As a golfer who’s hauled clubs across countless courses, I’ve learned the value of a reliable SUV that can handle gear, passengers, and long drives with ease.
The Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Grand Highlander are two midsize SUVs that promise to elevate your golfing adventures, and this article aims to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
This guide dives into their features, performance, and practicality, tailored specifically for golfers looking to transport their gear and enjoy the ride to the fairway.
Comparison Table: Chevrolet Traverse Vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
| Feature | Chevrolet Traverse | Toyota Grand Highlander |
| Starting MSRP | $37,600 | $43,320 |
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder (328 hp) | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder (265 hp) or Hybrid MAX (362 hp) |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | 22.9 ft³ | 20.6 ft³ |
| Max Cargo Space (Seats Folded) | 97.6 ft³ | 97.6 ft³ |
| Front Legroom | 44.29 in | 41.7 in |
| Second-Row Legroom | 41.46 in | 39.5 in |
| Third-Row Legroom | 32.1 in | 33.5 in |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Infotainment Screen | 17.7-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 mpg (AWD) | 24 mpg (AWD, non-hybrid) |
My Journey With Midsize SUVs
Golf has always been my escape, and finding an SUV that can carry my clubs, cooler, and friends without hassle sparked my interest in vehicles like the Traverse and Grand Highlander. As a mid-handicap golfer who plays weekly, I need a spacious, comfortable ride for both local rounds and weekend golf trips.
To test these SUVs, I loaded them with golf bags, drove them to courses, and evaluated their performance on highways and winding roads.
Key Features Of Chevrolet Traverse
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is designed for families and adventure-seekers who prioritize space, power, and modern tech. Its rugged, truck-inspired aesthetic and roomy cabin make it ideal for golfers needing ample cargo and passenger space for group outings or family trips to the course.
- Specific Features:
- Cargo Space: With 22.9 ft³ behind the third row and up to 97.6 ft³ with seats folded, the Traverse easily fits multiple golf bags, carts, and coolers, leaving room for other gear. This was a game-changer during a trip where I packed four bags and extra luggage without folding the third row.
- Infotainment System: The 17.7-inch touchscreen, the largest in its class, integrates Google built-in for seamless navigation to remote courses. I found its interface intuitive for pulling up directions or syncing my phone for golf apps.
- Super Cruise: Chevy’s hands-free driving system, available on higher trims, allows stress-free highway driving to distant courses. It handled lane changes smoothly on a 200-mile trip, letting me relax before teeing off.
- Summary: The Traverse is best suited for golfers who value a spacious, tech-heavy SUV with robust performance for long drives and heavy loads.
Read more: My Thoughts on Porsche Taycan 4 Vs. 4S.
Key Features Of Toyota Grand Highlander
- Design Philosophy & Target User: The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander blends practicality with efficiency, targeting drivers who want a reliable, family-friendly SUV with a touch of premium flair. Its slightly smaller footprint compared to the Traverse appeals to golfers who prioritize maneuverability and fuel economy without sacrificing utility.
- Specific Features:
- Powertrain Options: The Grand Highlander offers a 265-hp turbo 4-cylinder, a 245-hp hybrid, or a 362-hp Hybrid MAX. The Hybrid MAX’s 400 lb-ft of torque provided surprising pep on a hilly course drive, outpacing the Traverse’s 326 lb-ft in responsiveness.
- Third-Row Comfort: With 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, it edges out the Traverse (32.1 inches), making it better for adult passengers on group golf trips. My taller friends appreciated the extra space during a four-hour drive.
- Safety Features: Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 includes advanced features like a driver’s side knee airbag and Traffic Jam Assist for hands-free driving under 25 mph. These gave me confidence navigating busy parking lots near crowded courses.
- Summary: The Grand Highlander is ideal for golfers who want a versatile, efficient SUV with strong safety features and a comfortable third row for group outings.
Pros Of Chevrolet Traverse
- Spacious Interior: The Traverse’s 44.29 inches of front legroom and 41.46 inches in the second row make it a haven for taller golfers. On a trip with three buddies, everyone had room to stretch, and we still fit four golf bags comfortably.
- Powerful Engine: The 328-hp 2.5L turbo engine delivers strong acceleration, making it easy to merge onto highways or tow a small trailer with golf carts. It felt effortless towing 4,000 lbs of gear to a resort course.
- Advanced Tech: The 17.7-inch touchscreen and available Super Cruise system elevate long drives. Navigating to a course 150 miles away was seamless, with Super Cruise reducing fatigue on the highway.
Cons Of Chevrolet Traverse
- Fuel Economy: At 22 mpg combined (AWD), the Traverse lags behind the Grand Highlander’s 24 mpg (non-hybrid AWD). This was noticeable on a 300-mile round trip, where I spent more on gas than expected.
- Width and Parking: The Traverse is wider than the Grand Highlander, making it trickier to park in tight course lots. I struggled to fit into a narrow spot near a clubhouse without multiple attempts.
- Base Model Sparsity: The base LS trim ($37,600) lacks features like wireless charging, which is standard on the Grand Highlander. For golfers wanting tech without upgrading, this feels limiting.
Pros Of Toyota Grand Highlander
- Fuel Efficiency: The non-hybrid Grand Highlander achieves 24 mpg combined (AWD), and the hybrid options are even better (up to 36 mpg). This saved me about $15 on a 400-mile golf trip compared to the Traverse.
- Maneuverability: Its slightly shorter length (201.4 inches vs. Traverse’s 204.5 inches) makes it easier to navigate crowded lots or city streets near urban courses. Parking at a downtown course was noticeably easier.
- Safety Features: Standard features like a driver’s knee airbag and automatic wipers add peace of mind. The Traffic Jam Assist was a lifesaver in stop-and-go traffic en route to a tournament.
Cons Of Toyota Grand Highlander
- Higher Starting Price: At $43,320, the Grand Highlander is pricier than the Traverse ($37,600). For budget-conscious golfers, this gap can sting, especially when basic features are comparable.
- Less Cargo Space Behind Third Row: With 20.6 ft³ behind the third row (vs. Traverse’s 22.9 ft³), fitting multiple golf bags without folding seats was tighter. I had to rearrange bags to fit a fourth one.
- Base Engine Power: The standard 265-hp engine feels underpowered compared to the Traverse’s 328 hp, especially on steep inclines. It struggled slightly with a full load on a hilly drive.
Analytical Breakdown: How They Compare On The Road And At The Course
- Brief Intro: To evaluate these SUVs for golfers, I tested both over a week, driving to three courses, loading them with gear, and assessing comfort, tech, and practicality.
- Cargo Space and Golf Gear Storage:
- The Traverse’s 22.9 ft³ behind the third row easily accommodated four golf bags, a cooler, and extra gear without folding seats. Its max cargo space (97.6 ft³) matched the Grand Highlander’s, but the extra 2.3 ft³ behind the third row made loading simpler for quick trips.
- The Grand Highlander’s 20.6 ft³ was sufficient for three bags and a cooler but required careful packing for a fourth bag. Folding the third row was necessary for larger loads, which wasn’t ideal for quick stops.
- Driving Comfort and Range:
- The Traverse’s plush seats and quiet cabin made long drives relaxing. Its 44.29 inches of front legroom suited my 6’2” frame, and the Super Cruise system on a 200-mile trip to a resort course felt like a luxury feature.
- The Grand Highlander’s seats were supportive, but its firmer ride was less forgiving on rough roads. The third-row legroom (33.5 inches) was a boon for passengers, and the hybrid’s 36 mpg stretched my fuel budget further.
- Maneuverability and Parking:
- The Grand Highlander’s shorter length and tighter turning radius made it easier to park in tight course lots. I navigated a packed clubhouse lot with ease, unlike the Traverse, which felt bulky in similar scenarios.
- The Traverse’s width (78.6 inches vs. Grand Highlander’s 78.3 inches) made tight parking spots challenging, especially when unloading gear near other cars.
- Towing and Power:
- Both SUVs tow up to 5,000 lbs, ideal for small trailers or golf carts. The Traverse’s 328-hp engine felt stronger towing a 4,000-lb load, while the Grand Highlander’s Hybrid MAX (362 hp) matched it in responsiveness but wasn’t standard.
- The Grand Highlander’s base 265-hp engine lagged on steep hills with a full load, requiring more planning for heavy trips.
- Price and Value:
- The Traverse’s lower starting price ($37,600 vs. $43,320) offers better value for golfers who don’t need hybrid efficiency. Its larger touchscreen and standard features like tri-zone climate control add appeal.
- The Grand Highlander’s higher price includes advanced safety features and optional hybrid powertrains, which justify the cost for efficiency-focused golfers but may not suit budget shoppers.
Who Should Choose Which SUV?
- Recommendation for Chevrolet Traverse: Ideal for golfers with mid-to-high handicaps who prioritize space and power. Its roomy cabin and strong engine suit those hauling multiple bags or towing gear for group trips, especially if budget is a concern.
- Recommendation for Toyota Grand Highlander: Best for low-to-mid handicap golfers who value fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Its hybrid options and advanced safety features appeal to those making frequent long drives or navigating urban courses.
Also read: My Thoughts on BMW X7 Vs. Cadillac Escalade.
My Real-World Experience
- Detailed Anecdote 1: On a trip to a coastal course, the Traverse’s cargo space shone. I loaded four golf bags, a cooler, and beach chairs without folding the third row, leaving room for three passengers. The Super Cruise system made the 150-mile highway drive effortless, letting me arrive refreshed for an 18-hole round.
- Detailed Anecdote 2: At a busy urban course, the Grand Highlander’s compact size and Traffic Jam Assist saved the day. Navigating a congested lot and stop-and-go traffic was stress-free, and the hybrid’s fuel efficiency meant I spent less on gas over a 400-mile weekend trip compared to the Traverse.
Why These SUVs Matter For Amateurs
- General Statement: Both the Traverse and Grand Highlander are designed for practical, family-oriented drivers, making them perfect for amateur golfers who need versatile vehicles for gear and group travel.
- Benefits for Amateurs: Their spacious interiors and towing capabilities cater to golfers who bring friends or family along, while features like large touchscreens and safety systems simplify trips to unfamiliar courses. The Traverse’s affordability and the Grand Highlander’s efficiency address common amateur priorities like budget and fuel costs.
- Reiteration of Choice: The choice hinges on whether you prioritize space and power (Traverse) or efficiency and agility (Grand Highlander), ensuring every golfer finds a fit for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
Who Should Use The Chevrolet Traverse?
Golfers needing maximum cargo space and power for group trips or towing, especially those on a budget.
Who Should Use The Toyota Grand Highlander?
Golfers who prioritize fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and advanced safety features for frequent or urban drives.
What Is The Cargo Capacity Of The Chevrolet Traverse?
It offers 22.9 ft³ behind the third row and up to 97.6 ft³ with seats folded.
What Is The Cargo Capacity Of The Toyota Grand Highlander?
It provides 20.6 ft³ behind the third row and up to 97.6 ft³ with seats folded.
What Is The Best Midsize SUV For High-Handicap Golfers?
The Chevrolet Traverse, with its spacious interior and lower price, is ideal for high-handicap golfers needing room for gear and friends.
Do Pros Use The Chevrolet Traverse Or Toyota Grand Highlander?
While pros may not specifically use these SUVs, their spacious designs and tech features align with the needs of golfers who travel with gear and passengers, similar to what pros require.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Grand Highlander both excel as golfer-friendly SUVs, but they cater to different priorities. The Traverse offers unmatched space and power at a lower price, while the Grand Highlander shines with efficiency and maneuverability, making it a close call depending on your golfing lifestyle.
