Toyota Land Cruiser vs Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse presented a robust and upright design reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Tahoe. Its high-set grille and macho stance were complemented by eye-slit LED headlights and a distinctive air intake/fog light design that integrated into the grille. The sides of the Traverse featured a clean, semi-rounded shape, highlighted by a forward-angled pillar behind the rear door, creating a semi-floating roof effect. The grille varied between chrome and black, with the Z71 trim standing out due to its red front tow hooks and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with a well-laid-out center console thanks to the shifter's relocation to a steering wheel stalk. The interior materials were smart, with soft-touch surfaces and contrasting stitching, though some hard plastics were present. The base LT trim offered a range of features, including cloth upholstery and heated front seats, while higher trims added leather upholstery and heated rear seats.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model featured round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim had rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The higher trim also offered more color options and features. Starting at $59,775, the 1958 catered to those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle, while the upmarket version, priced from $64,620, offered more luxury. Our test vehicle, equipped with options like a Premium Package and a stabilizer bar disconnect system, had an MSRP of $73,740. The cabin emphasized function over form, with the Premium Package adding soft leather upholstery and generous padding. The displays and switchgear were similar to those of the Lexus GX, exuding quality despite a thin metallic echo when doors slammed. The Land Cruiser's construction and materials were of high quality, making it a cut above the norm.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in road manners due to its car-like unibody architecture, offering better ride and handling than the truck-like body-on-frame Tahoe. At 204.5 inches long and weighing 4,792 pounds with AWD, the Traverse's handling was more controlled and agile than the Tahoe's, though it exhibited notable lean in corners. The steering was light and direct, and the ride quality was generally good, though somewhat busy on broken pavement. The Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system was a $2,000 option, and the towing capacity was 5,000 pounds. The turbo-four engine provided adequate power, with a 0-60 mph time of around eight seconds. However, engine noise was a concern, and the AWD system required manual engagement. The Traverse offered various drive modes, but it wasn't particularly sporty.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD were standard, along with a 6,000-pound towing capacity. The Land Cruiser's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg combined, though our test vehicle averaged 20.3 mpg during a heat wave and 18.1 mpg on a mountainous route. The Land Cruiser was equipped with center and locking rear differentials, hill-start assist, hill-descent assist, and Crawl Control for off-roading. The higher-spec version offered different wheel designs and Multi-Terrain Select modes. Despite its 5,445-pound weight, the i-Force Max powertrain provided adequate power, though it wasn't particularly quick. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-roading, effortlessly scaling trails and handling descents with ease. In daily driving, it rode like a truck but was impervious to urban infrastructure. The Land Cruiser was smooth on highways, though wind noise was an issue.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, nearly seven inches shorter than a Tahoe, offered ample passenger space but less cargo capacity. It came standard with second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, with an option for a second-row bench to seat eight. First-row occupants enjoyed comfortable seats with good range of motion, and storage was excellent, with a center console featuring a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and a large covered bin. Second-row passengers had good space, and the third row could accommodate three, though not comfortably for adults. The third-row seats folded easily, and higher trims offered power-folding. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 behind the second, and 98 behind the first, though less than a Tahoe or minivan.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's 1958 model was basic, with manually adjustable front seats and cloth upholstery. The higher trim offered power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, wrapped in SofTex artificial leather. Our test vehicle had the Premium Package, adding genuine leather, memory settings, heated and ventilated rear seats, and a power sunroof. The Land Cruiser accommodated up to five people comfortably, with no third-row seat available. Storage was mixed, with a small center console cool box and cupholders unable to hold larger bottles. The upper trim level included a power liftgate, accessing a 46.2 cubic-foot cargo area. The cargo space expanded to 82.2 cubic feet, though the rear seat didn't fold flat, complicating the loading of bulky items.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse boasted excellent technology, featuring an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and quick response times. Google Maps was standard for navigation, and the system included a wireless phone charger, satellite radio trial, and eight years of OnStar Basics. The base audio system had six speakers, with an optional 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 came with a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The higher trim level offered a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle featured wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Toyota Connected Services. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display. Five connected service plans were available, with complimentary subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect. The infotainment system was simple and easy to use, though it lacked a home screen showing different data panels.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse came with a robust set of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. Our test car had the Enhanced Driving package, featuring GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, and the Driver Confidence package, adding a surround-view camera system and traffic-sign recognition. The Traverse earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be overly aggressive. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe-exit assist system. The Premium Package added lane-change assist and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly Good ratings from the IIHS, with some Acceptable and Marginal scores.