Olson Chevrolet of Redwood Falls
2026 Chevy Traverse vs Honda Pilot: Best 3-Row SUV for Your Family?
A base-model look at the Traverse LT and the Pilot Sport, using the specs each maker publishes.
The Matchup
Two Family Haulers, Side by Side
The 2026 Chevy Traverse and the Honda Pilot are both three-row SUVs built for families, and both seat up to eight. Compared base model to base model on the specs each maker publishes, the Traverse comes out ahead on horsepower, towing and screen size, while the Pilot offers more maximum cargo space.
Compare for Yourself
 |  | |
| Base Models | 2026 Chevy Traverse LT | 2026 Honda Pilot Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.5L | V6 |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 285 hp1 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Seating | Up to 82 | Up to 8 |
| Maximum cargo volume | 98 cu ft3 | 113.7 cu ft4,5 |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs6 | 3,500 lbs (5,000 lbs with AWD)7 |
| Center touch-screen | 17.7 inches, diagonal | 12.3 inches |
| Driver display | 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center | 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster |
Figures are as published on chevrolet.com and automobiles.honda.com. Gold marks the stronger number where one is clearly ahead.
Power and Towing
Engines and Towing
The Traverse LT runs a turbocharged 2.5L engine rated at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. The Pilot Sport answers with a 285-horsepower V61 and a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters. On paper the Traverse has 43 more horsepower, while the Pilot has two more gears.
Towing is where the base models split. The Traverse is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with its included trailering equipment.6 The Pilot is rated for 3,500 pounds on 2WD trims and 5,000 pounds on AWD trims,7 so a Pilot shopper who tows regularly should look at all-wheel drive.
Space and Seating
Seating and Cargo Space
Both SUVs seat up to eight. In the Traverse, eight-passenger seating is available on the LT with the second-row bench seat, while Z71, RS and High Country seat seven.2 The Pilot also seats up to eight.
Maximum cargo space favors the Pilot at 113.7 cubic feet.4 Chevrolet lists 98 cubic feet for the Traverse with the second and third rows folded flat.3 Each maker explains how it measures cargo volume in its own disclaimer, so read both below before comparing the two numbers.
Technology
Screens and Technology
The Traverse LT comes standard with a 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen and an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center. The Pilot Sport has a 12.3-inch color touch-screen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
If a large, bright display matters to you, the Traverse has the bigger screens at the base level.
Take a Closer Look at the Traverse
Traverse vs. Pilot FAQs
Which has more horsepower, the Chevy Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
The Traverse LT is listed at 328 horsepower and the Pilot Sport at 285 horsepower. 285 hp @ 6100 rpm (SAE net)
Which tows more, the Traverse or the Pilot?
The Traverse is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot is rated for 3,500 pounds on 2WD trims and 5,000 pounds on AWD trims. Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer. Maximum towing capacity for AWD trims is 5,000 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD trims is 3,500 lbs. Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
Which has more cargo space, the Traverse or the Pilot?
The Pilot lists up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Traverse lists 98 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows, and seats in their forward-most and upright position.
Do the Traverse and the Pilot both seat eight?
Both seat up to eight. In the Traverse, eight-passenger seating is available on the LT with the second-row bench seat. Available on LT. 8-passenger seating comes with second-row bench seat. Z71, RS and High Country have standard 7-passenger seating, which includes second-row captain’s chairs.
Which has the bigger touch-screen?
The Traverse LT has a 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen, and the Pilot Sport has a 12.3-inch color touch-screen.
Where can I find a Chevy Traverse near Redwood Falls, MN?
Olson Chevrolet of Redwood Falls, at 1300 E Bridge St, keeps Traverses in stock for shoppers across southwest Minnesota. Browse the current Traverse inventory on our site, then contact us.
Disclaimers and Sources
Sources: chevrolet.com/suvs/previous-year/traverse and automobiles.honda.com/pilot
- Honda 285 hp @ 6100 rpm (SAE net)
- Chevrolet Available on LT. 8-passenger seating comes with second-row bench seat. Z71, RS and High Country have standard 7-passenger seating, which includes second-row captain’s chairs.
- Chevrolet With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
- Honda Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows, and seats in their forward-most and upright position.
- Honda Honda reminds you to properly secure cargo items and follow all applicable load limits and loading guidelines.
- Chevrolet Maximum trailering ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The trailering capacity of your specific vehicle may vary. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can trailer.
- Honda Maximum towing capacity for AWD trims is 5,000 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD trims is 3,500 lbs. Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
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Olson Chevrolet of Redwood Falls1300 E Bridge St, Redwood Falls, MN 56283 Get Directions
Hours
| Monday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 12:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 12:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |