2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a commendable exterior design, aligning with Chevrolet's recent success in styling its SUVs. The interior followed suit with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, offering an appealing layout. However, the quality of materials used did not match the visual appeal. The hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather detracted from the overall impression, especially given the Traverse's price point. Despite these shortcomings, the Traverse's design was generally well-received, with its Z71 spec offering additional features like Radiant Red paint and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that, despite its price, did not stand out visually. The Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers added some flair, but the overall design remained unremarkable. The RX has historically struggled with aesthetics, and the current generation was no exception, relying heavily on specific versions and colour combinations to achieve a palatable look. Despite this, the RX Hybrid offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the ergonomics of the controls varied from baffling to brilliant.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it delivered ample power, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. Despite its size, the Traverse handled trails well, with its suspension and tires providing a smooth ride on rough terrain. However, the driving experience was not sporty, and the steering lacked road feel. The Traverse achieved a fuel economy of 10.9 L/100 km, slightly better than the official estimate.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models, with the RX 350h being the most efficient at 6.5 L/100 km combined. The RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, enhancing its performance. However, its fuel economy was disappointing at 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, with ample width providing comfort for front-seat occupants. The eight-passenger seating capacity, with optional second-row captain's chairs, offered good support. However, the third-row seats lacked a view and USB charging ports, making them less appealing for passengers. The Traverse provided 648 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second row folded. Despite its spaciousness, the Traverse's storage solutions were not as practical as some competitors.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while snug, were not comfortable for long drives. The rear seats, however, offered ample room and comfort, with optional power-reclining and ventilation features. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, with buttons in the cargo area to fold down the second row, creating 1,308 litres of volume. While the RX offered practical interior storage, some areas lacked lining, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. It also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with effective voice recognition and a simple interface. The Traverse also offered an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, came equipped with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though it experienced occasional glitches with satellite radio.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids under the Chevy Safety Assist umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Enhanced Driving Package added Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX also offered a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it poorly for occupant protection in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.