2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in three main trims in Canada: LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, designed for those seeking a three-row SUV with moderate off-roading capabilities. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not intended to compete with hardcore off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. Instead, it was engineered to handle reasonably rugged terrain, though not extreme trails like the Rubicon. Pricing for the Traverse was competitive, with the LT starting at $50,833 and the RS reaching $65,733. The Z71 model, priced at $56,833, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, the latter being the most expensive colour option at $1,195. The interior boasted Jet Black with "Torch Red" accents, and while synthetic leather seating was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered during a rental experience, was a black-on-black model with dark grey wheels. Despite the heat-sink colour combination being less than ideal for a tropical climate, the Wrangler's design remained appealing. In Canada, the Wrangler was offered in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X. The Rubicon 392 was discontinued for Canada after 2024. The Wrangler's pricing ranged from $42,995 to $80,085. The Sport S model had a few options, including a $395 black paint upcharge, a $2,095 black hardtop, a $2,495 Convenience Group, and a $2,995 turbocharged four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission. Despite its price, the Wrangler's interior was functional, with a focus on durability and off-road capability. Its design, rooted in a World War II military vehicle, contributed to its popularity despite lacking sophistication compared to modern cars.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-litre V6 engine with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was standard on every trim in Canada, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system for improved traction. The Traverse's acceleration and passing power were satisfactory, and its exhaust emitted a pleasant growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's 5,200-millimetre length was noticeable. The ride quality was exemplary, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes provided controlled stops, and the fuel-saving stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy was rated at 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering 15 hp less but 35 lb-ft more than the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During a 300-kilometre evaluation, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 12.3 L/100 km. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width were advantageous for off-roading. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern. The ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected. Despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were impressive, though the Sport S model was not taken off-roading during the test.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the LT and Z71 trims, while the RS model featured second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven. The third-row seats were suitable for average-sized adults, though taller passengers might need the second-row seats adjusted for more legroom. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and a power-folding third row was available on lower trims and standard on the RS. The Autosense power liftgate, standard on all models, provided convenient access to the cargo area. Cargo volume behind the third row was 648 litres, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden storage area under the centre console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Outward visibility was generally good, though the third row had limited views due to the rear fender design. The Z71 model had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler presented challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance, tall door sills, and narrow door openings. Step rails were available but could complicate access. Once inside, the front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated front seats and steering wheel. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, which could lower over time. The Wrangler accommodated five passengers, but four were more comfortable. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, though taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The four-door model offered 897 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a significant upgrade in its infotainment system, with a 17.7-inch touchscreen replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was standard on all models, offering rapid response times and user-friendly menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided customizable information, enhancing navigation. The Google-based software supported intuitive voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 model securely held smartphones during cornering. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominently placed. The headlight functions were integrated into the infotainment system, which some found inconvenient. The Traverse also introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 1.2 million kilometres of roads by 2025.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S model came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, with an optional nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. More expensive models offered navigation and Jeep Connect services, including adventure guides and GPS trail logs. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between analog gauges, passive entry, remote engine start, and rear parking sensors. These features enhanced the Wrangler's functionality, though the rear camera's effectiveness depended on cleanliness.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not yet undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of testing. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids as standard, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These features provided peace of mind during the test drive.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags for front and rear seats as standard, a significant safety upgrade. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was exclusive to the Sahara trim. Adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights were also available. The Wrangler had a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, but it received a Marginal rating for the small overlap frontal-impact test due to tipping onto its side.