Chevrolet Traverse vs Kia Telluride Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a commendable exterior design, aligning with Chevrolet's recent trend of stylish SUVs. Its interior design followed suit with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, offering an appealing layout. However, the quality of materials used was a letdown, with hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather that failed to convincingly mimic genuine leather. This was particularly disappointing given the Traverse's higher price point compared to smaller, more affordable Chevrolet models.

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 trim, which we tested, was the off-road version, featuring Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its rugged appeal, the interior materials did not match the expectations set by its price tag.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold design that could polarize opinions, particularly with its wide, flat grille. The vehicle's personality varied significantly with color and trim, with the X-Line and X-Pro models offering distinct grille designs and amber accent lights. The side profile featured angular fender sculpting and unique black plastic tabs, while the rear view resembled a Range Rover with rounded corners and vertical taillights.

Inside, the Telluride Hybrid's design was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard and a modern, buttonless appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, with the Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone interior reminiscent of Volvo. However, the silver button labeling was difficult to read. The seats, covered in synthetic leather and suede, were somewhat firm, but the surrounding materials were of excellent quality. The Telluride offered various trim surfaces, including engineered wood and carbon, adding to its upscale feel.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. While the engine's exhaust note was not particularly pleasant, it delivered ample power, allowing for rapid acceleration, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured an off-road suspension, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system, providing a smoother ride on rough terrain.

The Traverse Z71 offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it was not particularly sporty. The vehicle's size was noticeable, especially on narrow roads, and the all-terrain tires provided decent grip without excessive noise. The Traverse achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system provided a seamless transition between electric and gas power, with the engine remaining quiet even under hard acceleration. The Telluride Hybrid delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, with the X-Pro Prestige trim offering impressive comfort despite its off-road suspension.

The Telluride's handling was composed and controllable, instilling confidence on winding roads. The brake pedal effort was soft, requiring some adjustment, but the vehicle performed well in panic stops. The Telluride Hybrid's ride was quieter than the standard model, with excellent sound insulation in higher trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered generous interior space, particularly in terms of width. The front seats were comfortable, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated features. The Z71 trim used Evotex artificial leather, which, while not genuine, did not detract from comfort. The Traverse could seat up to eight passengers, with second-row captain's chairs providing good support. However, the third row lacked a view due to the rear window design and did not offer USB charging ports.

The Traverse provided 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. Folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which was not as convenient as it could be. Storage space in the front was adequate, but the second row lacked smartphone pockets and easily reachable USB ports.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, though the third row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low seat cushions. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim featured power-adjustable second-row seats with heating and ventilation, providing comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The second-row seats offered significant travel, allowing for more cargo or third-row legroom as needed.

The Telluride provided 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with the ability to expand to 48.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride could tow up to 5,000 pounds, or 4,500 for the Hybrid. The interior featured a large center bin, deployable cupholders, and storage trays, with dual cupholders in the third row.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 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, though it lacked a tuning knob. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered various views, and the test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch climate control screen. The system included native navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual wireless phone chargers. The infotainment system was easy to use, though it required a firm tap to register inputs. The Telluride offered customizable themes and a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. 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 assist system. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera system and blind-spot cameras. The highway driving assist was particularly effective, though the driver attention monitor had some operational issues. At the time of writing, crash test scores were not available for the 2027 model.