2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, which was a refreshing departure from the rugged styling cues often seen in SUVs. The 2023 refresh had given it a more angular and technical look, replacing the previous chubby-cheeked face. This design choice sparked mixed reactions, but many appreciated its balanced forms and upscale appearance, making it seem like a bargain at its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and modern look, while the higher trims boasted luxury features like premium leather and metal speaker grilles. However, some metallic-surface control markings were difficult to read during the day. The Palisade was also packed with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks and second-row smartphone storage pockets. Hyundai offered the Palisade in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding the destination charge.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, which was consistent across Chevrolet's SUV lineup. The interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials used was a letdown, with hard, glossy plastics and artificial leather that didn't convincingly emulate the real thing. The Traverse was available in four trims, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495, including the destination charge. The Z71 trim, which was the off-road version, came with features like a panoramic sunroof and an Enhanced Driving Package, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse offered a spacious interior and a range of features that catered to different needs.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power was transferred to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with an optional AWD system available. The Palisade had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg in combined driving, dropping to 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics remained impressive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer feel on highways. The powertrain was smooth and refined, delivering satisfying performance, although it wasn't the most fuel-efficient option. During testing, the Palisade recorded 16.9 mpg in city driving and 19.8 mpg overall, slightly below the EPA estimate. The steering and suspension provided a reasonable feel for the road, and the brakes were well-calibrated.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In FWD mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging AWD resulted in controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim was designed for off-road use, with an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails with ease, and its suspension absorbed rough terrain effectively. The Z71's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, although the Traverse felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. The all-terrain tires provided good grip and minimal noise. The Traverse achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 21.5 mpg, slightly exceeding the official estimate.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, accommodating adults comfortably. Our test vehicle had a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain’s chairs, while the base SE trim offered eight-passenger seating. The Calligraphy trim featured Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver’s seat. The second-row seats were heated and ventilated, with good thigh support and legroom. The third-row seat was also heated, a rarity in this segment, and provided USB-C charging ports and air vents. The Palisade offered generous storage space, with adjustable cupholders and smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, although it could open unintentionally. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, particularly in terms of width. The front seats were comfortable, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated features. The Z71 trim used Evotex artificial leather, which was comfortable but not as luxurious as real leather. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, while our test vehicle had captain’s chairs. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Storage space was adequate, 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, which was inconvenient.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology was functional but starting to show its age compared to newer Hyundai models. It featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The system included Bluetooth support, wireless charging, SiriusXM radio, and Bluelink+ services. The voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered good sound quality. The Palisade also offered a head-up display, blind spot warnings, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in technology with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and SiriusXM radio. The user interface was intuitive, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands. The Traverse's digital instrumentation panel provided various display options, and the test vehicle included a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade came with a comprehensive suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera, blind spot view monitor, and remote smart parking assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but missed the accolade in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded it five stars for frontal impact and four stars for rollover resistance.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a robust set of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, 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.