2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was available in five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. As a fifth-generation model that debuted in 2024, it retained its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The H-shaped LED headlamps were pixelated, aligning with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and the SUV offered vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim featured specific wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added chrome and black accents. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain’s chairs. The interior materials varied from cloth to Nappa leather, but some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The HVAC controls included physical dials, though the fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

Chevrolet's 2025 Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with the brand's SUV lineup. The interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall experience. The Traverse was available in LT, Z71, High Country, and RS trims, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, tested here, was the off-road version, equipped with Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional driving packages. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Traverse's material quality did not match its price point.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both FWD and AWD options, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission managed gear shifts, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some acclimation. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities. However, it was not suited for rugged terrain, better handling graded dirt roads.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft of torque. It exhibited torque steer in FWD mode but offered rapid acceleration with AWD engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, had 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and additional off-road features like a skid plate and hill descent control. The Traverse handled trails well, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain. Despite its size, the Traverse offered a smooth ride, though it felt large on narrow roads. The all-terrain tires provided good grip, and the brakes were responsive. The Z71 achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of features across its trims. The base SE trim included a hands-free liftgate and dual-zone climate control, while the XRT trim added heated front seats and a sunroof. The Calligraphy trim featured heated second-row seats and a premium audio system. All trims had a two-level glove box, with upper trims offering a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe excelled in interior space, with the most third-row legroom in its class. Cargo space was ample, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, facilitating easy loading. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. The front seats were spacious, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Z71 trim included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. The third row was comfortable but lacked a view due to window design. Storage space was adequate, 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, complicating the process.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with upper trims offering a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims included Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging. A digital key and fingerprint scanner were available for added security. The Santa Fe offered Bluelink app connectivity and over-the-air updates, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse stood out with its 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and OnStar services. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and SiriusXM 360L. The interface was intuitive, with effective Google Assistant voice recognition. The Traverse also had an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, aiding in parking and off-roading.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance and Highway Drive Assist. The top trim included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind-View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, except for headlights and LATCH categories.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a robust set of standard safety features, 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 offered 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.