2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a sporty exterior with its black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though its interior was relatively basic. The Sport-L Hybrid offered an upgrade with leather-lined interiors, while the Sport Touring Hybrid topped the lineup with a more sophisticated cabin. Our test vehicle, a Sport Touring Hybrid, featured Canyon River Blue paint and a price tag of $41,175, including destination charges. The CR-V's styling was conservative, with a technical face and tusks framing the lower air intake, which added visual weight over the front wheels. However, the rear quarter view, with Volvo-adjacent taillights, gave it an upscale appearance. Inside, the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid boasted leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details, such as a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's recent SUV designs. The interior featured digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, though the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, left something to be desired. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. Our Z71 test vehicle, priced at $55,900, included Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driving packages. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and a more capable AWD system. Despite its rugged look, the Traverse Z71 provided a smoother ride on daily commutes, thanks to its suspension and tires.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to either the front or all four wheels, depending on the configuration. The hybrid system operated transparently, with only minor quirks like low-speed acoustic warning noises and engine droning on hills. The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid was rated at 37 mpg in combined driving by the EPA, but our test vehicle achieved 32.4 mpg on a mountainous route. The CR-V offered a quiet ride with predictable handling, though the steering felt unusually heavy. While it was easy to drive and had hints of fun, it wasn't designed for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In FWD mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging AWD provided controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, with its off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance. It handled trails and rough terrain effectively, with features like a Twin Clutch AWD system and hill descent control. The Traverse Z71's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. The all-terrain tires provided good grip and minimal noise, while the brakes were touchy. The Traverse Z71 achieved 21.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding its EPA rating.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, while the front passenger seat had limited adjustments. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel enhanced comfort, and dual-zone climate control was standard. The CR-V's rear doors opened wide, making it easy to access the spacious back seat, which offered excellent leg support and adjustable backrest angles. The cargo area provided 34.7 cubic feet of space in the Sport Touring trim, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, with a wide cabin that accommodated front seat occupants comfortably. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, though the Evotex artificial leather detracted from the overall experience. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Storage space was ample, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, and the Traverse lacked some family-friendly features like third-row USB ports.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a premium audio system were reserved for the Sport-L and Sport Touring trims. The voice recognition system was basic, and the CR-V featured a walk-away automatic locking feature for added security.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse stood out with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also offered Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Traverse's digital instrumentation panel provided various views, and optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver monitoring system. The CR-V also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors on higher trims. It received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2023, though NHTSA ratings were not available.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS.