2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban had a long-standing reputation as an automotive institution, with its name stretching back 90 years. Despite its massive size, the Suburban managed to blend into traffic, becoming a common sight on the roads. Measuring nearly 19 feet in length and over six feet in height, it was not for everyone, especially those navigating urban areas. However, for those needing ample cargo and passenger space, along with significant towing capacity, the Suburban was a fitting choice. It was available in six trims, each offering a range of features from automatic windshield wipers to LED headlights. The interior was spacious, with leather upholstery standard on most trims, and the High Country trim offering luxurious brown leather options. Despite its size and features, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat pedestrian, with supportive but not overly comfortable seats for long journeys.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was praised for its exterior styling and interior design, though it fell short in material quality. The Traverse's interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics and artificial leather that failed to emulate the real thing. Available in trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, the Traverse's pricing ranged from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured extras like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driving packages. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating and a commendable cargo capacity. However, the lack of third-row USB ports and window shades was a drawback for families. The Traverse's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like all-terrain tires and a hill descent control system, making it suitable for both rugged terrains and daily commutes.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 8,300 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-liter V8, available on higher trims, provided 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering smoother acceleration. The diesel engine, with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, excelled in fuel economy and was a cost-effective option on the High Country trim. The Suburban's 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, and its electronic button-style shift mechanism freed up console space. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available on most trims. Despite its size, the Suburban's steering and brakes were up to the task, though drivers needed to account for its weight and potential body roll.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's exhaust note was less than appealing, it provided ample power, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Traverse Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Z71's suspension handled rough trails effectively, and its Terrain mode moderated power application for challenging conditions. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Traverse's ride was smooth on daily commutes. The Z71's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though the latter didn't deliver a sporty experience. The Traverse's all-terrain tires provided good grip and minimal noise, while the brakes were touchy. The test vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.7 cubic feet. This made it a top choice for those needing substantial carrying capacity, surpassing competitors like the Ford Expedition Max and Jeep Wagoneer L. The Suburban's 28-gallon fuel tank, combined with the diesel engine's efficiency, allowed for long highway drives between fill-ups.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, though our test vehicle had captain's chairs. The third row provided adequate comfort but lacked a view due to window design. Cargo space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban's infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, with Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, along with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. However, the 10-speaker Bose audio system lacked the richness of higher-end systems.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The user interface was intuitive, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Traverse also featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal crash tests, five in side-crash tests, and three in rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Premier and High Country trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, as an option.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.