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Bravo Honda invites SUV shoppers to consider our Honda Pilot vs. Chevy Traverse comparison to help determine which of these three-row SUV models is the right choice as a next family vehicle. By comparing the Chevrolet Traverse vs. Honda Pilot, you can find out how these two stalwarts of the midsize three-row crossover SUV segment fare against one another.
Whether shopping for a 2025 or 2024 Honda Pilot or the Chevy Traverse, you'll want to know how these two SUVs stack up in key areas. That's why we're comparing the Honda Pilot vs. Chevy Traverse in terms of specs, dimensions, and features.
After reviewing all the details, including how the 2025 Honda Pilot towing capacity and cargo space compares to the Chevy Traverse, you can make an informed buying or leasing decision. The Bravo Honda team is here to help you discover the pros and cons of these three-row SUV models.
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| 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition | 2025 Chevy Traverse Z71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 285 | 328 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. AWD MPG (Cty / Hwy / Cmb) | 19 / 25 / 211 | 19 / 24 / 212 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
| Cargo Capacity (Min / Max, SAE Plus) | 22.4 / 112.1 cu ft | 22.9 / 97.6 cu ft |
| AWD Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Length | 199.9 in | 204.7 in |
Power, capability, and versatility come standard with the new Honda Pilot SUV, thanks to its robust Honda V-6 engine, generous interior space, and impressive towing capacity. The same cannot be necessarily said about the Traverse, as this model trails the Honda Pilot in several key specs.
A 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine powers the new Honda Pilot, presenting confident performance through a 10-speed automatic transmission, two-wheel drive, or available all-wheel drive. With this potent powertrain setup, the Honda Pilot can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. AWD models achieve a 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.
Even with its stellar power output and max tow rating, the new Honda Pilot earns up to an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 rating with its all-wheel drivetrain. The Chevy Traverse nearly matches the Honda Pilot MPG figures but comes up short, returning an EPA-estimated 19/24/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 when using its available AWD.
As you can see in the above chart, the 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder of the Traverse offers some extra power. However, despite its higher output compared to the Honda Pilot and its 3.5-liter V-6, the Traverse SUV is an even match for the Pilot in terms of real-world specs, like its towing capacity.
Both the Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped, making each midsize SUV a valuable travel companion with AWD functionality. As long as the model you choose has the right trailering equipment, you can enjoy drives with small utility trailers, small vehicle carriers, tow dollies, and much more!
If you're after excellent towing capacity and fuel efficiency in a spacious and versatile new three-row SUV, you'll want to tour and test-drive a new Pilot at your local Honda dealer. Now, let's look at the size and dimensions of the Honda Pilot and learn how they compare to the Chevy Traverse SUV.
The Chevy Traverse is longer than the Honda Pilot, at a max of 204.7 inches long compared to 199.9 inches (or up to 200.2 inches on certain trims). The Pilot vs. Traverse size difference helps the Honda SUV feel more maneuverable when parking and navigating tight spots. These midsize SUVs are nearly identical in width, translating to plenty of shoulder and hip room inside their cabins.
With its 158.4 cubic feet of EPA interior volume, the Honda Pilot is a roomy and inviting vehicle. Its three-row interior accommodates up to eight occupants, similar to the Chevy Traverse. Third-row seating in the Honda Pilot offers 32.5 inches of legroom, which compares favorably to the same row in the Traverse, which provides only 32.1 inches.
The Honda Pilot cargo space comes ahead of the Chevy Traverse when measured with SAE Plus regulations. The smaller Pilot SUV makes excellent use of space inside its three-row, eight-passenger interior. With seating folded, it provides 22.4 cubic feet for cargo behind the back row or up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume within its Trailsport trim level.
The larger Chevy Traverse offers 22.9 cubic feet of cargo behind its third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet behind the front row. Despite offering less cargo space, the Traverse remains less nimble and controllable than the smaller Pilot. Up to 8.3 inches of ride height on the Pilot TrailSport trim enhances your ability to explore nature, while the Traverse provides just 7.7 inches on its Z71 variant.
When you shop for a new vehicle at Bravo Honda, you will likely find a three-row SUV for sale boasting advanced interior features and safety systems. The 2025 Honda Pilot is equipped with an advanced safety suite called Honda Sensing, which brings the following technologies to your drive:
Like the Honda Pilot, the Chevy Traverse also gets a standard suite of safety technologies. The Chevy Safety Assist package on the new Traverse includes features like:
When considering Honda Pilot vs. Chevy Traverse reliability, many may find the Chevy Traverse SUV's safety suite less generous than the Pilot SUV's Honda Sensing package. For example, the Chevy Traverse requires you to purchase an additional package to get Driver Attention Assist on its baseline LT trim, while the Honda Pilot has Driver Attention technology standard on all levels.
The 2025 and 2024 Honda Pilot SUVs for sale also offer Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock, a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, and a 12-speaker Bose® audio system – two features unavailable on the 2025 Traverse, and two more speakers than the Chevy SUV has access to. By choosing one of our Honda Pilot lease specials, you're unlocking incredible technology and value for your daily commute.
If you've compared the Chevy Traverse vs. Honda Pilot and prefer the Honda model like many other drivers and families, the next step is to schedule a test drive to explore the Pilot SUV further. We welcome you to shop our new Honda vehicles online, book a test drive, and apply for Honda financing.
If you're looking for cars similar to Chevy Traverse trims, see our inventory. For example, if you prefer a compact drive instead of the massive midsize Chevy SUV, a new Honda CR-V is a must-tour model.
The Honda Pilot is not bigger than the Chevy Traverse, with the Honda SUV having a max of 200.2 inches of length vs. the available 204.7 inches of the Chevy option. This makes the Pilot more maneuverable in urban areas, outdoor excursions, and traffic. The Honda vehicle also has better SAE Plus cargo capacity and exceptional passenger space, making it competitive with the Traverse while staying nimble.
Every Honda Pilot model comes with Active Noise Cancellation, designed to insulate the driver and passengers from the sounds of the 285-horsepower V-6 under the hood. If you want the same feature from the Chevy Traverse, you'll need to fish for it: Active Noise Cancellation is only standard on the Traverse High Country and RS, though you'll have some driveline softening on each trim.
The Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse have comparable MPG ratings for FWD and AWD. If your goal is to maximize handling, the better vehicle for eco-friendliness is the Honda Pilot with AWD, which offers 25 MPG (Highway)1 compared to the 24 MPG (Highway)2 of the Traverse with AWD. While the differences are minor, the Pilot ensures you squeeze every drop of fuel from each refill.
While the Chevy Traverse has yet to reveal its overall passenger space, the Honda Pilot provides over 158 cubic feet for your friends and family. This includes spacious front and second-row legroom specs at 41 and 40.8 inches, respectively, as well as more third-row legroom, shoulder room, and headroom than the Traverse. The Pilot is a cozy drive for all eight passengers.
1Based on 2025 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.
2EPA-estimated 19 city/24 hwy 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder.
3Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
4Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.