2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design. It featured hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver paint, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed its look to a playful "Tonka truck" vibe. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, complete with physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric, SofTex, or leather seating. All trims featured power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. Its interior design followed suit, featuring digital instrumentation, a Google-based infotainment system, and appealing layouts. However, the quality of materials left something to be desired, with hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather that fell short of emulating real leather. 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, came with Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse's design and features made it a contender in its segment.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase of 56 hp and 182 lb-ft over the previous V8 model. Fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD, compared to the previous 14 mpg. The Sequoia TRD Pro, designed for off-road enthusiasts, featured a part-time 4WD system with selectable modes and a skid plate. Other trims offered 4WD as an option for an additional $3,000. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and subtle operation, while on-road handling was adequate for its class. The TRD Off-Road package, available on select trims, added all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road suspension enhancements. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it provided ample power, resulting in front-wheel spin and torque steer in FWD mode. Engaging AWD improved acceleration, offering rapid and controlled performance. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, increased ground clearance to 7.7 inches and included features like all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails with ease, thanks to its off-road suspension and Terrain mode. The Z71's tires and suspension also contributed to a smoother ride on rough pavement. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it lacked a sporty feel. The test vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding the official estimate.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, it offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 49 cubic feet, and behind the third row, it ranged from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet, depending on seat position. The second-row seats did not slide fore and aft but were easy to move for third-row access. The third-row seats folded at the push of a button but did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced by nearly 3 inches, affecting rear-seat comfort. Legroom varied from 28.1 to 33.7 inches in the third row, 39.2 inches in the second row, and 41.2 inches in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted ample interior volume, particularly in width. Front seat occupants enjoyed spaciousness, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat for optimal positioning. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, while our test vehicle had individual captain's chairs. The third-row seats provided adequate comfort, though rear visibility was limited due to window design. The Traverse lacked third-row USB ports, potentially inconveniencing passengers. Cargo space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, adding complexity to the process.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with a range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR5 trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 14-inch center touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-color 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard across all trims, along with a Panoramic View monitor. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch color head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, available on higher trims.

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. It also offered 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 user-friendly interface, with Google Assistant excelling in voice recognition. The Traverse's climate system functions were accessible via the touchscreen, with separate knobs for temperature adjustment. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views. Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on select trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition 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. Super Cruise offered clear communication of its status and operated on more roads than before. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.