2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. This transformation included a robust new front end, enhanced taillights, and a more modern, upscale cockpit. The exterior featured a prominent grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtle, with LED taillights on higher trims and new bumpers across all versions. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, with the new X-Pro trim offering a more aggressive look. Inside, the Sorento boasted a redesigned dashboard with a cleaner appearance, featuring a combined gauge cluster and infotainment display under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching adding a touch of luxury.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. However, the interior materials, particularly the hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather, fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse's interior materials detracted from its overall sense of quality and sophistication.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in a sluggish 0-60 mph time of nearly 10 seconds. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering improved performance with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharged Sorentos achieved 0-60 mph times in the mid-seven-second range, providing lively acceleration and ample passing power. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's ride was smooth and quiet, with well-weighted steering and responsive brakes. The X-Pro trim excelled in off-road conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power, its exhaust note was less than pleasing. The Traverse's all-wheel-drive system, engaged via a dashboard button, delivered controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails with ease, thanks to its off-road suspension and Terrain driving mode. The Z71's tires and suspension also contributed to a smoother ride on rough pavement. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though the vehicle felt large and less sporty on winding roads. The Traverse achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row remained tight. It offered advantages over smaller models like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan, with more legroom in the front and second rows. The Sorento's third row provided 29.6 inches of legroom, comparable to larger vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. While adults wouldn't want to spend extended time in the third row, it was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering only 12.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on trim, and up to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, particularly in terms of width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat for optimal comfort. 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, while our test vehicle had individual captain's chairs. The third row provided adequate comfort, though the rear windows limited visibility. The Traverse's cargo space was impressive, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All models now had a 12.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard, with SX and SX-Prestige models offering a second 12.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features on the home screen and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system could receive over-the-air updates, ensuring it remained up-to-date. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack for older audio devices. SX-Prestige models featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and driving.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. The system also offered Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio were standard. The large touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, with Google Assistant responding accurately to voice commands. The Traverse's climate system functions were accessible via the touchscreen, with separate knobs for temperature adjustments. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views, and our test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite of active safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behavior and maintained precise distances between vehicles. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in IIHS tests but had an "Acceptable" rating for its LATCH system. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise and remote-parking technology. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving assistance, with clear communication of its status. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from IIHS.