The Chevy Traverse has many rivals, including the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Buyers who have been considering either of these two models should read on as we compare the Traverse and the Highlander to determine which model is best.

Engine

According to the Chevy dealership in Saint Maries, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine is more powerful than either of the 2019 Toyota Highlander’s engines. The Traverse has a base 3.6-liter V6 powerplant that develops 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The 2019 Toyota Highlander’s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander also has a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 295 hp and 263 lb.-ft. of torque.

Testing by Motor Trend revealed the Chevrolet Traverse’s V6 is faster than the Toyota Highlander’s V6. The magazine clocked the Traverse’s zero-to-60 mph time at 6.7 seconds, while the Highlander needed 7.2 seconds to make the trip.

With an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway, the Traverse’s four-cylinder engine delivers better fuel economy than the Highlander’s four-cylinder unit, which checks in with 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

Handling

The Traverse’s speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering makes parking easier, delivers more control at highway speeds and during cornering, and provides better road feel. You won’t find variable-assist power steering in the Highlander.

The driver and passengers will travel more comfortably inside the Traverse than the Highlander. The Chevy Traverse has more front headroom, more front hip room, more front shoulder room, more rear headroom, more rear shoulder room, more third-row headroom, more third-row legroom, more third-row hip room and more third-row shoulder room than the Toyota Highlander.

The Chevrolet Traverse has more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Highlander only provides 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The Traverse’s upper trims come with a liftgate that opens and closes by moving your foot beneath the rear bumper. This hands-free operation makes it easy to open the liftgate when your hands are full. The Highlander doesn’t offer a hands-free liftgate.

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a very good crossover SUV, with many things going for it, but it’s simply outclassed by the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. When you look at important categories such as the engine, fuel efficiency, handling, and passenger and cargo space, the Traverse comes out on top.