In the highly competitive SUV market, two popular midsize crossovers are the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander. Both boast attractive features and performance. However, the Chevy Traverse has two significant advantages over the Highlander.

The Chevy Traverse has more cargo room

The 2023 Chevy Traverse has a maximum cargo capacity of 98.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. That’s significantly more than the Toyota Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet.

In addition, the Traverse provides 23 cubic feet behind the third row and 57.8 cubic feet behind the second row. On the other hand, the Highlander has only 16 cubic feet behind the third row and 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row.

Overall, the Traverse has a longer and wider cargo area, allowing it to accommodate more items of various shapes and sizes. Also, the Traverse has a lower load floor height, making it easier to load and unload heavy or bulky items.

The Chevy Traverse provides more 3rd-row legroom

In addition to its superior cargo capacity, the Chevrolet Traverse offers more legroom for passengers in the third row. That’s a crucial factor for drivers who often transport family or friends.

U.S. News reports that the Traverse provides 33.48 inches of legroom in the third row, while the Highlander has only 27 inches. That six-inch difference can significantly impact passenger comfort, especially on longer trips.

Additionally, the Traverse features Smart Slide second-row seats, providing easy access to the third row. That feature is not available on the Highlander.

Both SUVs boast ample power and fuel efficiency

As for performance and fuel efficiency, the 2023 Chevy Traverse packs a standard 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander’s standard 2.4-liter turbo-four makes 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Both SUVs can tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

However, the Highlander has an advantage in fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model. That’s compared to the Traverse’s 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

If fuel economy is a top priority, the Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain achieving up to 36 mpg combined.

Ultimately, both vehicles offer competitive performance and towing capabilities.

The Traverse provides plenty of value at a lower price

The 2023 Chevy Traverse offers some notable advantages over the 2023 Toyota Highlander, and one of the most significant is a lower starting price. The Traverse LS base model starts at $34,520. That’s over $2,000 less than the standard Highlander L, priced at $36,620. This MSRP difference can be significant for budget-conscious consumers who want a spacious and well-equipped SUV.

Although the standard Traverse is not as well-equipped as the base-model Highlander, it’s still a good value for the price point. It has a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, keyless ignition, and other attractive amenities. Shoppers who want more features can opt for higher trim levels or add optional packages. But even with these upgrades, the Traverse remains more affordable than the Highlander.

Despite its lower starting price, the 2023 Traverse offers more cargo space and third-row legroom than the Highlander. Those advantages make the Chevy SUV more practical and versatile for families or anyone needing ample space for passengers and belongings.