2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, stood out with its unique design that deviated from the typical Mercedes-Benz SUV mold. While it shared some visual bulk with models like the GLS, GLC, and GLB, the GLE featured a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. Its squared-off wheel arches and horizontal grille and headlights contributed to a wide stance, while the sharply tapering side glass and rakish windshield and back window created a distinctive look. However, these design elements resulted in odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models, where the bulky lower body contrasted with the fastback-style roofline. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz offered a refreshing departure from the usual black, grey, and tan interiors, with options like the Yacht Blue interior in the U.S. test car. The GLE's interior exuded an upscale and special feel, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting that transformed the cabin into a vibrant space at night. These elements combined to create an interior that felt both luxurious and unique.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, aligning with Chevrolet's successful design language across its SUV lineup. The Traverse's interior design followed suit, featuring digital instrumentation, Google-based infotainment systems, and appealing layouts. However, the quality of materials fell short, with hard, glossy, deep-grained plastics and Evotex artificial leather that struggled to emulate the real thing. These shortcomings were more noticeable in the pricier Traverse model tested.

For 2025, the Traverse was available in LT, Z71, and RS trims in Canada, with base prices ranging from $54,333 to $70,333, including a destination charge of $2,300 plus other fees. The test vehicle, a Z71 spec, was the off-road version, featuring extra-cost Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and an Enhanced Driving Package. The MSRP for this configuration in Canada was $68,681, including the destination charge and other fees.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG performance variants. The lineup began with the GLE 350, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. All models in Canada came standard with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD).

The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assistance, generating 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an 80-kilometre electric range. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ boasted an enhanced inline-six powertrain, delivering 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ featured a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, producing a formidable 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds.

The GLE's overall refinement was impressive, but even in AMG spec, it felt larger than it was. Despite features like adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system, the GLE lacked nimbleness on backroads, and maneuvering in tight urban spaces was challenging.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it provided ample power, allowing the Traverse to accelerate rapidly, especially with AWD engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, offered 19.7 cm of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, red tow hooks, and a Twin Clutch AWD system with Terrain driving mode and hill descent control.

The Traverse Z71 excelled on trails, handling ruts and divots with ease, and its Off-Road mode ensured smooth power application in challenging conditions. The Z71's tires and suspension also provided a comfortable ride on rough pavement during daily commutes. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, but the vehicle felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. Despite this, the all-terrain tires offered good grip and minimal noise, while the steering wheel provided a pleasant feel.

The Traverse Z71 achieved a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 10.9 L/100 km using AWD part-time and Normal mode.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered both two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not publish specifications for third-row space. The GLE provided similar headroom to most rivals, but models like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 offered slightly more legroom. The GLE's high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but outward visibility was limited. The AMG test car's heavily bolstered front seats enhanced sporty driving but made entry and exit more challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom comparable to the rear seats of a BMW X5 and slightly more than other rivals. The GLE offered approximately 7.5 centimetres of additional legroom compared to the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE's cargo space was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second-row seats and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The bulky centre console provided reasonable small-item storage, and the GLE's maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) matched the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in terms of width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, with a standard eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat for optimal positioning. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, enhancing comfort during inclement weather. The Traverse's Evotex artificial leather, while not genuine, did not detract from comfort.

With an available second-row bench seat, the Traverse accommodated eight passengers, matching its rivals in capacity. The test vehicle featured individual second-row captain's chairs with adjustable armrests, providing good comfort and support. However, the Z71 lacked side window shades, necessitating aftermarket solutions for families with children.

The Traverse's third-row seats required second-row passengers to slide forward for adequate legroom. While the third row was comfortable enough, it lacked a view due to the rear window design and did not offer USB charging ports. Storage space in the front was adequate but lacked some practicality compared to competitors. The second-row situation was less family-friendly, with limited smartphone pockets, USB ports, and cupholders.

The Traverse offered 648 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seats, with a large compartment under the trunk floor. Folding the third row increased cargo volume to 1,603 litres, and with the second row flat, the maximum capacity was 2,764 litres. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, adding complexity to the process.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a standard interface with dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system simplified interactions.

The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. These settings were accessible via steering wheel dials with small screens, although they encouraged looking down while driving. Some GLE models featured an off-road display with a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and Google Play Store access. It also offered OnStar connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio.

The large touchscreen provided a simple user interface, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands. While lacking a tuning knob, the steering wheel's rocker switches allowed easy radio station and volume adjustments. Climate system functions were accessible via a strip at the bottom of the touchscreen, with separate knobs for temperature control.

An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered various views, including navigation, driving-assistance status, and classic gauge layouts. The test vehicle featured a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, aiding parking, off-roading, and trailering.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, although some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts, closing windows and the sunroof, and emitting a sound to protect against hearing loss.

The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control with automatic speed-limit and curve adaptation, stop-and-go functionality, lane-change assist, evasive steering assist, cross-traffic function for automatic emergency braking, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings in standard and optional forms, respectively. NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 model year were unavailable at the time of writing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a generous list of driver aids, grouped under the Chevy Safety Assist umbrella and available as standalone options or packages. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection braking, and rear automatic braking. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a Safety Alert Seat.

The test vehicle added a high-definition surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package offered a hands-free Super Cruise driving assist system and remote-parking technology. Super Cruise provided hands-free driving assistance, with a green bar indicating active status and a red bar when driver intervention was required. It operated on more roads than before, including highway transition ramps, and featured automated lane-change functionality.

The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, its second-highest rating.