The Chevrolet Traverse is the closest Chevy equivalent to the Honda Pilot.
How the Pilot and Traverse stack up in the midsize three-row SUV class
The Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse occupy the same general market: large, family-friendly three-row SUVs designed for daily practicality and flexible cargo space. While Honda emphasizes a refined ride and resale value, Chevrolet centers the Traverse on interior space, bold styling, and a strong feature set. In today’s lineup, the Traverse is the most direct Chevrolet alternative to the Pilot.
Similarities and differences you should know
This section highlights key areas buyers compare when evaluating the two models: seating and cargo, powertrains, technology, ride and handling, and price positioning.
Key comparison points include seating capacity, cargo versatility, powertrains and efficiency, available all-wheel drive, infotainment and driver-assist tech, and overall cost of ownership. The following list highlights these aspects.
- Performance and power: The Honda Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 with about 280 horsepower; the Chevrolet Traverse uses a 3.6-liter V6 with about 310 horsepower. Both use a nine-speed automatic and offer optional all-wheel drive.
- Seating and cargo: Both seat up to eight passengers and provide flexible second-row configurations; the Traverse tends to offer more cargo space behind the third row due to its boxier design, while the Pilot remains highly practical in daily use.
- Interior tech and safety: Both models offer modern infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, multiple USB ports, and a range of driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking (availability varies by trim).
- Ride and refinement: The Pilot is often praised for a smooth, composed ride and Honda’s interior finesse; the Traverse emphasizes interior space, a more commanding driving position, and strong highway manners in higher trims.
- Pricing and trims: Both offer multiple trim levels to match budgets, with distinct feature sets that reflect each brand’s approach to value and styling.
In practice, the Traverse is Chevrolet’s most direct answer to the Pilot, offering similar seating and cargo flexibility with its own Chevrolet design language and feature set. Pros and cons depend on what a buyer values most—space, ride feel, and tech, or ride refinement and resale expectations. A hands-on test drive with both vehicles is the best way to compare real-world usability.
Trims and pricing snapshot
To understand how the two models shape up in terms of available trims and price tiers, here are the common trims for each model line.
Chevrolet Traverse trim levels (typical lineup):
- LS
- LT
- RS
- Premier
- High Country
Concluding note on Traverse trims: The LS is the entry point with base features, while LT, RS, Premier, and High Country add progressively more comfort, technology, and luxury elements—mirroring how the Pilot’s LX through Elite trims expand capabilities and niceties.
Honda Pilot trim levels (typical lineup):
- LX
- EX
- EX-L
- Touring
- Elite
Concluding note on Pilot trims: The Pilot’s trims follow a similar ladder—from practical to premium—culminating in the Elite with top-tier features and interior upgrades.
Summary
The Chevrolet Traverse stands as the closest Chevrolet-based counterpart to the Honda Pilot in today’s market, offering similar size, seating, and practicality with its own styling and feature mix. For families evaluating a three-row Chevy against the Pilot, the Traverse is the primary model to consider, with trim levels and options designed to align with various budgets and feature desires.