2023 Kia Sportage vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault and Citroen. Its styling was a departure from previous generations, featuring standout elements such as bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage was available in seven trim levels, including the new X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige, offering a range of options for buyers. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which, while durable, didn't quite match the feel of genuine leather. The interior boasted a large display dominating the dash, though some areas, like the hard plastic plate near the door handle, were less appealing.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, offered a more rugged option with its new Z71 trim, designed for moderate off-roading. The Traverse was available in four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 standing out for its off-road capabilities. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and reaching $55,595 for the RS. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and an Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. Inside, the Traverse offered a Jet Black interior with Torch Red accents, and while synthetic leather was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Sportage delivered a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined for FWD, and 23/28/25 for AWD. While the engine was more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the punch of the discontinued turbocharged engine. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added rugged visual cues and off-road features, with the X-Pro offering BF Goodrich all-terrain tires and specific drive modes. The Sportage's 8.3 inches of ground clearance made it capable off-road, though the naturally aspirated engine struggled to compete with turbocharged rivals.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine provided more power and torque than its predecessor, with AWD available on all trims. The Z71 trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system for better grip in slippery conditions. The Traverse offered impressive acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the FWD Limited, to 17/25/20 for the AWD Limited.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor, with a 7.1-inch longer body and 3.4-inch longer wheelbase. Rear-seat legroom was a generous 41.3 inches, and the trunk provided 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front seats featured ample storage, though the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use, with dual-functionality buttons complicating basic tasks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, a three-row midsize SUV, offered seating for eight in the base LS model, with second-row captain's chairs available in higher trims. The Z71 and RS trims were seven-seaters, with easy access to the third row. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row enhanced cargo capacity, with a total of 96 cubic feet available with the seats folded. The Traverse featured numerous storage options, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was mostly positive, though the third row felt a bit enclosed.

The 2023 Kia Sportage impressed with its technology offerings, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface on EX and higher trims, paired with a panoramic 12.3-inch driver information display on the SX trim and up. However, the top-of-the-line interface required wired connections for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the base LX trim offered wireless connectivity. The Sportage included wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, navigation, Sirius XM, and a Harman Kardon stereo on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided customizable information. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Traverse retained physical controls for volume and HVAC functions, though the headlight controls were buried in the infotainment system. The Super Cruise hands-free driving aid was available for the first time, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a range of standard collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige trims included the blind-view monitor and Highway driving assist, though crash test ratings were not yet available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Traverse also featured a surround-view parking camera and rear pedestrian alert. While crash test ratings were pending, the extensive safety features provided peace of mind.