The automotive landscape is ever-evolving, and sometimes, change isn’t always for the better. It might sound surprising, but there’s a certain nostalgia for the previous generation Chevy Traverse. That older model possessed an unassuming charm, delivering on its promise as a practical and dependable family vehicle. It wasn’t flashy, but it was comfortable, seemingly well-built, and undeniably functional – a car that exuded a sense of grown-up reliability. However, the all-new 2025 Chevrolet Traverse takes a different approach, aiming for a bolder and more modern appeal.
In many respects, the 2025 Traverse successfully caters to contemporary consumer desires. It’s larger, offering enhanced spaciousness, packed with advanced cabin technology, and boasts a more assertive and rugged aesthetic. Particularly in the sporty RS trim, it’s a significant departure from the more subdued styling of its predecessor. Yet, this new iteration also embodies some of the less desirable trends in the current automotive industry. It’s a heavier vehicle, less fuel-efficient, and exhibits less refined driving dynamics. Furthermore, despite the off-road-oriented Z71 package, its actual ruggedness may be more superficial than substantial.
For those prioritizing a spacious and visually appealing family SUV, the Traverse undoubtedly fits the bill. However, a deeper dive reveals that there might be alternative vehicles in a similar price range that offer a more compelling overall package. The 2025 Chevy Traverse leans heavily into style, potentially at the expense of certain functional aspects.
Overview of the 2025 Chevy Traverse
Despite being a relatively recent arrival, the 2025 Chevy Traverse is already a common sight on roads across the country. This popularity is likely fueled by its striking design, generous size, and competitive entry-level pricing. For the 2025 model year, Chevrolet has maintained the core elements introduced in the recent redesign. This means you’ll find the same boxy and commanding exterior, the same technology-rich interior, and the same turbocharged powertrain under the hood.
Exterior Styling and Design
One of the most significant changes in the 2025 Traverse is its exterior styling. It undeniably possesses a more assertive and muscular presence compared to the previous generation. While the older model blended into suburban landscapes, this new iteration makes a bolder statement. Its design language suggests a desire for a more premium SUV aesthetic, perhaps aspiring to the visual appeal of a Chevy Tahoe, but in a more accessible package.
The Z71 trim level amplifies this assertive styling with features like distinctive wheels, all-terrain tires, and prominent red front tow hooks. While the off-road pretenses might be somewhat optimistic for its likely suburban usage, the Z71 package certainly enhances the visual ruggedness. Notably, the Rubystar Metallic paint option adds a touch of sophistication to the Traverse’s overall appearance.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Chevy Traverse adopts a design philosophy reminiscent of German automakers, not necessarily in terms of build quality, but in its consistent design language across the Chevrolet lineup. If you’re familiar with the interiors of recent Chevy models, the Traverse’s cabin will feel instantly recognizable. It features the same steering wheel, a dual-screen setup for the gauge cluster and infotainment system, and similar climate controls. The Z71 trim adds red accents to differentiate itself.
Functionally, the interior layout is generally well-executed and ergonomic. GM’s infotainment system remains user-friendly and visually appealing, the climate controls are straightforward, and the steering wheel buttons are mostly intuitive. However, the placement of volume and media controls on the back of the steering wheel is an unconventional design choice, and in the test vehicle, the left-side controls malfunctioned.
Engine and Performance
Underneath the expansive hood, the 2025 Traverse houses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While this engine size is becoming increasingly common in crossovers of this class, it appears somewhat diminutive within the Traverse’s large engine bay. On paper, the engine’s output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque seems respectable. However, in real-world driving, the performance feels less impressive. The engine provides adequate power for moving the Traverse, but it lacks a sense of energetic responsiveness. Furthermore, the engine’s sound is described as unrefined and reminiscent of a “blender on its lowest setting.”
Despite these criticisms, the Traverse does excel in certain areas. Its interior is remarkably spacious, particularly in the second and third rows. Second-row passengers enjoy limousine-like legroom, and even third-row occupants experience decent space comparable to a midsize sedan. The Traverse comfortably accommodates families, with ample room for both passengers and cargo. The availability of second-row captain’s chairs further enhances third-row access, a desirable feature for families.
Driving Experience: On the Road with the Traverse
The 2025 Chevy Traverse prioritizes comfort in its driving dynamics. The ride quality is soft and compliant, likely enhanced by the Z71’s large tires with generous sidewalls. This plush ride, combined with a quiet cabin, contributes to a relaxed and comfortable experience for passengers, especially during family road trips. Despite the “RS” badge available on certain trims, it’s crucial to understand that the Traverse is not intended to offer sporty handling. The “RS” designation primarily signifies visual enhancements rather than performance upgrades.
Handling and Steering
However, the driving experience for the person behind the wheel is less commendable. The steering is a significant drawback, characterized as vague, light, and slow. This lack of steering feel makes it challenging to confidently maneuver the Traverse, especially considering its substantial size. The vehicle’s large dimensions, particularly the high hood line, can also hinder visibility, making it feel even larger from the driver’s seat.
Braking Performance
Another area of concern is the braking performance. The brake pedal feel is described as excessively soft at the top, with minimal initial response. Effective braking only engages after pressing the pedal further down, leading to a somewhat unsettling and unpredictable braking experience until the driver adapts to this characteristic. This braking behavior could be a point of concern for some drivers.
Pros and Cons of the Chevy Traverse
The 2025 Chevy Traverse excels in areas that are often prioritized by crossover SUV buyers. Its expansive interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and attractive, robust styling are significant selling points. Beyond these primary attributes, the Traverse offers additional practical features. Like many Chevrolet vehicles, it incorporates a safety alert system that vibrates the driver’s seat to warn of approaching vehicles while reversing, a subtle yet helpful safety enhancement. Visibility is generally good, providing occupants with a commanding view of the road.
However, the Traverse also presents some notable drawbacks. The gauge cluster design is cluttered and overly dense with information. The integration of wiper controls into the left stalk, eliminating a dedicated right-side wiper stalk, is an unconventional and potentially less convenient design choice. Furthermore, GM vehicles are known for their distinctive turn signal sound, which includes an initial pause before the clicking sound begins and an unusual cadence, potentially causing momentary uncertainty about signal activation.
Features, Options, and the Competition
The 2025 Chevy Traverse starts at a base price of $38,995, which appears competitive considering its standard eight-seat configuration, 18-inch wheels, and large 17-inch infotainment screen. All-wheel drive adds approximately $2,000 to the base price.
Upgrading to the Z71 trim level, as tested, significantly increases the price. The Z71 includes a more advanced twin-clutch rear differential, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and Z71 badging. However, this trim starts at $47,795, representing a substantial price jump for primarily cosmetic and minor functional upgrades.
The Chevy Traverse competes in a crowded segment of full-size unibody crossovers. Key rivals include the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. While the Traverse offers a slightly lower starting price than some competitors like the Grand Highlander, this price advantage diminishes as you move up trim levels and add options. Ultimately, the Traverse’s primary differentiator seems to be its styling, as it doesn’t significantly outperform its competitors in most other aspects.
Fuel Economy Analysis
Fuel economy is a critical consideration for large SUVs, and the 2025 Chevy Traverse’s performance in this area is somewhat underwhelming. Despite utilizing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, fuel efficiency remains comparable to vehicles with larger engines. EPA estimates for the all-wheel-drive Traverse are 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Real-world testing yielded slightly lower figures, likely due to the all-terrain tires on the Z71 test vehicle. These figures are only marginally better than V8-powered SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and similar to the Honda Pilot’s V6, raising questions about the benefits of the smaller turbocharged engine in terms of fuel savings.
While the Traverse’s fuel economy is typical for its class, it lags behind competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander, which offers a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option not available on the Traverse.
Value and Verdict: Is the Traverse a Good Buy?
In its base configuration, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse presents a reasonable value proposition. For under $40,000, buyers get a spacious eight-seater SUV with modern technology. Even with all-wheel drive, the price remains just above $40,000. For families prioritizing space and passenger capacity over driving dynamics, the base Traverse is a viable option. However, as you climb trim levels and add packages, the value proposition becomes less compelling.
For drivers who appreciate a more engaging driving experience, alternatives to the Traverse exist. However, the popularity of the new Traverse suggests that many buyers prioritize style and space over driving dynamics. Objectively, the 2025 Chevy Traverse has flaws, including subpar brakes, vague steering, and an engine that is neither particularly powerful nor fuel-efficient. However, it delivers on key consumer desires: a bold appearance, a cavernous cabin, and three rows of seating. In that context, Chevrolet’s focus on these attributes is understandable. However, for those seeking a more well-rounded SUV, the Traverse may fall short in certain critical areas.
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