2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2025 Honda Pilot

The Traverse spans 328 horsepower and 4 mapped trim positions; the Pilot spans 285 horsepower and 6. The better fit depends on the exact powertrain, drivetrain and equipment path. This comparison weighs powertrain range, drivetrain, trim structure, capability, seating & cargo, using each vehicle's own verified manufacturer and EPA-sourced facts instead of a single averaged rating. The Traverse carries 4 mapped trim positions and 3 linked sources; the Pilot carries 6 and 3, so either side can be verified against its own primary record instead of taken on this page's summary alone. Configuration, not badge name, decides which one actually fits. Check the exact trim and powertrain before treating either vehicle's specification as settled.

Checked Aug. 17, 2026United States specifications6 linked sources

Decision fieldChevrolet TraverseHonda Pilot

Power328 hp285 hp

DrivetrainFWD / AWDFWD / AWD

Trim map4 published positions6 published positions

Seating7 or 87 or 8

Powertrain contextPowertrain: 2.5L turbo four-cylinder · Output: 328 hpPowertrain: 3.5L V6 · Output: 285 hp

Towing contextThe most the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is published to tow is 5,000 lb.The most the 2025 Honda Pilot is published to tow is up to 5,000 lb.

Ranges and maximums describe family-level possibilities. Open each vehicle record before treating a number or feature as applicable to a particular trim.

What separates them

Four decisions that change the answer.

This comparison does not force a universal winner. It identifies the configuration question that matters for each use case.

Powertrain range

Traverse: Powertrain 2.5L turbo four-cylinder; Output 328 hp. Pilot: Powertrain 3.5L V6; Output 285 hp.

Drivetrain

The Traverse is represented with FWD / AWD; the Pilot with FWD / AWD. Standard status must be checked by trim.

Trim structure

The Traverse comes in 4 trims and the Pilot in 6. Package combinations can create additional builds.

Capability

The most the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is published to tow is 5,000 lb. The most the 2025 Honda Pilot is published to tow is up to 5,000 lb.

Seating & cargo

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse seats 7 or 8 (three-row SUV). The 2025 Honda Pilot seats 7 or 8 (three-row SUV).

Model-year note: the Chevrolet Traverse figures below come from EPA's 2027 records, the nearest model year EPA lists for it; the Honda Pilot figures below come from EPA's 2026 records, the nearest model year EPA lists for it.

Side-by-side matrix

The published fields that can change the decision.

Chevrolet Traverse: 2 records · Honda Pilot: 4 records.

Decision field	Chevrolet Traverse	Honda Pilot
Exact EPA records	2	4
Model / option labels	2	4
Drive layouts	All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Engines / propulsion	2.5L 4-cyl SIDI	3.5L 6-cyl SIDI
Transmissions	Automatic 8-spd	Automatic (S10)
Fuel types	Regular	Regular
EPA classes	Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD	Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Combined efficiency	21–22 MPG/MPGe	20–22 MPG/MPGe
Electric range	Not listed	Not listed
Annual fuel / energy estimate	$2950–3100 per year	$2950–3250 per year

Head to head

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Honda Pilot: size, power, capability and price.

Measure	Chevrolet Traverse	Honda Pilot
Starting price (KBB base)	$42,795	$43,690
Top trim price (KBB base)	$60,095	$56,490
Horsepower	328 hp	285 hp
Torque	326 lb-ft	262 lb-ft
Curb weight	n/a	4,513-4,722 lb
Length	204.5-204.7 in	199.9-200.4 in
Wheelbase	121 in	113.8 in
Cargo volume	97.6 cu ft	111.8-113.7 cu ft
Towing capacity	5,000 lb	5,000 lb
Seating	7-8 seats	7-8 seats
Basic warranty	3 years	3 years

Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2027 and 2026 model years); prices are KBB base prices.

The Chevrolet Traverse starts $895 lower: $42,795 against $43,690 before options and fees.
On peak horsepower, the Chevrolet Traverse leads: 328 hp against 285 hp.
On peak torque, the Chevrolet Traverse leads: 326 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft.
On length, the Chevrolet Traverse leads: 204.7 in against 200.4 in.
On wheelbase, the Chevrolet Traverse leads: 121 in against 113.8 in.
On cargo volume, the Honda Pilot leads: 113.7 cu ft against 97.6 cu ft.
Both list the same maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lb.
Both list the same seating capacity: 8 seats.
Both list the same basic warranty: 3 years.

Background on each vehicle

What public sources say about the Chevrolet Traverse and the Honda Pilot.

2027 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV with three-row seating built by General Motors produced since the 2009 model year. It is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, known as the Lambda platform for the first generation, and the C1XX for the second generation. It also shares the C1XX platform with the Cadillac XT6.

Source: Chevrolet Traverse (Wikipedia)

NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)

February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Owners filed 177 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, most often about service brakes (112), forward collision avoidance (61), electrical system (45).

2026 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002 for the 2003 model year. Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. As of 2025, the Pilot is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario, until April 2007.

Source: Honda Pilot (Wikipedia)

NHTSA rated the 2025 Honda Pilot overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (8 campaigns across the latest model years)

July 2026, Suspension:Rear. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2026 Pilot and Passport vehicles. The rear subframe bolts may have been tightened improperly. Consequence: Loose rear subframe bolts can lead to a loss of vehicle stability or rear subframe detachment, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
January 2026, Seats:Critical Fasteners. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, and 2024 HR-V, Pilot, and Acura Integra vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in a loose seat. As such, these… Consequence: A loose driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
June 2025, Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles… Consequence: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Owners filed 201 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Honda Pilot, most often about forward collision avoidance (55), electrical system (43), steering (38).

Comparison answer desk

12 answers for this exact pairing.

Q01Which is more efficient: the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse or the 2026 Honda Pilot?

Efficiency

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (21.5 vs. the 2026 Honda Pilot's 21 MPG/MPGe).