2025 Chevy Traverse Car Review: Spaciousness and Style, But Is It Enough?

The Chevrolet Traverse has long been a staple in the large SUV segment, known for its family-friendly features and generous space. While I found myself surprisingly nostalgic for the previous generation’s straightforward practicality, the redesigned 2025 Chevy Traverse undeniably answers the call for modern SUV demands. It’s bigger, bolder, and packed with tech, especially in the eye-catching RS trim. However, beneath the surface of its rugged aesthetics and enhanced features, questions arise about whether this new model prioritizes style over genuine substance.

The 2025 Traverse definitely captures attention on the road. Its boxier silhouette and assertive styling mark a significant departure from the more subdued look of its predecessor. This new generation confidently broadcasts its presence, particularly the Z71 trim with its off-road-inspired elements. The Z71 package adds aggressive wheels, all-terrain tires, and distinctive red tow hooks, hinting at capabilities that might be more aspirational than actual. Despite any reservations about its off-road pretenses, the Rubystar Metallic paint on the test model was undeniably striking.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front exterior design with red tow hooks and all-terrain tires

Inside, Chevrolet seems to have adopted a design philosophy reminiscent of German automakers, characterized by a consistent design language across their lineup. The Traverse’s interior shares many elements with other contemporary Chevy models, including the steering wheel, dual-screen setup for the gauge cluster and infotainment, and similar climate controls. The Z71 trim adds red accents to differentiate itself. Functionally, the interior layout is generally user-friendly. GM’s infotainment system remains intuitive and responsive, the climate controls are straightforward, and the steering wheel controls are mostly logical, although the rear-mounted volume and media buttons are an awkward placement, and in our test car, the left one malfunctioned.

Chevrolet Traverse 2025 interior dashboard with dual screen display and steering wheel

Driver's perspective of the 2025 Chevy Traverse interior showcasing the infotainment system and dashboard

Opening the expansive hood reveals a somewhat diminutive engine relative to the vehicle’s size. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while not uncommon in this vehicle class, appears almost lost in the engine bay. While its output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque seems respectable on paper, its real-world performance is less inspiring. The engine delivers adequate power for daily driving, but lacks a sense of urgency or enthusiasm. Furthermore, its engine note is rather unrefined, producing a lackluster sound akin to a low-speed blender.

2025 Chevy Traverse engine bay showing the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine

However, criticisms aside, the 2025 Chevy Traverse does excel in areas crucial for family SUV buyers, particularly with the Z71 package. Space is a major highlight – the interior is exceptionally roomy. Second-row passengers enjoy limousine-like legroom, and even third-row occupants will find adequate space comparable to a midsize sedan. During testing, the Traverse comfortably accommodated four adults and two children without feeling cramped. The availability of second-row captain’s chairs further enhances third-row access, a highly desirable feature for families.

Driving Dynamics and Comfort in the Chevrolet Traverse

Comfort is another strong suit of the Traverse. The ride quality is plush and forgiving, likely enhanced by the Z71’s large tires with thick sidewalls. This supple ride, combined with a quiet cabin, contributes to a relaxed driving experience, ideal for family journeys. Despite the “RS” badge, the Traverse prioritizes comfort over sporty handling, a stark contrast to models like the Camaro RS. Here, the RS designation seems primarily cosmetic, aimed at projecting a slightly more rugged image.

Side view of the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 showcasing its comfortable ride height

However, the driving experience reveals some significant shortcomings. The steering is a major letdown, feeling vague, light, and slow. This lack of steering precision makes it challenging to confidently maneuver the Traverse, especially given its substantial size. The sheer size of the front end also impacts visibility, making it difficult to judge distances and potentially obscuring smaller objects or pedestrians directly in front of the vehicle. In a vehicle of this scale, more responsive and accurate steering is essential.

The braking performance is also concerning. The brake pedal exhibits excessive initial softness, with noticeable braking force only engaging deeper in the pedal travel. This characteristic requires a more forceful pedal application for effective stopping, which can feel unsettling until drivers acclimate. The initial brake response was so delayed that switching back to another vehicle after driving the Traverse required significant adjustment to avoid abrupt stops.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 brake light detail and rear design

Rear three-quarter view of the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 highlighting the taillights and rugged styling

Close-up of the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 wheel and tire showcasing the all-terrain design

Front view of the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 emphasizing its imposing size and grille design

Highlights and Drawbacks of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The strengths of the Traverse align with typical crossover priorities. Its spacious cabin, user-friendly infotainment system, and assertive styling are likely to resonate with many buyers. Beyond these core attributes, the Traverse includes some thoughtful features. Like other Chevrolets, it incorporates a vibrating seat alert for rear cross-traffic situations when reversing, a subtle but helpful safety enhancement. Outward visibility, aside from the front blind spot, is generally good, providing a commanding view for both driver and passengers.

Interior view of the 2025 Chevy Traverse showcasing the spacious second row seating

Dashboard and infotainment system of the 2025 Chevy Traverse highlighting the technology features

Front seat and dashboard of the 2025 Chevy Traverse emphasizing the driver's cockpit and controls

Rear view of the 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 emphasizing the cargo space and tailgate design

However, the Traverse also presents some notable frustrations beyond its driving dynamics. The gauge cluster is cluttered and displays excessive information in a confined space, making it somewhat overwhelming to read at a glance. The omission of a dedicated wiper stalk on the right side of the steering column is an unusual ergonomic choice, with wiper controls integrated into the left stalk. Furthermore, the turn signal sound and rhythm common to GM vehicles are peculiar. There’s an initial delay before the clicking sound starts, and the cadence is atypical, differing from most other vehicles. This can lead to momentary uncertainty about whether the turn signal is properly engaged, particularly during quick lane changes.

Features, Trim Levels, and Competition in the Chevy Traverse Market

The starting price of $38,995 for the standard Chevy Traverse appears competitive, especially considering it includes eight seats, 18-inch wheels, and a large 17-inch infotainment screen. All-wheel drive adds approximately $2,000 to the base price.

Stepping up to the Traverse Z71 trim brings enhancements like a more sophisticated twin-clutch rear differential (likely underutilized in typical suburban driving), distinct 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, prominent red tow hooks, and Z71 badging. However, this tougher-looking trim level commands a significant price jump, starting at $47,795.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 front grille and headlight detail

Despite the Z71’s rugged aspirations, the Traverse remains a unibody crossover in a crowded segment. It competes directly with other popular models like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. While the Traverse offers attractive styling, it doesn’t necessarily stand out significantly beyond aesthetics. It may offer a slightly lower price point compared to some rivals like the Grand Highlander, but this advantage diminishes as you move up through the trim levels and add options.

Fuel Efficiency of the 2025 Chevy Traverse

A common concern with large SUVs is fuel economy, even with the increasing use of smaller turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The all-wheel-drive Traverse has EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Real-world testing yielded slightly lower figures, averaging around 19-20 mpg, possibly influenced by the all-terrain tires. These figures represent only a marginal improvement over V8-powered SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and are comparable to the V6-equipped Honda Pilot, according to EPA estimates. This raises questions about the real-world efficiency gains of the smaller engine in such a large vehicle.

EPA fuel economy sticker for the 2025 Chevy Traverse

This fuel economy is typical for the segment, with competitors like the gas-powered Grand Highlander achieving similar numbers. However, the Grand Highlander offers a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option, which is not currently available for the Traverse.

Overall Value and Final Verdict on the Chevy Traverse

In its base configuration, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse presents a compelling value proposition. For under $40,000, buyers get a spacious eight-seater with ample interior room and modern infotainment technology. Even with all-wheel drive, the price remains just above $40,000. For families prioritizing space and practicality over driving enjoyment, the Traverse is a viable choice. However, as you climb trim levels and add packages, the value proposition becomes less clear.

2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 side profile showing its spacious dimensions

For those who appreciate driving dynamics, even modestly, there are arguably better alternatives to the Traverse. However, the strong sales figures of the new Traverse suggest that many buyers prioritize other factors. Objectively, the Traverse has shortcomings in areas like braking, steering, and engine performance relative to its efficiency. However, it successfully delivers on key consumer desires: a bold appearance, a spacious interior, and three rows of seating.

Ultimately, Chevrolet has likely prioritized market demands by focusing on style and space, and in that context, the 2025 Traverse is a commercially sensible product. However, for those seeking a more engaging and refined driving experience in a large SUV, other options may be more rewarding.