2025 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two trim levels, the base model 1958 and the more upscale Land Cruiser. The 1958 trim, priced at $58,195, featured a retro design with round headlights and basic equipment, while the Land Cruiser trim, priced at $62,965, offered a modern look with additional color options, a nicer interior, and enhanced off-roading capabilities. The Premium Package added leather, a roof rack, and other features, bringing the price to $71,004. Despite its utilitarian interior, the Land Cruiser provided a technologically advanced feel with dual 12.3-inch screens and intuitive steering-wheel controls. The SUV's traditional two-box design maximized off-road clearances and visibility, making it a practical choice for both urban and off-road adventures.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse resembled a smaller Chevrolet Tahoe with its upright design and macho stance. It featured eye-slit LED headlights and a semi-floating roof design. The grille varied by model, with the Z71 trim standing out with red tow hooks and all-terrain tires. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 to 22 inches, and a Midnight/Sport Edition offered a blacked-out look. Inside, the Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. The interior materials were smart, with soft-touch surfaces and contrasting stitching. The base LT trim included cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and additional comfort features.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, with a full-time 4WD system and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Off-road features included Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select modes. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, real-world testing showed 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in urban and off-road settings, offering a smooth ride over rough terrain. However, it struggled with handling on twisty roads due to its suspension tuning. The SUV provided a high driving position with excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver and park.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional AWD system for $2,000. The Traverse had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While the turbo-four engine provided adequate power, the 0-60 mph time was around eight seconds. The Traverse's road manners were superior to the larger Tahoe, thanks to its unibody architecture. It handled better, with light and direct steering, though it exhibited some lean in corners. The ride quality was generally good, but engine noise was a concern. The AWD system required manual engagement, and the drive modes included Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow/Ice, and Tow/Haul.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Premium Package added real leather and a power sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second-row seats lacked support. The rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser provided 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the high load floor required effort when loading heavy items.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, nearly seven inches shorter than the Tahoe, offered ample passenger space but less cargo capacity. It came standard with second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, with an option for a second-row bench. The first-row seats were comfortable, with excellent storage options. Second-row passengers enjoyed good space, while the third row was less suitable for adults. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 98 cubic feet with the seats folded. The flat load floor enhanced usability.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and connected service plans. The Premium Package included a 14-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, and digital key technology. The voice recognition system performed well, providing accurate navigation assistance.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse boasted an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with large icons and quick response times. Standard features included a satellite radio trial, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless phone charger, and remote start. The base audio system had six speakers, with an optional 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact testing but a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The Enhanced Driving package added Super Cruise hands-free technology and other features. The Traverse earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, with room for improvement in the updated moderate front overlap test.