2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 trim level and added $3,330 to its price. This special edition featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and unique badges, among other details. It was available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had a price of $54,380. The 4Runner's design harkened back to truck-based SUVs of the past, with a solid and quality interior, easy-to-use controls, and a nostalgic appeal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three main trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, designed for moderate off-roading. It wasn't intended to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler but was capable of handling rugged terrain. Pricing for the Traverse started at $50,833 for the LT and went up to $65,733 for the RS. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior had Jet Black upholstery with "Torch Red" accents. The Traverse offered a comfortable ride, with a focus on practicality and versatility.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. Its fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a bumpy ride.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard, with the Z71 trim featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse offered strong acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust note. Its steering was adequate for most driving situations, and the ride was comfortable, even with all-terrain tires. The brakes provided controlled stops, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seats, with options for ventilated leather seats in the Limited trim. The 4Runner had dual-zone climate control and ample storage, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but cramped and reduced cargo space. The cargo area offered 1,337 litres of space behind the second row, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, with the RS model featuring second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger capacity. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and the power-folding third row was a convenient feature. The Autosense power liftgate was standard, providing easy access to the cargo area. The Traverse offered 648 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The cabin had numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with voice recognition that performed well. However, the display was small, and the graphics were dated.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. It was complemented by an 11-inch digital instrument display. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad was effective, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated. The Traverse also featured Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, the 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. These features provided peace of mind during the test drive.