech-savvy buyers, but common tasks required touchscreen interaction. The Touring trim included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also included Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L. The user interface was simple and effective, with Google Assistant responding accurately. Climate controls were accessible via separate knobs, and an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. The system kept the Outback in its lane but required frequent corrections. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system occasionally issued false notifications. The 2024 Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the 2025 model expected to perform similarly.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package offered 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.