2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line treatment could be added to all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package enhanced the Telluride with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a center locking differential, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and 20-inch wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package further added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the maximum towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 for the LX to $53,185 for the SX Prestige with the X-Pro package, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, featuring Wolf Gray paint and floor mats, had an MSRP of $54,270, including the $1,365 destination charge.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions, despite some mixed reactions to last year's styling updates. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, including the grille surround and bumper details. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other cabin color options like Mahogany brown, Terracotta brown, light gray over black or dark blue, and Sage Green were available, each complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. The SX Prestige nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel, classy metallic accents, and thoughtful details, though the shiny plastic covering the interior's lower portions was a disappointment.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's recent SUV designs. The interior design was also appealing, featuring digital instrumentation, Google-based infotainment systems, and practical layouts. However, the quality of materials was lacking, with hard, glossy, deep-grained plastic being a notable downside. The Evotex artificial leather in the Traverse test vehicle did not convincingly emulate real leather, which was disappointing for a vehicle in its price range.

For 2025, the Traverse was available in LT, Z71, High Country, and RS trims, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495, including a $1,395 destination charge. The Z71 spec, the off-road version, featured extra-cost Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, a Driver Confidence Package, and an Enhanced Driving Package, bringing the MSRP to $55,900 with the destination charge. The Z71's off-road suspension increased ground clearance to 7.7 inches, and it included unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, red tow hooks, a Twin Clutch AWD system, a Terrain driving mode, and hill descent control. The Traverse Z71 handled trails with fresh ruts and divots effectively, and its tires and suspension provided a smoother ride during daily commutes.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with most models capable of towing 5,000 pounds. The X-Pro package increased towing capacity to 5,500 pounds with heavy-duty engine cooling. The AWD version included a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode, alongside Comfort, Sport, and Smart modes. Ground clearance was 8.0 inches in standard spec, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages, and the SUV featured a self-leveling rear suspension.

The Telluride provided easy acceleration to freeway speeds and good passing power, though it was not very fuel-efficient. The EPA rated AWD versions at 20 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing averaged 19 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop and 17.5 mpg during city driving. Despite its fuel economy, the Telluride offered a refined driving experience with standard brake-induced Torque Vectoring Cornering Control, responsive steering, and brakes that resisted rumble, pulsing, and fade. The ride felt firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, effectively absorbing pavement undulations.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The engine's exhaust note was not pleasant, but it provided ample power, spinning the front tires and exhibiting torque steer in FWD mode. Engaging AWD improved acceleration, reducing front wheel spin and torque steer. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, red tow hooks, a Twin Clutch AWD system, a Terrain driving mode, and hill descent control.

The Traverse Z71 handled trails with fresh ruts and divots effectively, and its tires and suspension provided a smoother ride during daily commutes. The Z71's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though the driving experience was not particularly sporty. The Traverse felt large on narrow roads, and the Z71's dirt-friendly tires contributed to a bouncy ride. The all-terrain tires did not produce noticeable tire whir, and the vehicle displayed sound handling at reasonable speeds. The Traverse Z71 was EPA-rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, and real-world testing averaged 21.5 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trim levels. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with a range of adjustments, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, and a third-row seat capable of accommodating adults. A dual sunroof panel added light to the otherwise dark interior. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was easy to use. However, metallic finish buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel were hard to read on sunny days.

The Telluride included thoughtful details, such as a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a scenic landscape view that changed with the time of day. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby forward of the shifter, a tray for smartphones, and ample room in the door panel bins. A hands-free power liftgate with automatic closing was available, offering convenience and safety. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offered useful roof rails for additional cargo capacity.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in terms of width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for easy positioning. The Z71's heated front seats and heated steering wheel were effective during cold weather. The Traverse used Evotex artificial leather, which, while not real leather, did not detract from comfort. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, and its width made it one of the most accommodating vehicles in its class.

The test vehicle featured second-row captain’s chairs with adjustable armrests, providing good comfort and support. However, the Z71 lacked side window shades, which could be an issue for families with children. The third-row seats required second-row passengers to slide forward for adequate legroom, and the third row lacked a view due to the rear window shape. Storage space in front was adequate but lacked some practicality compared to competitors. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row laid flat.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The system offered a capable voice recognition system with an active Kia Connect subscription. The test vehicle's Kia Connect subscription was inactive, but past experiences indicated good performance. Kia Connect plans included Lite, Care, Plus, and Ultimate, with various features like 911 Connect, remote engine starting, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle featured satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Kia included thoughtful features like a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode for playing music only through the front speakers, and a function to deliver the driver’s voice to rear-seat occupants. A digital key function allowed smartphone use as a vehicle key, and a camera-based rearview mirror offered a clear view behind the SUV. A 10-inch head-up display was available, providing helpful information, including blind spot warnings. The Telluride also offered a 360-degree camera system and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and Google Play Store access. It also included Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The large touchscreen provided a simple user interface, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands.

The Traverse's climate system functions were located in a strip at the bottom of the touchscreen, with separate knobs for cabin temperature adjustment. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered several views, and steering wheel controls made it easy to change themes. The test vehicle had a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, aiding in parking, off-roading, and trailering. Drivers could select from Standard, Overhead, Side, and Hitch viewpoints.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist provided a hands-on semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, evasive steering assist, lane-change assist, and automatic rear braking. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive list of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection braking, and rear automatic braking. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package included a hands-free Super Cruise driving assist system 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.