Honda Odyssey vs Chevrolet Traverse

The 2025 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar design lineage, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a straightforward aesthetic that didn't prioritize style. Its interior followed suit, featuring traditional buttons and knobs, which, while old-school, were appreciated for their practicality and ease of use. The Odyssey was available in various trims in Canada, including Sport, Sport-L, Touring, and Black Edition, with prices ranging from $53,056 to $63,256. The test vehicle, equivalent to the U.S. Touring trim, showcased high-quality leather seats, though styling wasn't its main selling point.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's SUV lineup. The interior design was modern, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials, such as hard plastics and artificial leather, fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse was offered in LT, Z71, and RS trims in Canada, with prices from $54,333 to $70,333. The Z71 trim, tested with off-road capabilities, included features like Radiant Red paint and a panoramic sunroof, priced at $68,681.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey, while not designed for driving excitement, offered a rewarding experience for a minivan. It housed a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Despite lacking AWD or a hybrid option, the Odyssey delivered a natural driving experience with responsive steering and nimble handling. Fuel economy was rated at 10.6 L/100 km combined, though real-world tests showed 13.2 L/100 km on evaluation loops and 9.8 L/100 km on highway trips.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It offered both FWD and AWD, with the latter providing controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, included features like all-terrain tires and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, but the test vehicle achieved 10.9 L/100 km. Despite its size, the Traverse handled well, though the steering lacked road feel, and the brakes were touchy.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey excelled in maximizing interior space, accommodating eight passengers and offering up to 3,973 litres of cargo capacity. It featured power-adjustable front seats, Magic Slide second-row seats, and a roomy third row. However, the second-row seats were heavy to remove for maximum cargo space. The Odyssey provided ample storage and convenience features like a conversation mirror and Cabin Talk intercom.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, with eight-passenger seating and a spacious cabin. The front seats were comfortable, and the second-row captain's chairs offered good support. However, the third row lacked a view and USB ports, which could be inconvenient for passengers. The Traverse provided 648 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with seats folded. Folding the third row required adjusting the second row, which could be cumbersome.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the system's graphics and voice recognition were subpar. The rear-seat entertainment system was outdated and challenging to use, requiring a personal device connection.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standout 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. It included wireless smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Traverse also had an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera system.