2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being a new addition aimed at those interested in moderate off-roading. During test drives near Atlanta, Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-road adventures like those tackled by a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. Instead, it was built to handle moderately rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS model and reaching $55,595 for the RS model, excluding destination fees. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" highlights. The standard cloth seats were comfortable, though synthetic leather was available for an additional cost.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its second model year, was offered in two trims: the base 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser. The 1958 trim, priced at $58,195, featured a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment. The Land Cruiser model, priced at $62,965, offered a modern appearance, more color options, and a nicer interior with larger screens. It also included critical off-roading hardware and software, with a Premium Package available for additional luxury. The test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, featured Heritage Blue paint, 20-inch wheels, and a roof rack, bringing the total price to $71,004. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, with a utilitarian interior featuring traditional switchgear and dual 12.3-inch digital screens.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was optional on every trim, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced system. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's 204.5-inch length was noticeable. The ride quality was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway for the FWD Limited model.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The full-time 4WD system included electronic locking differentials, with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Standard features included Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control, with the Land Cruiser model adding Multi-Terrain Select modes and a front stabilizer bar disconnect. The EPA rated the Land Cruiser at 23 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled as a daily driver and off-road vehicle, though it struggled on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. The vehicle offered a high driving position and excellent visibility, with off-road features enhancing its capability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model offered seating for eight, while the LT, Z71, and RS trims featured seven seats with second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seats were suitable for average-size adults, with Smart Slide second-row seats for easy access. The Traverse offered a power-folding third row and an Autosense power liftgate, providing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 96 cubic feet with seats folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the center console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row had limited views. The Z71 model included a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded from cloth upholstery in the 1958 model to SofTex artificial leather in the Land Cruiser trim, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. The front seats were comfortable, but the second-row seats lacked support. The rear window design limited airflow, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a high load floor requiring effort to load heavy items. Maximum cargo space with the back seat folded was 82.1 cubic feet.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was responsive, with simple menus and an 11-inch digital instrument display. The Google-based software included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad in the center console. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less accessible. The Traverse offered Super Cruise hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded from a 7-inch driver display and 8-inch touchscreen in the 1958 model to dual 12.3-inch displays. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with five connected service plans available. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charger, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology. The Drive Connect feature provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it included a wide range of driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view parking camera and rear pedestrian alert were also standard.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional safety features included a road sign reader and Predictive Driving Assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing and three stars for rollover resistance.