Which SUV Is Right for You in Little Rock, AR?
If you’re shopping for a three-row SUV in Little Rock, Arkansas, two names are likely at the top of your list: the 2025 Chevy Traverse and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander. Both offer space, comfort, and new tech, but which gives you the best overall value?
Design
At Crain Chevrolet of Little Rock, we’ve compared SUVs in the most critical categories to decide which is best for your life in Central Arkansas.
The 2025 Chevy Traverse has been completely redesigned this year, giving it a bolder, more rugged presence. With a wide front grille, sharp LED headlights, and muscular fender lines, it delivers that tough SUV vibe with a modern, stylish twist. Its bold look fits right in on Little Rock’s I-30 and Cantrell Road, where trucks and SUVs are standard.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, on the other hand, leans toward a more rounded and refined design. It has clean lines, a slightly softer profile, and a family-friendly aesthetic. While it may not turn as many heads, it offers a timeless look that appeals to drivers who prefer understated styling.
Both SUVs bring strong visual appeal, one with rugged confidence and the other with polished sophistication, making this category too close.
Result: Tie
Performance
The 2025 Chevy Traverse has a new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 315 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This gives it excellent acceleration and confident passing power. It also has an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifting.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers multiple engine options, including a 4-cylinder turbo and a hybrid. The base turbo engine makes 265 horsepower, which is solid, but doesn’t quite match the Traverse’s output. You’ll need to upgrade to the Hybrid Max trim to get more power, which adds a higher price tag.
The Traverse has the edge if you want strong, standard performance on Arkansas roads.
Winner: 2025 Chevy Traverse
Off-Roading
Both SUVs offer available all-wheel drive, but Chevy takes it up a notch with the Traverse Z71 trim, made for more adventurous drivers. It includes off-road-tuned suspension, twin-clutch AWD system, and hill descent control—perfect for dirt roads, hunting trips, or exploring Arkansas’s backwoods.
The Grand Highlander is more geared toward pavement and mild trails. It lacks an off-road-focused trim and doesn’t offer the same rugged features as the Traverse Z71.
The Traverse is your go-to if you enjoy the scenic route to the Ouachita Mountains or around Lake Maumelle.
Winner: 2025 Chevy Traverse
Interior
Both vehicles offer roomy three-row seating and plenty of space for families. The Traverse seats up to 8 passengers and includes best-in-class max cargo space, making it ideal for long road trips or hauling gear around Little Rock and Benton.
Both SUVs offer premium materials in upper trims, but the Traverse RS and High Country stand out with sporty accents and luxury touches like leather seats and ventilated front seating.
The Grand Highlander is comfortable but feels more traditional inside. It offers less third-row room, which may be necessary for growing families.
Winner: 2025 Chevy Traverse
Technology
Chevy has packed the 2025 Traverse with new tech features. Every trim includes a 17.7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving on certain highways.
Toyota offers a smaller 12.3-inch touchscreen and similar connectivity features. However, it doesn’t provide hands-free driving, and its tech interface is less intuitive than Chevy’s updated system.
Whether commuting in North Little Rock or heading out on vacation, the Traverse makes it easy to stay connected and entertained.
Winner: 2025 Chevy Traverse
Safety
Safety is a priority in both SUVs. The 2025 Chevy Traverse includes Chevy Safety Assist on all trims, featuring:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
Toyota also includes Toyota Safety Sense with similar features. Still, the Traverse goes further with available Rear Pedestrian Alert, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and HD Surround Vision for better visibility in tight parking lots or when backing out near busy roads in Sherwood.
Winner: 2025 Chevy Traverse
Our Pick: The 2025 Chevy Traverse
While the 2025 Chevy Traverse and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander are solid midsize SUVs, the Traverse offers more for your money. With better power, more off-road capability, advanced technology, and a bolder design, the Traverse is built for families, adventurers, and commuters.
Here in Little Rock, drivers want a vehicle that can handle everything from downtown traffic to weekend getaways in the Ozarks. The Traverse meets that challenge and then some.
Test Drive the 2025 Traverse at Crain Chevrolet of Little Rock
Ready to see the 2025 Chevy Traverse for yourself? Visit Crain Chevrolet of Little Rock and take one for a spin. We offer a wide selection of new Traverse models, competitive financing, and friendly service to drivers from Benton, North Little Rock, Bryant, and Central Arkansas.
Visit us today or schedule your test drive online.
Whether you’re in the market for a New Traverse or Pre-owned vehicle, Crain Chevrolet of Little Rock has the right fit.
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