Traverse vs Highlander
This is a classic rivalry: the Traverse against the Highlander, Chevrolet against Toyota, both in three-row suv territory. The numbers lean one way: the Traverse comes out ahead in 2 of the 4 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the space & practicality category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Highlander wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Fuel Economy & Range9.3
- Space & Practicality4.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Traverse has 44% more cargo space
When it comes to cargo (behind rear seats), the Traverse wins comfortably with 23 cu ft against 16 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Traverse has 63 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (328 hp for the Traverse, 265 hp for the Highlander) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Traverse has 16% more maximum cargo space
The spread here is large: 98.2 cu ft on the Traverse versus 84.3 cu ft on the Highlander. Expect to notice it. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Highlander has better fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 25 mpg for the Highlander, 23 mpg for the Traverse. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Traverse has 16 lb-ft more torque
On paper, the Traverse is a touch ahead here, listing 326 lb-ft against 310 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
The Traverse is the larger car of the two, while the Highlander is the more compact choice.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 194.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
The Highlander is outclassed on engine & performance; the Traverse leads by a clear margin. On the Traverse, you get 63 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the Traverse comes out ahead.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Highlander: 265 hp The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft Highlander: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Highlander leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Highlander is comfortably ahead. The Highlander takes this one with better fuel economy. The Highlander uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. In short, the Highlander is the better-equipped car for fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Traverse: 23 mpg Highlander: 25 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Traverse: 20 mpg Highlander: 22 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
The Traverse clearly takes the space & practicality round. In its favor, the Traverse has 44% more cargo space. The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. That makes the Traverse the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft Highlander: 16 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Traverse: 98.2 cu ft Highlander: 84.3 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the Traverse and the Highlander barely differ. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Traverse and the Highlander part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 16 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 84.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 194.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 16 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 265 hp)
- you want more room with the seats folded (98.2 cu ft vs 84.3 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Highlander if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (22 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs 27 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Traverse or the Highlander?
The Traverse makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is better fuel economy.
Is the Traverse bigger than the Highlander?
The larger model here is the Traverse (204 in); the Highlander is more compact at 194.9 in.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Traverse versus the Highlander is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. The Traverse has 44% more cargo space, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the Traverse doesn’t stop there; it also offers 63 hp more power. The Highlander does have a strong card to play: better fuel economy.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Traverse fits. If fuel economy & range matters more, the Highlander makes more sense.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Traverse, unless you need better fuel economy, which only the Highlander offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.