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The 2025 Toyota 4Runner and 2025 Chevrolet Traverse take different routes to SUV capability. The 4Runner is an old-school body-on-frame bruiser that doubles down on off-road grit, while the Traverse plays to family-focused sensibilities with spacious seating and a modern tech suite. At Gettel Toyota of Lakewood, we’re diving into what sets these two apart to help you decide which suits your adventures best.
Inside, the 2025 4Runner maintains its rugged roots with a no-nonsense layout, chunky controls, and a utilitarian aesthetic, while SR5 Premium and TRD trims add upscale materials and synthetic or leather upholstery. Roomy in the first two rows, its third row is tighter and best suited for kids. Fold-flat rear seats and an available sliding cargo deck offer flexible utility.
The Traverse, on the other hand, feels more suburban than safari-bound. It boasts soft-touch surfaces, better third-row legroom, and seating for up to eight. With nearly 98 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are down, it's the clear winner for hauling gear or groceries. Available features like heated rear seats and a panoramic sunroof add comfort points.
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2025 Toyota 4Runner Interior |
2025 Chevrolet Traverse Interior |
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Rows: 2 or 3 (optional third row) Max Seating: 7 Max Cargo Capacity: 89.7 cu ft Upholstery Options: Fabric, SofTex®, Leather |
Rows: 3 Max Seating: 8 Max Cargo Capacity: 97.6 cu ft Upholstery Options: Premium Cloth, Leather |
Both SUVs command attention but for very different reasons. The 2025 4Runner leans into its off-road DNA with aggressive lines, a high ride height, and chunky tires. Meanwhile, the Traverse adopts a sleeker, crossover-inspired design with modern cues.
A true off-road SUV, the 4Runner’s upright profile, flared fenders, and TRD-specific touches are purpose-built. The TRD Pro trim gains a roof rack, skid plates, and blacked-out accents. Exclusive paint colors like Solar Octane scream trail cred. LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and roof rails come standard across most trims.
Designed with road trips in mind, the Traverse features a rounded body, narrow headlights, and a large grille. RS and Z71 trims boost style with black accents or off-road cues, respectively. Power liftgate and chrome accents help it blend into upscale neighborhoods, while new color options like Lakeshore Blue bring visual pop.
When it comes to powertrains, the Traverse offers a modern turbocharged setup, while the 4Runner continues with its tried-and-true V6. The 4Runner is tailored for off-roading, with available 4WD and terrain management modes. The Traverse’s new turbo four-cylinder delivers solid highway manners and better fuel economy but lacks off-road grit.
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2025 Toyota 4Runner |
2025 Chevrolet Traverse |
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Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds. |
Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds (AWD models) |
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Max Payload Capacity: ~1,700 lbs |
Max Payload Capacity: ~1,700 lbs |
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Base Engine: 4.0L V6 Horsepower: 270 Torque: 278 lb-ft Transmission: 5-speed automatic |
Base Engine: 2.5L Turbo I4 Horsepower: 315 Torque: 317 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed automatic |
Both SUVs have stepped up their tech game, but they take different approaches. The Traverse benefits from a more modern platform with a 17.7-inch touchscreen standard. The 4Runner, while less flashy, has an intuitive interface and off-road-specific systems like the Multi-Terrain Monitor.
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Toyota 4Runner Top Tech Features |
Chevy Traverse Top Tech Features |
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Infotainment Screen Options: 8- or 12.3-inch Audio System Options: JBL® Premium Audio (available)
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Infotainment Screen Options: Standard 17.7-inch Audio System Options: Bose® Premium Audio (available)
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Standard safety is a strong suit for both. Toyota Safety Sense gives the 4Runner adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The Traverse gets Chevy Safety Assist and adds rear cross-traffic alert, which is only available on upper 4Runner trims.
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Toyota 4Runner Standard Safety Features |
Chevrolet Traverse Standard Safety Features |
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The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is made for drivers who crave trails, rocks, and mud under their tires, while the 2025 Chevy Traverse is geared toward families who want highway comfort and everyday practicality. If off-road prowess, reliability, and resale value are top priorities, the 4Runner is your go-anywhere hero.
Come see the 2025 Toyota 4Runner in person at Gettel Toyota of Lakewood and take it for a test drive through Lakewood Ranch today.
