Chevrolet
Traverse
Owner report available
Toyota
Highlander
Owner report available
Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Highlander
The short answer
The Chevrolet Traverse offers power, while the Toyota Highlander excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Toyota Highlander if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Traverse
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. For the 2018-2023 generation, owner feedback is mixed, with many reporting trouble-free, spacious, and practical family vehicles, while others report significant and recurring mechanical and electrical failures. The 3.6L V6 engine is frequently praised for its smoothness and power, but the associated transmission is a major source of criticism, with reports of failures, leaks, and shifting issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or package. Feedback is focused on generations and powertrains.
Known issues
- Transmission failures and problems: includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. Affects multiple generations. Frequency: very frequent.
- Electrical and infotainment system failures: encompasses "Service Driver Assist System" errors disabling all ADAS features, complete failure of the myChevrolet app and connected services (remote start, lock/unlock), screen freezes, and Blu…
- Engine timing chain issues: a known concern for the 3.6L V6 engine in older models (2009-2012 mentioned), requiring costly repair. Frequency: recurrent.
Highlander
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners of older generations, particularly those with V6 engines and 6-speed automatics, report exceptional reliability with minimal issues.
Best version to buy
For gas models, the 2015-2016 model years are very frequently recommended as the peak of reliability, featuring a proven V6 and 6-speed automatic. For newer models, the Hybrid variant is overwhelmingly recommended over the gas-only version due to its reliable eCVT transmission, superior fuel economy, and avoidance of the problematic 8-speed automatic.
Known issues
- 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- Transmission problems in gas models: General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine transition concerns: Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Highlander is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Chevrolet Traverse, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Chevrolet Traverse is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Toyota Highlander?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Traverse and the Toyota Highlander. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander seats more passengers than the Chevrolet Traverse on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Chevrolet Traverse is classed as a SUV, the Toyota Highlander as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Toyota Highlander?
The EPA rates the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse at 21–22 mpg combined and the 2026 Toyota Highlander at 24–35 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Toyota Highlander?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.