The Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular choices for the midsize SUV segment. See how it compares against one of its rivals in this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Chevy Traverse head-to-head analysis. With its many advantages, the Highlander beats the Traverse.

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Chevrolet Traverse

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Chevy Traverse midsize SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Performance and gas mileage

For performance, the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine (265 horsepower) and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid (243 horsepower). In comparison, all 2023 Chevrolet Traverse models come equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine (310 horsepower).

While the Traverse has a more powerful engine, the Highlander is more maneuverable. This is because it has a tighter turning circle than the Traverse (37.4 vs. 39 feet).

On the efficiency front, the Highlander has the advantage. The fully gas-powered Highlander has an estimated fuel economy of up to 25 combined mpg, while the Highlander Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 36 combined mpg. In comparison, the Traverse has an estimated fuel economy of up to 21 combined mpg.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Towing

The Highlander and Traverse are evenly matched for towing. Both SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Off-road capabilities

Both the Highlander and Traverse offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system. While neither SUV is a serious off-roader, the Highlander has the edge for off-road use. This is because it has higher ground clearance than the Traverse (up to 8.0 vs. 7.5 inches). Also, even if you never drive a vehicle off-road, the higher ground clearance is beneficial for driving on roads that are in poor condition, such as ones with many potholes and broken concrete.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Safety

Given its history, the Highlander has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, the Highlander earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Traverse didn’t receive any safety award from IIHS.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Passenger and cargo space

The Traverse is bigger than the Highlander, which results in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 157 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 98.2 cu-ft. In comparison, the Highlander has a total passenger volume of 141.3 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Highlander and Traverse have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Traverse, the Highlander has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

Also, both the Highlander and Traverse are reliable vehicles. Both SUVs earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 82/100.

Highlander vs. Traverse: Price

Which SUV costs more: the 2023 Highlander or the 2023 Traverse? The starting price of the 2023 Traverse ranges from $33,920 MSRP for the LS trim up to $51,400 MSRP for the High Country trim. 

For the 2023 Highlander, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 Highlander will probably cost slightly more than the 2022 Highlander. The starting price of the 2022 Highlander ranges from $35,855 MSRP for the L trim up to $49,510 MSRP for the Platinum Hybrid trim.

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Chevy Traverse: Which SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Chevy Traverse midsize SUV comparison, the 2023 Highlander has many advantages. This includes advantages for maneuverability, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, safety, and a free maintenance plan. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Traverse include horsepower output and interior space.