2025 Chevy Traverse Vs. 2025 Honda Pilot: Midsize SUV Comparison
Here, we compare the Chevy Traverse vs. Honda Pilot, two three-row SUVs with excellent cabin appointments and creature comforts. But which is the better model? We think we have the answer: the Traverse. When you're ready to see it yourself, contact our Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland team.
2025 Honda Pilot vs. 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Summary
- Specs & Performance: The Chevy Traverse is more powerful than the Honda Pilot.
- Towing Capabilities: The Chevrolet Traverse has a consistent 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the Pilot requires a higher-level trim to jump from a 3,500-pound rating to a 5,000-pound rating.1
- Fuel Economy: The Chevy Traverse gets better EPA estimates than the Pilot in every configuration.
- Interior & Technology: The Traverse has better standard appointments than the Pilot.
- Size & Cargo Space: The Traverse is longer and wider than the Pilot, and it has more cubic footage of cargo volume in every area.
- Safety & Reliability: The Traverse and Pilot are evenly paced in safety and reliability with the same scores and long lifespan.
Specs & Performance
Summary
The Traverse is much more powerful than the Honda Pilot despite its smaller engine displacement. It operates with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, while the Pilot uses a V-6 that caps out at 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
- 2025 Chevy Traverse: The Traverse is equipped with standard front-wheel drive, and has available all-wheel drive. However, every configuration comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that creates 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque.
- 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, but every model is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. No matter the trim, the Honda Pilot makes 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
Towing Capabilities
Summary
The Chevy Traverse beats the competition with a 5,000-pound towing capacity across the lineup.1 The Pilot, meanwhile, begins with a 3,500-pound towing capacity,2 requiring a higher-tier trim to unlock its 5,000-pound towing capability.2
- 2025 Chevy Traverse: Every Chevy Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot starts with a 3,500-pound towing capacity when properly equipped, but higher-level models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.1
Fuel Economy
Summary
In our Chevy Traverse vs. Honda Pilot comparison, the Chevrolet Traverse is more fuel-efficient than the Honda Pilot in every configuration.
- 2025 Chevy Traverse: Every Chevrolet Traverse gets an EPA-estimated 20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
- 2025 Honda Pilot: Honda Pilot FWD models get an EPA-estimated 19/27/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4 Models with AWD get an EPA-estimated 19/25/21 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
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| 2025 Chevy Traverse | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbo | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 328 | 285 |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain |
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| 0–60 MPH | 7.3 s5 | 7.2 s6 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | 20 / 27 / 233 |
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| Fuel Tank Size | 19.4 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Length / Width / Height | 204.5 / 79.6 / 69.6 in | 199.9 / 78.5 / 71 in |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| Curb Weight | 4,504 lbs |
|
| Cargo Space (Behind Third / Second / Max) | 22.9 / 56.6 / 97.6 cu ft | 18.6 / 48.5 / 87 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs1 |
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| Standard Interior Features |
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| Standard Exterior Features |
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| Factory Warranty |
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| NHTSA Rating | 5 stars10 | 5 stars10 |
| IIHS Rating | Top Safety Pick11 | Top Safety Pick12 |
| 2026 Chevy Traverse | Used Honda Pilot |
Interior & Technology
Summary
The Chevy Traverse interior is adorned with more standard appointments than the Pilot, like a wireless phone charger and an 11-inch Driver Information Center. Some similar features can be found on the Pilot, but only on higher-tier trim levels.
- 2025 Chevy Traverse: The Traverse is replete with high-end standard appointments, including wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system. Pair these amenities with our Chevy Traverse lease deals for the best value.
- 2025 Honda Pilot – The Pilot comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen, and heated front seats.
Size & Cargo Space
Summary
The Traverse is longer and wider than the Pilot, but the Pilot is a bit taller. You'll also find more cargo volume in the Chevy Traverse than the Honda Pilot.
- 2025 Chevy Traverse: The Traverse measures 204.5 inches long, 79.6 inches wide, and 69.6 inches tall. It also has offers up to 97.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.
- 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and 71 inches tall. It also offers up to 87 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Safety & Reliability
Summary
Regarding Chevy Traverse vs. Honda Pilot safety and reliability, the Pilot and Traverse are evenly matched with five-star Overall Safety10 ratings and Top Safety Pick honors by the IIHS.11,12 Both can last 200,000 miles or more before retirement and come with plenty of advanced driver aids.
- 2025 Chevy Traverse: The new Chevrolet Traverse for sale can last more than 200,000 miles and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.11 It also has a five-star Overall Safety rating by the NHTSA.10
- 2025 Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot is a 2025 Top Safety Pick12 and has a five-star Overall Safety rating10 by the NHTSA. It can also last more than 200,000 miles before getting permanently retired.
Chevy TraversePros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent exterior dimensions
- Ample cargo volume
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- Dimensions may be challenging in tight spaces
- Leisurely acceleration time
- Large gas tank
Honda Pilot Pros & Cons
Pros
- Safe ride
- Well-equipped cabin
- Ample warranty coverage
Cons
- Limited cargo volume compared to Traverse
- Lackluster performance specs
- Limited standard towing capacity
Conclusion
Choose the Traverse if you're looking to maximize the benefits of your vehicle purchase.
Choose the Honda Pilot if you're willing to settle on specs and capability.
FAQ
Which has more space: the Chevy Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
The Chevrolet Traverse has more space than the Honda Pilot. Behind the third row, the Traverse houses 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space and 56.6 with the third row folded; the Honda Pilot only offers 18.6 cubic feet and 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Finally, the Traverse has 97.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume; the Pilot offers only 87 cubic feet.
Which is a better family car: the Chevy Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
The better family car for you and yours depends on what you're looking for. However, we will say that the Traverse is the more connected and convenient model. It offers a larger Driver Information Center and premium cloth seating standard, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Honda Pilot struggles to keep pace, requiring drivers to shell out for a higher trim to garner similar benefits.
Which can tow more: the Chevy Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
Both the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, the Traverse has this towing capacity across the lineup, while the Honda Pilot starts out with a 3,500-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. That means you get better capability with the Traverse at a more accessible price. Our Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland specialists can help you learn more about costs.
Chevy Traverse Testimonials & Reviews:
1Before 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.
2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3EPA-estimated 20 city/27 hwy 2.5-liter Turbo engine.
4Based on 2026 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.
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/traverse
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/pilot
7Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
8Roadside Assistance services provided by third-party providers for vehicles with an eligible service plan, subject to limitations and restrictions. Roadside Assistance is not a warranty; refer to the vehicle's Owner's Handbook for warranty details. Excludes costs for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, and expenses from accidents, abuse, racing, vandalism, and certain other conditions. Contact our dealership for details.
9The complimentary maintenance services listed on this web page are for informational purposes and shall not be solely relied upon. These services may have specific conditions, limitations, and exclusions, and not all vehicles may qualify for complimentary maintenance. For detailed coverage specifics, including what is included in the complimentary maintenance and any potential costs, please contact our dealership.
10Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov
11Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/chevrolet/traverse-4-door-suv/2025
12Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2025