Compare the2025 Chevrolet TraverseVS 2024 Toyota 4Runner

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Chevrolet Traverse achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Toyota 4Runner has not been tested.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Traverse has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The 4Runner doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Traverse and 4Runner have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Traverse has Rear Cross Traffic Braking (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The 4Runner’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

For better protection of the passenger compartment, the Traverse uses safety cell construction with a three-dimensional high-strength frame that surrounds the passenger compartment. It provides extra impact protection and a sturdy mounting location for door hardware and side impact beams. The 4Runner uses a body-on-frame design, which has no frame members above the floor of the vehicle.

Both the Traverse and the 4Runner have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Traverse is safer than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Traverse	4Runner
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	165	267
Neck Injury Risk	20.1%	47%
Neck Stress	178 lbs.	438 lbs.
Neck Compression	2 lbs.	54 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	32/13 lbs.	488/468 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	234	367
Chest Compression	.7 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	35.9%	57%
Neck Stress	159 lbs.	271 lbs.
Neck Compression	48 lbs.	58 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	160/266 lbs.	453/353 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Chevrolet Traverse is safer than the 4Runner:

	Traverse	4Runner
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	85	142
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	3 cm	12 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	18 cm	18 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.2/0 kN	3.9/2.4 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Tibia index R/L	.39/.25	.95/.85
Tibia forces R/L	.8/.1 kN	5/2.9 kN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Traverse is safer than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Traverse	4Runner
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	73 lbs.	179 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	20 inches
HIC	346	507
Hip Force	721 lbs.	895 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Traverse, with its four-star roll-over rating, is 6.1% to 7.2% less likely to roll over than the 4Runner, which received a three-star rating.

The Chevrolet Traverse achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The 4Runner is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The Traverse’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 4Runner’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 2 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Traverse’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Traverse first among midsize suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The 4Runner isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 17th.

Engine

The Traverse’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 58 more horsepower (328 vs. 270) and 48 lbs.-ft. more torque (326 vs. 278) than the 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Chevrolet Traverse is faster than the Toyota 4Runner:

	Traverse	4Runner
Zero to 60 MPH	7.3 sec	7.8 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	18.4 sec	22 sec
Quarter Mile	15.6 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	88 MPH
Top Speed	125 MPH	105 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Traverse gets better mileage than the 4Runner:

			MPG
Traverse
	FWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy
	AWD	2.5 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/24 hwy
4Runner
	RWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy
	AWD	4.0 DOHC V6	16 city/19 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Traverse’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Traverse has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Traverse, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a five-speed automatic is available for the 4Runner.

Brakes and Stopping

The Traverse stops much shorter than the 4Runner:

	Traverse	4Runner
70 to 0 MPH	178 feet	201 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	114 feet	138 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Traverse has larger standard tires than the 4Runner (255/65R18 vs. 245/60R20). The Traverse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4Runner (275/45R22 vs. 265/70R17).

The Traverse LT’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4Runner’s standard 70 series tires. The Traverse’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport’s 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Traverse has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 4Runner. The Traverse’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Sport.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Chevrolet Traverse has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Toyota 4Runner has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Traverse’s wheelbase is 11.2 inches longer than on the 4Runner (121 inches vs. 109.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Traverse is 3.9 inches wider in the front and 3.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the 4Runner.

The Traverse RS AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the 4Runner TRD Off-Road pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Traverse High Country AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the 4Runner TRD Off-Road (27.7 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29.5 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

Chassis

Unibody construction lowers the Traverse’s center of gravity significantly without reducing ground clearance. This contributes to better on the road handling and better off-road performance and stability. In addition, unibody construction makes the chassis stiffer, improving handling and reducing squeaks and rattles. The 4Runner doesn’t use unibody construction, but a body-on-frame design.

The front grille of the Traverse uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The 4Runner doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Traverse uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 4Runner doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Traverse offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the 4Runner can only carry up to 7.

The Traverse has 29 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 4Runner (157 vs. 128).

The Traverse has 3.3 inches more front headroom, 2.6 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front hip room, 4.5 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear headroom, 8.6 inches more rear legroom, 2.9 inches more rear hip room, 4.4 inches more rear shoulder room, 4 inches more third row headroom, 2.8 inches more third row legroom and 5.3 inches more third row hip room than the 4Runner.

Cargo Capacity

The Traverse’s cargo area provides more volume than the 4Runner.

	Traverse	4Runner
Behind Third Seat	22.9 cubic feet	9 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	56.6 cubic feet	46.3 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	97.6 cubic feet	89.7 cubic feet

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Traverse RS/High Country’s second row seats and pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The 4Runner doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Traverse’s power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Traverse’s power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The 4Runner doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Servicing Ease

An Oil Life Monitor is standard on the Traverse to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, air filter replacement, and brake pad replacement, based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the 4Runner.

Ergonomics

The engine computer on the Traverse automatically engages the starter until the car starts with one twist of the key and disables the starter while the engine is running. The 4Runner’s starter can be accidentally engaged while the engine is running, making a grinding noise and possibly damaging the starter and ring gear.

The Traverse RS/High Country’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Traverse’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 4Runner does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Traverse’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The 4Runner’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the Traverse and the 4Runner have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Traverse is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The 4Runner prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Traverse’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key System standard on the 4Runner doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Traverse’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 4Runner’s power mirror and cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Traverse RS/High Country’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The 4Runner’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Traverse has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 4Runner has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Limited/TRD Pro.

The Traverse’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4Runner’s power mirror controls are on the dash where they are possibly hidden by the steering wheel and are awkward to manipulate.

When the Traverse RS/High Country is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The 4Runner’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Traverse RS/High Country’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4Runner offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota 4Runner offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Traverse offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the 4Runner’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The Traverse has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/TRD Pro. The Traverse RS/High Country also has standard heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the 4Runner.

The Traverse has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the 4Runner Premium/Limited/TRD Pro.

The Traverse has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the 4Runner Limited/TRD Pro.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Traverse has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The 4Runner doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Traverse’s optional Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The 4Runner doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chevrolet Traverse, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Toyota 4Runner isn't recommended.

The Chevrolet Traverse outsold the Toyota 4Runner by 3779 units during 2024.

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