The choice depends entirely on your priorities. For maximum interior space, cargo capacity, and towing power, the 2024 Chevy Traverse is superior. If your goals are long-term ownership costs, fuel efficiency, and proven reliability, the Toyota Highlander, especially its hybrid model, is the better vehicle. The Traverse offers more room for passengers and gear, while the Highlander delivers significantly better fuel economy and higher predicted resale value.
Space, Comfort, and Practicality
The Chevy Traverse holds a definitive advantage in size and versatility. It provides more comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with a third-row legroom of 32.1 inches compared to the standard Highlander's more cramped quarters. For cargo, the Traverse leads with 98.2 cubic feet of maximum storage space behind the first row, which is substantially more than the non-hybrid Highlander's 84.3 cubic feet. If you regularly carry 7-8 passengers or need to haul large items, the Traverse's larger footprint delivers.
Performance and Fuel Economy
These SUVs take divergent paths. The 2024 Traverse features a new standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offers confident acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Toyota Highlander uses a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder making 265 horsepower. Its standout offering is the available hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors. The front-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined (35 city/36 highway), a massive advantage over the Traverse's estimated 21-24 MPG combined. For high-mileage drivers, the hybrid's fuel savings are substantial.
| Feature | 2024 Chevrolet Traverse | 2024 Toyota Highlander (Gas) | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo I-4 | 2.4L Turbo I-4 | 2.5L 4-Cyl Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 265 hp | 243 hp (Net) |
| Max Towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Cargo (Max) | 98.2 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft | ~ 84.3 cu ft |
| 3rd-Row Legroom | 32.1 in | ~29 in (est.) | ~29 in (est.) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | ~22 MPG | ~24 MPG | 36 MPG |
Technology and Safety
The new Traverse debuts a massive standard 17.7-inch central infotainment screen and offers available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance on compatible highways. The Highlander typically features a 12.3-inch screen and the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite as standard. Both systems are highly capable. In safety evaluations, the Highlander has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award, a key indicator of its comprehensive crash protection.
Reliability, Value, and Ownership
This is the Highlander's traditional stronghold. Industry data consistently shows Toyota models, particularly the Highlander, have superior long-term reliability ratings and higher residual values. According to valuation experts like Hagerty, a well-maintained Highlander can retain a significantly higher percentage of its original price after five years compared to most rivals. The Traverse, while improved, does not yet match this track record for resale value.
Final Recommendation
Choose the 2024 Chevrolet Traverse if your primary needs are:
- Spacious and comfortable seating for 7-8 adults.
- Maximum cargo capacity for family trips or gear.
- Strong standard engine performance and 5,000-pound towing.
Choose the 2024 Toyota Highlander (preferably the Hybrid) if you prioritize:
- Exceptional fuel economy, reducing long-term fuel costs.
- Historically strong reliability and higher projected resale value.
- A slightly more refined cabin and slightly smaller exterior for easier parking.
- Top-tier safety ratings from the IIHS.
