2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from black Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It offered a comfortable and well-built interior, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, available in LT, Z71, and RS trims, introduced the Z71 as a new addition for those interested in moderate off-roading. While not designed for extreme terrains like the Jeep Wrangler, it was capable of handling rugged conditions. The Traverse's pricing 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. Inside, the Jet Black interior with "Torch Red" accents added a touch of style. The Traverse offered synthetic leather seating as an option, but the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable. Overall, the Traverse provided a balance of style, comfort, and off-road capability.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. At the top, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain boasted 362 horsepower and 400 combined net pound-feet of torque. All models in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and while not a sports car, the Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander excelled in road manners, though its size made maneuvering through tight spaces challenging. The brakes were solid, and the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine offered adequate power. Three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—were available, with additional modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

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. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the V6. All-wheel drive was standard, with the Z71 trim featuring a dual-clutch system for improved traction. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl during acceleration. The steering was adequate for normal driving, though the vehicle's length was noticeable. The ride quality was excellent, even with all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates were 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.3 combined.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, with a length of over 5 metres and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. This extra length translated to increased storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing the Kia Telluride. With seats in position, it offered 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander provided ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for adults, even in the third row.

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 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. Cargo volume behind the third row was 648 litres, expanding to approximately 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Traverse 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 mostly positive, though the third row had limited views. The Z71 model had a power-operated driver’s seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous models. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, allowing voice commands for tasks like adjusting temperature and changing radio stations. The subscription also included cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing a balanced sound experience. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available with a trial subscription.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system was responsive, with simple menus and Google-based software for intuitive voice commands. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a wireless charging pad was included in the Z71 trim. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less prominently placed. The Traverse introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 1.2 million kilometres of roads by 2025.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite featured automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not undergone crash tests by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive range of driver aids at no extra cost. These included 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.