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The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Honda Pilot are 3-row midsize SUVs built for the same job: carrying up to 8 people and their gear in comfort. They split on how they do it, with the Traverse running a turbocharged 4-cylinder and the Pilot a naturally aspirated V6, and that one choice shapes acceleration, fuel economy, and how each drives loaded. This comparison breaks down where each SUV leads so you can match the right one to how your family actually drives.
Here is how the two SUVs line up on the specs that decide most 3-row purchases.
| Spec | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max seating | 8 | 8 |
| Max cargo volume | up to 98 cu ft | up to 87 cu ft |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Hands-free driving | available Super Cruise | not offered |
The Traverse makes more horsepower and more torque than the Pilot. Its turbocharged 2.5L produces 328 hp and 326 lb-ft, where the Pilot's V6 makes 285 hp and 262 lb-ft. The torque gap is the one you feel in daily driving: merging onto I-295, climbing a highway ramp with a full load, or pulling away from a light. The Pilot answers with the smooth, familiar character of a naturally aspirated V6 and a 10-speed automatic, which some drivers simply prefer.
| Powertrain | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel drive standard, AWD available | front-wheel drive standard, AWD available |
| EPA MPG (front-drive) | 20 city / 26 hwy | 19 city / 27 hwy |
On fuel economy the two run close, with the lead trading by category. The Traverse's 20 city and 26 highway take the city number, while the Pilot's 19 and 27 take the highway. All-wheel drive lowers both, and the Pilot's AWD rating is 19/25, dropping to 18/23 on the TrailSport.
The Traverse offers more maximum cargo room and matches the Pilot's 8-passenger capacity. It carries up to 98 cu ft of cargo with the rear seats folded, against 87 cu ft for the Pilot by the same measurement. Honda also advertises up to 111.8 cu ft using a method that counts floor space between the rows, so it pays to compare the figures on the same basis when you shop. For families hauling strollers, sports gear, and a full grocery run, the Traverse gives you a real cushion.
| Space | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Max seating | 8 | 8 |
| Second-row options | bench (seats 8) or captain's chairs (seats 7) | bench (seats 8) or captain's chairs |
| Third row | 60/40 split bench | 60/40 split, flat-folding |
| Max cargo volume | up to 98 cu ft | up to 87 cu ft |
Step up to the Traverse RS or High Country and you gain One-Touch Fold second-row seats plus power-folding second-row and third-row seating, which helps when you are reconfiguring the cabin with your hands full.
The Traverse leads on screen size and is the only one of the two with available hands-free driving. It centers the cabin on a 17.7-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, paired with an 11-inch driver information screen. The Pilot offers up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 10.2-inch digital cluster and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
| Technology | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Center touchscreen | 17.7-inch | up to 12.3-inch |
| Driver display | 11-inch | 10.2-inch digital cluster |
| Hands-free driving | available Super Cruise | not offered |
| Standard safety suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Honda Sensing |
Hands-free driving is where they part ways. Super Cruise, available on the Traverse and standard on the RS and High Country, drives hands-free across more than 585,000 miles of mapped roads. Honda Sensing covers the Pilot with adaptive cruise and lane keeping, but the driver stays in charge of the wheel. Our guide to Super Cruise hands-free driving in Florida walks through how it behaves on area highways, and Chevy Google built-in technology covers the rest of the Traverse's connected features.
Both SUVs tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, but they reach the rating differently. The Traverse hits 5,000 lbs with included trailering equipment. The Pilot reaches it only on its all-wheel-drive trims, since front-drive Pilots are rated at 3,500 lbs.
| Towing | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (AWD) |
| Front-drive towing | 5,000 lbs (properly equipped) | 3,500 lbs |
| Off-road trim | Z71 with Twin-Clutch AWD | TrailSport |
For families towing a boat to the St. Johns River or a trailer out to the lakes near Green Cove Springs and Middleburg, the exact rating depends on the configuration, so it is worth confirming the build before you buy.
Choose the Traverse for more power, a larger touchscreen, available Super Cruise, and a cargo edge; consider the Pilot for its V6 and Honda's long track record in the segment. The Traverse makes the stronger all-around case for families who put space, technology, and everyday muscle first. The Pilot stays a sound pick for buyers set on a naturally aspirated V6.
If the trim and color you want is not in our current inventory, we can find it for you or order one built to your spec, and the rest of our Chevrolet SUVs are there to compare if you are still deciding on body style.
The quickest way to settle a Traverse-versus-Pilot decision is to put a full house in the third row and drive it. We keep the 2026 Traverse in stock across the LT, Z71, RS, and High Country, and a short visit usually answers what a spec table cannot. On price, we keep it No Bull: a competitive number with no add-on stickers and no equipment-package padding, and no last-minute games on the total.
A trade makes the math easier but is never required to land it. Every new Traverse also comes with free paintless dent repair for the first 90 days, so an early parking-lot ding is on us, not you. You will find us on the money-saving end of Blanding Blvd.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Inventory
Before you come in, you can value your trade or pull a no-obligation cash offer, estimate a monthly payment, and get prequalified with no impact to your credit score. Our new vehicle specials and Chevrolet comparisons pages are there whenever you want them.
Here are the questions we hear most from Traverse and Pilot cross-shoppers.
The Traverse has the stronger engine on paper. Its turbocharged 2.5L makes 328 hp and 326 lb-ft, compared with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft from the Pilot's V6. The torque advantage shows up most in everyday acceleration, like merging and passing with the family aboard.
The Traverse offers more by the standard measurement: up to 98 cu ft against 87 cu ft for the Pilot. Honda also advertises up to 111.8 cu ft using a method that counts floor space between the rows, so compare the figures on the same basis.
Both seat up to 8. The Traverse seats 8 with a second-row bench or 7 with captain's chairs on the Z71, RS, and High Country. The Pilot seats 8 on most trims and 7 on the TrailSport.
They are close, with a slight split by category. In front-drive form the Traverse rates 20 city / 26 hwy and the Pilot 19 city / 27 hwy, so the Traverse edges the city figure and the Pilot the highway. All-wheel drive lowers both. We can pull the window sticker on a specific vehicle for the exact rating.
Both top out at 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, but the path differs. The Traverse reaches 5,000 lbs with included trailering equipment, while the Pilot reaches it only on all-wheel-drive trims, with front-drive models rated at 3,500 lbs. Bring your trailer's loaded weight and we will match it to the right configuration.
The Traverse has the larger center display at 17.7 inches, paired with an 11-inch driver information screen. The Pilot offers up to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
No. Available Super Cruise is a Traverse feature the Pilot does not match. The Pilot comes with Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, but the driver keeps hands on the wheel.
Yes. Both come with front-wheel drive standard and offer all-wheel drive. The Traverse also adds an off-road-oriented Z71 with Twin-Clutch AWD, while the Pilot counters with its TrailSport.
The right trim comes down to how much technology and capability you want. On the Traverse, the LT covers the essentials, the Z71 adds off-road hardware, and the RS and High Country add Super Cruise and power-folding seats. On the Pilot, the range runs from Sport through EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. We can line up the closest match to your budget and must-haves.
You can see and drive the Traverse at our Orange Park showroom, an easy trip down Blanding Blvd for Clay County and greater Jacksonville families. The fastest way to settle a 3-row decision is to sit in both and load the third row yourself. Browse current Traverse inventory online first, then come drive the trim you have in mind.