Chevrolet Traverse vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, with a long hood and low ground clearance, drawing inspiration from the classic Seville Elegante of the early 1980s. The LYRIQ featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking, surrounded by a solid grille with lighting effects. The Sport trim, with its dark triangular motif and 22-inch wheels, added to its imposing presence. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, including leather-wrapped seats, chrome-outlined window switches, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console offered limited functionality, and some elements seemed cobbled together.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased a more rugged and practical design. Its exterior styling was consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup, featuring a bold front grille and a wide stance. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, included features like a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the Evotex artificial leather didn't quite emulate the real thing, it provided adequate comfort. The Traverse's interior layout was accommodating, with ample space for passengers and cargo, although some materials fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ offered a smooth and comfortable ride, excelling on the interstate with its calm and poised demeanor. It featured two powertrain options: a single rear motor with 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional dual-motor setup producing 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque for all-wheel drive. Despite its impressive power figures, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its substantial weight of 5,800 pounds, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The regenerative braking system was well-calibrated, and the vehicle's range was estimated at 314 miles for rear-wheel drive and 307 miles for all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. It provided satisfying acceleration, especially with all-wheel drive engaged, minimizing front wheel spin and torque steer. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured an off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. While the Traverse excelled in off-road conditions, its on-road performance was less sporty, with a large and somewhat unwieldy feel. The all-terrain tires provided a smooth ride, and the vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose motorized charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The floating center console offered limited storage space, and the glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space and practicality. It offered ample room for passengers, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and support, although the lack of side window shades was a drawback for families. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran on Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's user interface was intuitive, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands. The Traverse also featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views and optional camera-based digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came equipped with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking. However, the LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The test vehicle's Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from IIHS.