2024 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse was available in four trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS, with the Z71 being the new addition aimed at those interested in moderate off-roading. During test drives near Atlanta, it was clear that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-road adventures like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but it could handle reasonably rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and reaching $55,595 for the RS, which came loaded with features. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint, with a Jet Black interior accented by "Torch Red" highlights. The standard cloth seats were comfortable, though synthetic leather was an option for an additional cost.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport emphasized a sportier aesthetic within the Range Rover family, with a taller stance and shorter wheelbase for an athletic look. The lineup included SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography, and SV Edition Two trims, with the Dynamic SE offering a Stealth appearance package. The SV Edition 2, the highest-performance model, featured carbon-fiber elements and a subtle exterior in Marl Grey. Inside, it boasted red leather upholstery, sport seats with illuminated inserts, and a minimalist dashboard design. The interior felt enclosed, with high-quality materials, though the front seats were somewhat cramped. The Range Rover Sport maintained a luxurious ride with its sport-tuned air suspension and advanced features like four-wheel steering and brake-based torque vectoring.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered more power and torque than its predecessor. The Traverse Z71 featured an advanced AWD system with a dual-clutch arrangement for better grip in slippery conditions. On highways and country roads, the Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, and the ride was smooth, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. Fuel economy estimates ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 highway for the FWD Limited model.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The base SE model had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 horsepower, while the Dynamic SE offered 395 hp and a plug-in hybrid option with 454 hp. The Autobiography trim featured a plug-in hybrid with 543 hp or a twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp. The SV Edition Two used the same V8, tuned to 626 hp, making it the most powerful Range Rover model. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and had a top speed of 180 mph. The Range Rover Sport excelled in handling with its sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel steering, and brake-based torque vectoring, while maintaining off-road capabilities with the Terrain Response system.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for eight in the base LS model, while the LT, Z71, and RS trims featured second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger capacity. The third-row seats were accessible and suitable for average-sized adults. The Smart Slide second-row seats and power-folding third row enhanced cargo capacity, with a maximum of 96 cubic feet available. The Traverse had numerous storage options, including a hidden storage area under the center console. Visibility was generally good, though the third row felt slightly enclosed. The Z71 model had a power-operated driver's seat, but the front passenger seat was manually adjustable.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, positioned between the Velar and full-size Range Rover, was a two-row, five-seater. It offered ample headroom and legroom, though some competitors provided more space. The rear seats were comfortable with standard reclining features, and the front seats were 20-way power-adjustable with heating and ventilation. Cargo space was 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Range Rover Sport had a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds for turbo-six and V8 models. The air suspension's "access height" setting facilitated loading and unloading, while deep door pockets and large cupholders added convenience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse featured a large 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. It was responsive and easy to navigate, complemented by an 11-inch digital instrument display. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad was effective, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated. However, the driving mode button was less accessible, and headlight controls were buried in the infotainment system. The Traverse also offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which expanded its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport shared its screen setup with the larger Range Rover, featuring a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The minimalist design had functional drawbacks, as many controls required screen interaction. Steering-wheel controls were limited, but the Pivi Pro infotainment system was responsive with natural-language voice recognition. The SV Edition 2 featured "Body and Soul Seats" with embedded transducers for a unique audio experience, though it felt somewhat gimmicky.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of the review, but it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The presence of these features provided peace of mind during the test drive.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered standard driver-assist features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror aided parking, though the parking sensors were overly sensitive. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.