2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country FWD: A Smarter, Sleeker, and More Capable Family Hauler

Another volleyball tournament means another chance to put the all-new 2025 Chevrolet Traverse to the test. This time, I was behind the wheel of the High-Country FWD trim—the most upscale Traverse yet—and even though it doesn't boast neck-snapping acceleration, it proved to be a pleasure to drive.

Getting up to highway speed takes a bit of patience. Still, once you're cruising, the Traverse settles in like a little brother to the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe—just in a smarter, tighter package.

Daryl Killian

Honestly, it made me question who really needs the Tahoe's excess girth. The Traverse offers three usable rows of seating in a far more manageable footprint, making it ideal for urban families and weekend warriors alike.

Daryl Killian

Daryl Killian

On this three-hour road trip, the real MVP was Super Cruise. GM's hands-free driving technology—now with automatic lane change—made the journey effortless. I'll admit, my wife and daughter were skeptical when the Traverse "took over," but GM clearly accounted for the nervous passengers in their design.

Daryl Killian

The Traverse anticipated my desire to pass when I approached a slower car. It checked the sides and rear, vibrated the left side of my seat, signaled left, and changed lanes—all without my input. Even more impressive, it automatically moved back to the right lane after the pass, again with a seat vibration and proper signaling.

At first, it was borderline creepy. But before long, I leaned into the assistance. It wasn't just a gimmick—it was helpful and surprisingly confidence-inspiring.

There was plenty of space behind the third row for our cooler and luggage, and since we didn't have a full roster of passengers, we folded the plane down for even more cargo room. Truthfully, I felt like we weren't even doing the Traverse justice—we didn't need half of what it offered, and that's saying something.

Daryl Killian

Daryl Killian

Daryl Killian

Daryl Killian

The upscale look of the light interior with blue trim turned heads and gave off premium vibes. But let's be real: it's not the most practical choice for a family with kids and sports gear. That said, Chevrolet clearly wants in on the premium import game, and the cabin quality, technology, and thoughtful features make a strong case.

Daryl Killian

From safety to convenience, the 2025 Traverse High Country FWD is loaded. Ventilated front seats, walk-up lighting animations, 22-inch wheels, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a full suite of trailering equipment are all available—sometimes even standard, depending on trim. And with options like the Enhanced Driving Package, Convenience Package, and Driver Confidence Package, Chevy isn't playing catch-up anymore. They're taking the lead.

Daryl Killian

Daryl Killian

2025 Chevrolet Traverse Buyer's Guide

Trim Tested:
• High Country FWD — As tested MSRP: $54,995
The most premium Traverse trim to date, combining luxury, technology, and thoughtful design with family utility.

Standard Features – High Country FWD

Exterior:
• High Country liftgate badging with chrome accents
• Exclusive 22-inch high-gloss black machined-face aluminum wheels
• LED headlamps with automatic high beams
• Hands-free power liftgate with emblem projection
• Panoramic power sunroof Chrome roof rails

Daryl Killian

Interior:
• Leather-appointed seating surfaces
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row captain's chairs
• Power-folding third-row seats
• Ambient interior lighting
• Sky Cool Gray or Jet-Black interior color options

Technology:
• 17.7-inch diagonal advanced color touchscreen display
• 11-inch diagonal driver information center
• Bose premium 10-speaker audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Built-in Google compatibility
• Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology

Daryl Killian

Safety and Driver Assistance:
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• HD Surround Vision
• Rear Pedestrian Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Safety Alert Seat

Performance and Capability:
• 2.5L turbocharged inline-four engine (328 hp / 326 lb-ft)
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Front-Wheel Drive
• Trailering equipment with Hitch Guidance and Hitch View
• Drive Mode Selector

Daryl Killian

Recommended Options:
• Sun and Wheel Package
• Enhanced Driving Package (includes Super Cruise)
• Driver Confidence Package

What We Loved:
• Super Cruise with intuitive lane change
• Three rows of usable space
• Upscale interior and premium finishes
• Practical cargo area with power-folding third row

What Gave Us Pause:
• Modest acceleration
• Light-colored interior not ideal for messy kids or sports families
• Some premium features locked behind top trims

Final Thoughts
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country FWD hits a sweet spot for families that want premium features without the bulk of a full-size SUV. It's a bold statement from Chevrolet that they're not just here to compete—they're here to lead.