Chevrolet Traverse vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse and Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Traverse and the Subaru Outback.
In comparing the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Chevrolet Traverse.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Traverse loses 51.9 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 8.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 7.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 28 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 11 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 7.5 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Outback has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Traverse, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
42818 - 61092
Starting MSRP:
40800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
34995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50800
Price Range:
40548 - 60544
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Traverse
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.105
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 56Ranking
58 out of / 67Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, LT, RS, Z71
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Limited, Limited XT, Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
34.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4504 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
204.5 inches
Wheelbase:
121 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3741 lbs
Width:
82.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
191.7 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Polar White Tricoat / Summit White
Beige
Not available
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Green
Deep Emerald Green Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black / Jet Black/Gideon
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Titanium Gray
