The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize three-row crossover that is the second-largest SUV in Chevrolet’s consumer offerings. It sits just below the Tahoe and Suburban in size and offers seating for up to eight people. We recently took a week-long road trip through four states in the base LT AWD trim, covering more than 2,200 miles.
What’s new with the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?
The Traverse was completely re-engineered for the 2024 model year. This year, the third-generation Traverse returns with four trim levels: LT, Z71, High Country, and RS (Chevrolet dropped the base LS trim and reintroduced the premium High Country trim this year). The Trailering package, offering a 5,000-pound towing capacity, is now standard on the LT trim; there is a new Sun and Wheel package and new 22-inch wheel designs. The automaker discontinued a few features—OnStar Remote Access is no longer free for the first three years—and reconfigured some of the equipment packages.
The interior of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet loads the Traverse with current technology, including a standard 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch primary gauge cluster, yet those only distract occupants from average interior appointments. Our test vehicle, an LT trim, had synthetic Evotex upholstery (faux leather) that felt cheap. Most dashboard surfaces are hard plastic, and the chrome-plated plastic trim accents will fool nobody—the interior of the base LT trim is a letdown.
The passenger cabin of the Traverse is cavernous—spacious for both passengers and cargo. We tested a seven-passenger variant, with second-row captain’s chairs, keeping the third row folded so we could load it with boxes and other household items during a move (our dog, with his soft bed, occupied the second row—we put a box between the seats to level the floor). The Traverse swallowed everything easily in its cargo area, and there is a nice stow compartment at the end of the floor to hold additional items (we put snow chains and safety equipment in that area). In terms of space, the Traverse is top-notch.
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What is the powertrain for the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?
Chevrolet equips all Traverse trims with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder combustion engine rated at 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the front or all four wheels (all-wheel drive, engineered to maximize on-road traction, is offered on all trims). On paper, the turbocharged engine reads like a potent powerplant, yet the behind-the-wheel experience is a disappointment. The engine sounds raspy and unrefined, and the power output feels lethargic and underwhelming. Despite its lackluster audio track, the 0-60 mph sprint takes about 7.5 seconds—about average in the segment.
How does the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse drive?
The Traverse drives comfortably well on the open road—it eats up the miles on long trips without much effort, the cabin is quiet, and the ride relaxing—kudos to the standard 18-inch wheels that provide plenty of impact-absorbing sidewall height (the ride is likely worse on the RS, with its 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires). Around town, it’s easy to maneuver and park, and the view out of the cockpit is good. Regarding driving dynamics, the LT is tuned for non-enthusiasts—the steering is numb and lifeless, and the cornering grip is average. High-speed stability is satisfactory (we set cruise control at 89 mph on several posted “80 mph” highways). On a positive note, the brakes are strong and have a good pedal feel.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?
The EPA rates the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse FWD at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined on regular unleaded gasoline. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse AWD is rated at 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, 21 mpg combined. During our 2,200-mile test drive in an LT AWD model, we often saw a cruising average of 25 mpg on the highway (cruising range is a bladder-busting 400+ miles per tank, thanks to a 19.4-gallon fuel tank). According to the trip computer, we averaged 21.5 mpg overall—validating the accuracy of the EPA’s estimates.
How much does the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse cost?
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse LT FWD starts at $42,095, while the range-topping RS model, with standard all-wheel drive, starts at $57,495.
What’s the verdict?
If you are shopping for a mid-size three-row crossover with passenger capacity and utility high on your “needs” list, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse deserves a closer look. The base LT trim is roomy and comfortable. It is loaded with standard safety equipment and infotainment features, yet it lacks the luxury quotient many will expect—shoppers will have to bump to the higher (and more expensive) trim levels for satisfaction. And while the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine has ample power and decent fuel economy, its lackluster soundtrack won’t impress anyone.
