Chevy Traverse vs Honda Pilot: 2027 Traverse vs 2026 Pilot Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot are three-row family SUVs with off-road trims and 5,000-lb towing, but they take different approaches under the hood and inside. Here is the 2027 Traverse against the 2026 Pilot, the newest Pilot Honda has priced, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The 2027 Traverse starts $1,295 lower ($41,100 vs $42,395), makes more power (328 vs 285 hp), has more cargo space (98 vs 87.0 cu ft maximum), tows 5,000 lbs even with FWD, and offers a 17.7-inch touchscreen and Super Cruise hands-free driving. The 2026 Pilot seats eight on most trims, has slightly more third-row legroom (32.5 vs 32.1 in.), more ground clearance and a V6. Fuel economy is a tie: 22 mpg combined with 2WD and 21 with AWD.
Shop the Traverse at Emich Chevrolet
New 2027 Traverse LT and Z71 models on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing.
The Matchup: Turbo Power and Cargo vs Eight Seats and a V6
Honda refreshed the Pilot for 2026, and the 2026 is the newest Pilot Honda has priced; Honda has not published 2027 pricing or specs. The 2027 Traverse is on sale now.
The Pilot uses a 285-hp 3.5L V6 with a 10-speed automatic, and AWD costs $2,100 on the Sport and EX-L and is standard on the rest. The Traverse uses a 328-hp 2.5L turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic, and AWD costs $2,000.
The Traverse is 4.3 inches longer (204.4 vs 200.1 in.) and holds more: 22.9 vs 18.6 cu ft behind the third row, 56.6 vs 48.5 behind the second and 98 vs 87.0 maximum, using Honda’s standard cargo figures. The Pilot seats eight on every trim but the TrailSport, and its third row has 32.5 inches of legroom vs 32.1.
Traverse vs Pilot Specs
| Spec | 2027 Chevy Traverse | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $41,100 (LT FWD); $43,100 with AWD; $1,995 destination | $42,395 (Sport 2WD); $44,495 with AWD; $1,595 destination |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl (328 hp / 326 lb-ft) | 3.5L V6 (285 hp / 262 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| AWD | +$2,000 on LT, RS and High Country; Z71 AWD only | +$2,100 on Sport and EX-L; standard on TrailSport and up |
| Best EPA combined | 22 mpg (FWD); 21 mpg AWD | 22 mpg (2WD); 21 mpg AWD |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs (FWD or AWD) | 5,000 lbs (AWD); 3,500 lbs (2WD); accessory towing equipment required |
| Seating | 7 standard; 8 available (LT) | 8 (TrailSport 7) |
| 2nd-row legroom | 41.5 in. | 40.8 in. |
| 3rd-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 32.5 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 22.9 cu ft | 18.6 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 56.6 cu ft | 48.5 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 98 cu ft (97.6 in Build & Price) | 87.0 cu ft |
| Length | 204.4 in. | 200.1 in. |
| Ground clearance | 6.77 in. (Z71 7.76 in.) | 7.3 in. (TrailSport 8.3 in.) |
| Center screen | 17.7 in. | 12.3 in. |
| Hands-free driving | Super Cruise (standard on RS and High Country; available on LT and Z71) | Not offered (Honda does not describe Traffic Jam Assist as hands-free) |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2027 Traverse); Honda’s 2026 Pilot pricing, EPA and specifications releases; fueleconomy.gov. Pilot cargo figures are Honda’s standard SAE measurements. Bold marks the better figure. Chevrolet calls the Traverse’s 98 cu ft best in class, based on its latest available competitive data.
By the Numbers
Max cargo (behind 1st row)
Horsepower
Starting price
MSRP in dollars, excluding destination. Lower is better.
Off-Road Trims: Z71 vs TrailSport
The Pilot TrailSport ($50,595) has i-VTM4 AWD with Trail Torque Logic, a raised off-road suspension, steel skid plates, all-terrain tires, a full-size spare and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, and it seats seven. The Traverse Z71 ($49,400) costs $1,195 less and has twin-clutch AWD, Hill Descent Control, an off-road suspension, a skid plate, all-terrain tires and 7.76 inches of clearance.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Traverse if you want
- A lower starting price
- More horsepower
- More cargo space in every row
- 5,000-lb towing even with FWD
- A 17.7-inch touchscreen and Super Cruise hands-free driving
Choose the Honda Pilot if you want
- Eight seats on most trims
- A V6 engine
- A little more third-row legroom
- More ground clearance and the TrailSport
- A head-up display on the Elite and Black Edition
Interior and Technology
Every Traverse has a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver display with Google built-in (service plan required) and the available Google Gemini assistant. Every 2026 Pilot has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital cluster with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Elite and Black Edition add a head-up display.
Honda Sensing is standard on the Pilot, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, but it is not hands-free. The Traverse offers Super Cruise, standard on the RS and High Country. NHTSA rates the 2026 Pilot and the 2026 Traverse five stars overall, and the 2026 Pilot and the 2026 Traverse (under IIHS’s 2025 criteria) are both IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK winners. NHTSA has not yet rated the 2027 Traverse, and IIHS shows no award for it yet.
The Bottom Line
If you want eight seats on most trims, a V6 or the TrailSport’s extra clearance, the Pilot is a capable choice. The Traverse costs less, has more power and cargo space, tows 5,000 lbs even with FWD, and adds a bigger screen and Super Cruise.
More Comparisons
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Traverse vs Pilot FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Traverse or the Pilot?
The 2027 Traverse starts at $41,100 with FWD and $43,100 with AWD. The 2026 Pilot starts at $42,395 with 2WD and $44,495 with AWD. Destination is $1,995 for Chevrolet and $1,595 for Honda.
Which has more cargo space?
The Traverse: 22.9 vs 18.6 cu ft behind the third row, 56.6 vs 48.5 behind the second and 98 vs 87.0 maximum, using Honda’s standard figures.
How many seats do the Traverse and Pilot have?
The Pilot seats eight on every trim except the TrailSport, which seats seven. The Traverse seats seven, or eight on the LT with the second-row bench.
Which tows more?
Both tow up to 5,000 lbs. Every Traverse is rated 5,000 lbs, including FWD models; the Pilot is rated 5,000 lbs with AWD and 3,500 lbs with 2WD, and needs accessory towing equipment.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2027 Traverse page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, GM News, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA and IIHS for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Super Cruise and other hands-free systems require an active plan or trial and work only on compatible roads; always pay attention to the road. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.