2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Chevy Traverse

The compact crossover SUV has been a wildly popular vehicle class for decades. And with all that it has to offer consumers, it's not hard to see why. Its generous amount of space is perfect for families, its stylish look is great for capturing the attention of onlookers, and its high-end technology keeps passengers both safe and well-connected while on the road.
So, we decided to pit two of the latest of these vehicles, from two of the most well-known auto manufacturers against each to see which comes out on top. This is the 2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Chevy Traverse. Keep reading to how they fare against each other and which is the best choice for you.
Interior Design
An interior layout sets the tone for the driving experience. As a result, it is a critical consideration when contemplating a new vehicle purchase. Let's see how the Subaru Forester and Chevy Traverse fare against each other in this category.
2025 Subaru Forester
The cabin of the Subaru Forester instantly stands out with its unique and elegant design. This becomes apparent on the door panels, which offer a two-tone coloration with its blend of hard and soft-touch materials. These simple yet upscale design elements lend a sense of refinement to the Forester's interior. The Forester also comes with heated seats, several USB ports, and even wireless charging.
2025 Chevy Traverse
One of the best aspects of the Traverse's interior design is its spacious 3-row layout. But more than that, because this is a new model, the Traverse boasts all the latest and greatest features in terms of both tech and design. Some of the other cabin materials include a leatherette trim across the mid-section of the door panels with soft-touch plastic running along the top, red accents, stylish ambient lights, and more.
Stylish Exterior
Everyone wants a vehicle that can turn heads. However, vehicles that can do it without coming across as pretentious can be more challenging than you initially anticipated. Let's see how the Forester and Traverse stack up when it comes to exterior design.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester delivers a familiar shape from previous models. However, you start to see the changes for the 2025 model year with its all-new, refreshed front fascia. This includes a full LED front setup, such as LED daytime running lamps, project beam headlights, and fog lamps. The Forester also combines style with functionality with its elegant gloss-black grille.
2025 Chevy Traverse
At a glance, the first thing you'll notice about the Chevy Traverse is its handsome design. It comes with a full blacked-out front grille with the signature Chevy bowtie emblem, an LED setup, a rear spoiler and exposed wiper, and so much more. As a whole, the exterior design of the Chevy Traverse offers a very modern, stylish, and refreshed look that makes it stand out within the segment. The Traverse also comes with standard 18-inch alloy wheels that contribute to its elevated and aggressive look.
Power and Performance
Let's talk about power and performance. This is an all-important category you should absolutely consider when choosing which vehicle to put your hard-earned money toward. Let's see how the Traverse and Forester measure up regarding their performance capabilities.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine. It produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, it has a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. While it may not have the most robust performance, the Forester has a decent fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. As a result, the Forester more than makes up a high-octane performance with its excellent fuel economy figures.
2025 Chevy Traverse
When it comes to power and performance, the 2025 Chevy Traverse is a powerhouse on wheels. It retains a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. And the result is an output of 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This kind of potent performance is quite exceptional for this segment. Moreover, the overall ride quality of the Traverse is one of comfort and convenience. Its high-octane performance is coupled with a smooth and responsive handling that inspires driver confidence while on the road.
Technology and Connectivity
Are you an automotive tech aficionado? If so, you'll be pleasantly surprised and delighted by the advanced technology that the Forester and Traverse provide. However, let's see which model rises as the more tech-savvy compact SUV.
2025 Subaru Forester
Technology abounds in the 2025 Subaru Forester. It comes fully loaded with an 11.6-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen, a Harmon/Karmon sound system, a high-resolution backup camera, voice activated controls for navigation and radio, over-the-air audio system update, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more.
2025 Chevy Traverse
The Traverse comes with more than a stylish exterior and powerful performance. It also delivers on technology as well. As a result, it stands as a full package SUV without compromise. Some of its tech attributes include a Bose premium 10-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 17.7-inch diagonal LCD display, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and more. Additionally, the Chevy Traverse also comes equipped with numerous safety and driver-assistance features such as side bicyclist alert, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and more.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the Forester or the Traverse, you'll enjoy an exceptional subcompact crossover SUV that can go the distance for you and your family. But making these kinds of decisions can be challenging. After all, a vehicle will be the most expensive purchase most people will make outside of their homes. For this reason, we at Granite Subaru can help.
Our team of automotive experts has the knowledge and experience to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through the vehicle-buying process. So, if you're ready to get your dream vehicle, contact us today to learn more!