2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, maintained its classic boxy shape with a flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out, round headlights on the base and top trims, and rectangular ones on the mid-grade trim. All lighting was updated to LED, blending classic inspiration with modern standards. The higher trims offered color-selectable fog lights, adding a contemporary twist. The lowered beltline improved visibility, and the First Edition trim came with additional off-road gear like a roof rack and skid plate. Inside, the base trim had cloth seats, while the mid-grade offered SofTex, and the First Edition boasted real leather with unique logos. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard across all trims, with the Premium Package adding a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin emphasized comfort with cushy seats and attractive stitching, allowing drivers to focus on the terrain ahead.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. The interior design followed suit with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, though the quality of materials left something to be desired. The hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather in the test vehicle were not convincing, especially for a model in the Traverse's price range. Available trims included LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, tested for its off-road capabilities, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse offered a visually appealing and technologically advanced interior.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, tested primarily on an off-road course, showcased its hybrid powertrain, which combined a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor. This setup delivered a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. Standard features included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. The ability to disconnect the front sway bar allowed for better articulation off-road. The updated CRAWL control function, with five speed settings, provided silent and precise low-speed cruise control over challenging terrain.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In FWD mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging AWD resulted in controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a more capable Twin Clutch AWD system. The suspension handled trails with ease, and the Terrain mode moderated drivetrain response for smoother power application. The Z71's tires and suspension also provided a smoother ride on rough pavement. The Traverse offered multiple driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. The test vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, featured two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road controls, and the wireless charging pad was conveniently located. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a rubber mat for easy cleaning. A 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports were available in higher trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Z71 trim featured Evotex artificial leather, providing comfort despite its lack of authenticity. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain's chairs. The third row, while comfortable, lacked a view and USB ports. Cargo space measured 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL system with the Premium Package.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse stood out with its 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and OnStar services. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging were standard. The digital instrumentation panel offered multiple views, and the test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system. The Enhanced Driving Package added Super Cruise and remote-parking technology.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and Proactive Driving Assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist and traffic jam assist.

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