2023 Highlander vs. 2023 Traverse In Ann Arbor, MI

2023 Highlander vs. 2023 Traverse in Ann Arbor, MI
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV from the legendary Japanese automaker that enjoys strong sales due to offering a compelling value proposition. Coupled with the formidable Toyota reliability, the current fourth-generation Highlander sees a major change in the powertrain department for the 2023 model year, as well as some interior tech upgrades.
The Chevrolet Traverse is the successor of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. The current second-generation Traverse debuted in 2018 with a significant facelift for the 2022 model year. It continues unchanged into 2023.
Here, we are comparing the Highlander vs. Traverse in terms of interior, performance, and safety features. If you’d like to see which one comes out on top, read on. In the meantime, why not call the team at Toyota of Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI, to discover more about the 2023 Highlander?


Interior Comparison
The 2023 Highlander offers a comfortable, spacious, and family-friendly interior with 141.3 cubic feet of space. Up to eight adults can be accommodated within the cabin. Higher trim levels also offer captain chair options for the second row. The 2023 Traverse, as a larger vehicle, is a tad more spacious with a total cabin volume of 157 cubic feet but isn’t quite as comfortable as the Highlander.
Both SUVs offer a long list of standard features, such as tri-zone automatic climate control, adjustable steering wheel, and cruise control. However, the 2023 Highlander also offers a powered driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ across the range, features which are optional on lower 2023 Traverse trims. Both models come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but the 2023 Highlander can be optioned with a larger 12.3-inch unit and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Performance Comparison
The 2023 Highlander comes with a downsized 2.4-liter turbocharged in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 265 horsepower, less than the 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 in the 2023 Traverse. Crucially, the Highlander’s engine produces 310 pound-feet of torque at just 1,700 rpm, while the Traverse can only muster up 266 pound-feet at a higher 2,800 rpm. This makes the Highlander much more drivable in lower-speed urban settings while retaining ample urge on the freeway.
The 2023 Highlander comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel-drive. An all-wheel-drive system can be optioned. The 2023 Traverse comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system. The 2023 Highlander also enjoys a tighter turning circle than the larger Traverse, improving maneuverability in tight spaces, as well as improved fuel economy from the downsized engine.
Safety Features Comparison
The 2023 Highlander and 2023 Traverse offer a comprehensive safety suite, including at least six airbags, stability control, daytime running lights, child safety locks, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Highlander is the clear winner here, as it’s scored an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety technologies that includes full-range radar adaptive cruise control.
Find the 2023 Highlander in Ann Arbor, MI
In this Toyota vs. Chevrolet comparison, it’s clear that the 2023 Highlander offers a compelling value proposition and one that the 2023 Traverse simply can't match up to. While it's slightly smaller and offers marginally less space, it more than makes up for these shortcomings with a long list of standard tech in the cabin. You can't ignore its superior safety features and systems, which earned it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
So, it’s time to visit Toyota of Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, MI, to check out the 2023 Highlander in person. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will gladly answer all your questions, arrange a test drive, and help you take home the new Highlander.