Volvo XC90 vs Chevrolet Traverse

When the current-generation XC90 went on sale nearly a decade ago, it marked the Swedish automaker’s pivot from its boxy and boring past to a future defined by design, quality, and technology. Volvo used the XC90’s blueprint throughout its lineup of cars, SUVs, and wagons, building a bridge to its electrified future. Has it overstayed its welcome? Perhaps, and it carries over this year without changes. But having spent a week driving the 2024 XC90 Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid, it remains an appealing choice in the luxury SUV segment.

Verdict: Beautifully styled, inside and out, and offering a range of powertrains that includes a plug-in hybrid variant, the 2024 Volvo XC90 stands out in its field. However, it commands a steep price tag, and its safety tech isn’t as innovative as what you’ll find in some rival SUVs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has gone from being something of a wallflower to becoming one of the more stand-out choices among midsize SUVs with three rows of seating. That’s because Chevrolet’s design and engineering team did its homework when it came time to update this third generation of the Traverse, a model that has featured in the brand’s lineup since its introduction back for the 2009 model year.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse is taller, wider, and longer than the outgoing variant. It’s also much more memorable to look at; following current SUV trends, Chevrolet gave the Traverse a more rugged appearance that borrows from both the full-size Tahoe SUV and Sierra pickup truck. Styling is always subjective, but in this instance, we think it’s fair to say Chevy got things right.

Verdict: More important than any additional visual bravado is that the 2024 Traverse has been improved in countless other ways. It has more standard driver aids, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. There is more space for passengers, particularly those seated in the third row. And the infotainment system gets a much larger touchscreen.