The Reimagined Family SUV
The automotive world has been buzzing since Chevrolet unveiled its completely redesigned 2025 Traverse. This third-generation midsize SUV represents a significant evolution for the model, which has been a stalwart in Chevrolet’s lineup since 2009. With families and active lifestyles in mind, the 2025 Traverse combines substantial interior space with modern technology and enhanced performance capabilities that push it ahead of many competitors in the crowded three-row SUV segment.
Building on the momentum of its 2022 refresh, Chevrolet has taken the Traverse to new heights for 2025 with more substantial changes that address previous shortcomings while reinforcing the vehicle’s strengths. Whether you’re considering an upgrade from your current Traverse or shopping the midsize crossover market for the first time, the 2025 model demands attention with its blend of practicality, technology, and value.
Table of Contents
Exterior Design: Bold New Direction
The 2025 Traverse represents the most significant design departure in the model’s history. Chevrolet’s designers have crafted a more commanding and sophisticated exterior that maintains family-friendly functionality while adding a dose of rugged appeal that previous generations lacked.
The front fascia features a wider, more prominent grille flanked by slimmer, more angular LED headlights that create a stronger presence on the road. The hood sits higher than before, contributing to the more truck-inspired stance that Chevrolet clearly wanted to achieve. This design philosophy carries through to the sides, where more pronounced wheel arches and a stronger shoulder line give the Traverse a more muscular appearance.
Around back, the redesigned LED taillights wrap around the corners and connect via a subtle light bar, creating a more premium look. The rear bumper incorporates integrated exhaust outlets on higher trim levels, while a hands-free power liftgate comes standard on all but the entry-level trim.
Wheel options range from 18-inch alloys on base models to impressive 21-inch options on premium trims, with several designs available. Nine exterior colors round out the palette, including the new Radiant Red Tintcoat and Summit White, giving buyers plenty of personalization options.
Performance and Powertrain: More Power, Better Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2025 Traverse receives a significant powertrain upgrade. Gone is the previous 3.6-liter V6, replaced by a more modern and efficient 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Despite the smaller displacement, this new powerplant delivers an impressive 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque—representing gains of 5 horsepower and 51 lb-ft over the outgoing V6.
The new engine pairs with GM’s latest 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides smoother shifts and better fuel economy than the previous 9-speed unit. According to EPA estimates, the front-wheel-drive Traverse now achieves 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, improvements of 2 mpg in both metrics compared to the 2024 model. All-wheel drive variants sacrifice only 1 mpg in each category.
Towing capacity remains competitive at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available trailering package, keeping the Traverse viable for families with boats or small campers. The new engine’s increased torque makes towing feel more confident, especially when climbing grades.
Ride quality has been refined through a retuned suspension system with frequency-selective dampers on most trims, striking a better balance between comfort and handling. The available adaptive suspension on high-end trims offers an even more premium driving experience by continuously adjusting damping forces based on road conditions and driving style.
Interior Comfort and Space: The Family-Focused Cabin
Inside is where the 2025 Traverse truly shines, with Chevrolet focusing on premium materials, thoughtful storage solutions, and class-leading passenger space. All three rows offer genuinely usable seating, a rarity even among midsize three-row SUVs.
The dashboard design takes a more horizontal approach, emphasizing width and creating a greater sense of space. Soft-touch materials appear in more places than before, with cloth upholstery standard on the base LS trim and progressively nicer leatherette and leather options as you move up the lineup. The top-tier High Country trim features premium perforated leather with distinctive contrast stitching.
Second-row passengers can choose between a three-person bench seat or captain’s chairs (standard on most trims), with the latter offering an easy pass-through to the third row. The Smart Slide second-row seats can move forward even with a child safety seat installed, addressing a pain point for families with young children.
Cargo capacity remains a Traverse strong suit with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows down. Thoughtful touches include a hidden storage compartment beneath the rear cargo floor and a power-folding third row available on Premier and High Country trims.
Climate control has been upgraded with a three-zone automatic system standard across most of the lineup, ensuring comfort for all passengers regardless of seating position. Available ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats enhance comfort in extreme weather conditions.
Technology and Connectivity: A Digital Revolution
The technological leap forward in the 2025 Traverse is substantial, centering around an all-new infotainment system built on Google’s automotive platform. A standard 11.3-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 17.7 inches on higher trims) serves as the hub for entertainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.
Google Assistant integration brings robust voice command capabilities, while Google Maps provides navigation with real-time traffic updates without requiring a phone connection. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for those who prefer their phone’s interface.
A 11-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, with upper trims receiving a more advanced 14-inch configurable display. The available head-up display projects key information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Connectivity options abound with multiple USB-C ports in all three rows, an available wireless charging pad, and a powerful Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices simultaneously. The myChevrolet mobile app lets owners remotely start the vehicle, lock or unlock doors, and check vehicle status from their smartphone.
For audiophiles, the Traverse offers an optional Bose Performance Series sound system with 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin for immersive sound quality. Rear-seat entertainment is available with dual 12.6-inch seatback mounted screens that can stream content via the vehicle’s Wi-Fi connection.
According to Car and Driver’s comprehensive review, the new tech interface represents “a quantum leap forward for Chevrolet’s user experience, establishing a new benchmark in the mainstream three-row SUV segment.”
Safety and Driver Assistance: Peace of Mind Standard
Chevrolet has made safety a priority for the family-oriented Traverse, with the Chevy Safety Assist package now standard across all trim levels. This comprehensive suite includes:
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection works at both city and highway speeds to help prevent or mitigate forward collisions. The system can detect pedestrians and cyclists, providing an extra layer of protection for vulnerable road users.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality maintains a set following distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic, reducing driver fatigue during commutes or road trips.
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning helps prevent unintentional lane drift by providing gentle steering inputs when the system detects the vehicle crossing lane markings without a turn signal activated.
The Traverse now features Reverse Automatic Braking, which can detect obstacles behind the vehicle while backing up and automatically apply the brakes to prevent low-speed collisions.
Higher trims add enhanced safety technology including a 360-degree camera system with high-definition resolution, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking capability, and Side Bicyclist Alert for urban driving scenarios.
Perhaps most impressive is the new Advanced Parking Assist feature, which can identify suitable parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and control steering, braking, and acceleration to guide the Traverse into the spot with minimal driver input.
The 2025 Traverse earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation, the organization’s highest award, as noted in Consumer Reports’ safety analysis of midsize SUVs.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Something for Every Budget
The 2025 Traverse lineup consists of five distinct trim levels, each targeting different buyer priorities and budgets:
The LS serves as the entry point at $38,495 (including destination fee), offering the essentials plus notable standard features like the 11.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone integration, and the full Chevy Safety Assist package.
Moving up to the LT at $41,795 adds comfort features like heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, roof rails, and second-row captain’s chairs, making it the sweet spot for value-conscious families seeking everyday comfort.
The adventure-oriented Z71 trim returns for 2025 at $47,995, featuring standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, skid plates, and unique styling elements for the outdoorsy family. This model also includes a specially calibrated off-road driving mode.
The luxury-leaning Premier trim starts at $49,995 and focuses on comfort with leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, 20-inch wheels, and enhanced tech including the larger 17.7-inch infotainment display.
At the top of the lineup sits the High Country at $54,995, which adds all the available luxury features including premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 21-inch wheels, and nearly all driver assistance technologies.
All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the price of front-wheel-drive models where it’s not already standard. Various option packages allow buyers to customize their Traverse with features like the panoramic sunroof ($1,695), rear-seat entertainment system ($1,995), or the Technology Package with head-up display and enhanced digital displays ($2,495).
Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact: Better Than Before
The switch to the turbocharged four-cylinder engine benefits both performance and fuel efficiency. Front-wheel-drive models achieve 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined according to EPA estimates. All-wheel-drive variants manage 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
While not class-leading, these figures represent an improvement over the previous generation and are respectable considering the Traverse’s size and capability. The engine features stop-start technology that operates seamlessly to reduce fuel consumption during idle periods, though drivers can disable this feature if preferred.
Chevrolet has also reduced the vehicle’s environmental impact during manufacturing, with increased use of sustainable materials in the interior including recycled plastics for certain trim pieces and sound insulation made from recycled denim.
The Driving Experience: Composed and Confident
Behind the wheel, the 2025 Traverse feels more refined than its predecessor. The turbocharged engine delivers power smoothly with minimal lag, providing confident acceleration for highway merging and passing maneuvers. The peak torque arrives at just 1,500 rpm, giving the SUV a responsive feel around town that belies its size.
The steering has been recalibrated to offer more feedback without requiring excessive effort, striking a good balance for daily driving while maintaining ease of use in parking situations. The turning radius has been improved slightly, making the Traverse more maneuverable in tight spaces than you might expect from a vehicle of this size.
Road and wind noise are well suppressed thanks to additional sound insulation and acoustic glass on all but the base trim. Even at highway speeds, the cabin remains quiet enough for normal conversation between all three rows.
The ride quality deserves special mention, as Chevrolet has managed to find an excellent compromise between comfort and control. The Traverse absorbs road imperfections with aplomb while maintaining composure through corners, exhibiting less body roll than many competitors.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
The 2025 Traverse offers numerous strengths that will appeal to family buyers. The spacious interior provides genuine three-row functionality, unlike some competitors where the back row is suitable only for children. The powerful yet efficient turbocharged engine delivers responsive performance while maintaining reasonable fuel economy for the segment. The comprehensive safety features come standard across all trims, eliminating the need to pay extra for essential protection. The technology package is intuitive and modern, with the Google-based infotainment system proving particularly user-friendly.
However, some drawbacks remain. The exterior styling, while improved, may be too conservative for buyers seeking more distinctive design. The starting price has crept upward compared to previous generations, pushing the Traverse slightly upmarket. Some interior materials in lower trims still don’t match the quality found in certain competitors, particularly from Asian brands. Despite improvements, the Traverse’s fuel economy still trails hybrid competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid by a significant margin.
How the 2025 Traverse Compares to Competitors
In the hotly contested midsize three-row SUV segment, the Traverse faces formidable competition from domestic and foreign brands alike. The Ford Explorer offers similar dimensions but provides a hybrid option the Traverse lacks. The Toyota Highlander delivers superior fuel economy with its hybrid powertrain but cannot match the Traverse’s cargo and third-row space. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer more upscale interiors at similar price points but with slightly less maximum cargo capacity.
The Honda Pilot provides comparable utility but with more adventurous styling options in its TrailSport trim. Meanwhile, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers greater off-road capability but at a premium price point.
Where the 2025 Traverse stands out is in its balance of attributes. Few competitors can match its combination of passenger space, cargo capacity, technology, and value across the model range. For families prioritizing interior volume and versatility, the Traverse makes a compelling case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2025 Traverse’s new engine compare to the previous V6?
The new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2025 Traverse actually outperforms the previous 3.6-liter V6 in several key areas. With 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, it offers slightly more horsepower and significantly more torque than the outgoing engine. This increased torque, available at lower RPMs, translates to better responsiveness in everyday driving situations like merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles. Additionally, the new engine delivers better fuel economy across the board while maintaining the same 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.
What warranties come with the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?
Chevrolet backs the 2025 Traverse with its standard warranty package, which includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty that covers most vehicle components. This is complemented by a more extensive 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty that protects the engine, transmission, and drive systems. First maintenance visit is complimentary, and roadside assistance is included for the duration of the powertrain warranty. While these terms are on par with most domestic competitors, they fall short of the longer warranties offered by brands like Hyundai and Kia, which provide 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Is the 2025 Traverse suitable for off-road driving?
While the 2025 Traverse isn’t designed to be a dedicated off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, the Z71 trim offers respectable capability for light to moderate off-road adventures. This specialized trim includes standard all-wheel drive with a more advanced twin-clutch rear differential that can send power to either rear wheel as needed. It also features increased ground clearance (by about an inch), all-terrain tires, skid plates to protect vital components, and specific off-road drive modes. These enhancements make the Traverse Z71 suitable for gravel roads, dirt trails, and light snow conditions that a typical family might encounter during outdoor adventures, though it’s still primarily designed for on-road comfort and efficiency.
Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in the Three-Row SUV Battle
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse represents a thoughtful evolution of Chevrolet’s midsize SUV formula. By addressing previous shortcomings while building on established strengths, Chevrolet has created a more compelling package that deserves serious consideration from family-oriented buyers.
The combination of genuine three-row space, modern technology, improved efficiency, and comprehensive safety features makes the Traverse a strong contender in its segment. While it may not lead in every category, it offers an appealing balance of attributes that will satisfy the needs of many American families.
For buyers who prioritize interior space, technology, and value over hybrid efficiency or luxury badging, the 2025 Traverse makes a convincing argument. As crossovers continue to dominate the American automotive landscape, Chevrolet’s refined approach with the Traverse ensures it remains relevant in an increasingly competitive market. Whether tackling the daily school run or embarking on cross-country road trips, the 2025 Traverse proves itself a capable and comfortable companion for modern family life.
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