Chevy Traverse vs. Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Is for Your Family?

If you’re in the market for a family-friendly SUV with plenty of space, safety, and style, two names probably top your list: the Chevy Traverse and the Honda Pilot. Both have built loyal followings thanks to their reputation for reliability, comfort, and performance. But when it comes to choosing between them, how do you decide which one truly fits your lifestyle?

At Major World, your trusted used car dealer in Long Island City, we help families from Queens, Manhattan, and across the region find the perfect ride every day. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot, covering everything from interior comfort and tech features to performance and value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which SUV deserves a spot in your driveway.

Spacious Comfort: Room for the Whole Family

Both the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot are three-row SUVs designed with families in mind. However, when it comes to interior space, the Traverse takes a slight lead.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse offers a roomy cabin that can seat up to eight passengers, with generous legroom in the third row, something many SUVs struggle to deliver. According to Chevrolet, the Traverse provides up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down, one of the best in its class.

The Honda Pilot also seats up to eight and delivers a refined interior with high-quality materials. It offers around 87 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is impressive but slightly less than the Traverse. For families who prioritize space for strollers, sports gear, or road trip luggage, the Chevy might offer a bit more flexibility.

Still, the Pilot’s cabin layout feels slightly more upscale, with available leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and a quiet ride that rivals luxury models. Families who value refinement over maximum capacity may lean toward the Honda.

Power and Performance: Smooth vs. Strong

Performance is another area where these SUVs differ. The Chevy Traverse comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. It feels powerful and confident whether you’re merging onto the highway or navigating city streets around Queens or Manhattan.

The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a 10-speed automatic. It offers refined handling, especially with Honda’s all-wheel-drive system, which improves traction in wet or snowy conditions.

If towing is important to you, the Traverse can haul up to 5,000 pounds, matching the Pilot’s maximum towing capacity. Both are great for family adventures, think boat trips, trailers, or camping gear.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Pilot edges out slightly, with EPA estimates around 22 MPG combined, compared to the Traverse’s 21 MPG combined. While not a major difference, the Pilot’s efficiency might appeal more to daily commuters.

Safety and Technology: Keeping Your Family Protected

Safety is a top concern for any family SUV, and both vehicles shine in this department.

The Honda Pilot has long been known for its reliability and advanced safety features. The latest model includes Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. It also earned high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), receiving a 5-star overall safety rating.

The Chevy Traverse comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes forward collision alert, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a following distance indicator. Newer models also offer available adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system, giving drivers extra confidence behind the wheel.

For families driving through busy city streets or making long road trips, both SUVs offer the peace of mind that comes with modern safety technology.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Tech That Fits Your Lifestyle

In today’s world, staying connected on the go is a must. The Chevy Traverse features the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (or optional 8-inch), wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Wi-Fi hotspot capability keeps everyone entertained, whether it’s kids streaming videos or parents navigating traffic.

The Honda Pilot matches that connectivity with its 8-inch touchscreen, also offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda’s available CabinTalk system lets the driver speak to passengers in the back through the speakers, a clever touch for family communication on the road.

If you value a user-friendly interface and sharp graphics, the Traverse’s system tends to be more intuitive. The Pilot, however, is praised for reliability and minimal lag in its response time.

Price and Value: What You’ll Pay—and What You’ll Get

Price can often be the deciding factor, especially when shopping for used SUVs in areas like Queens or Jersey City.

When new, the Chevy Traverse generally starts at a lower base price than the Honda Pilot, offering strong value for families on a budget. On the used car lot, this often translates into better affordability and availability.

For instance, at our used car dealer location, we frequently see well-maintained Traverse models priced more competitively than Pilots of the same year and mileage. That means more features for your dollar without sacrificing comfort or performance.

On the flip side, the Honda Pilot tends to hold its value slightly better over time. Honda’s strong reputation for longevity and resale value makes it a smart choice for those planning to trade in down the road.

Reliability and Maintenance: Built to Last

When buying used cars, reliability is key. Both the Traverse and Pilot have proven track records, but they differ in maintenance expectations.

Honda vehicles are known for exceptional durability and low long-term maintenance costs. With proper care, Pilots often exceed 200,000 miles. The Traverse also offers impressive longevity, especially in more recent model years, where Chevrolet improved engine design and transmission reliability.

At Major World, we carefully inspect every vehicle on our used car lot to ensure it meets our high standards. Whether you choose a used Chevy Traverse or Honda Pilot, you can drive away confident that your family is in a dependable, road-ready SUV.

Which SUV Wins for Your Family?

Ultimately, choosing between the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot depends on your priorities.

• Choose the Chevy Traverse if you want maximum interior space, strong power, and excellent value for your money.
• Choose the Honda Pilot if you prioritize upscale design, long-term reliability, and slightly better fuel economy.

Both vehicles deliver on what families need most: comfort, safety, and peace of mind. The right choice will depend on your personal driving habits, how much space you need, and your budget.

Find Your Perfect Family SUV at Major World

We understand that finding the right family vehicle is about more than just specs; it’s about how it fits your life. Whether you’re looking for a used Chevy Traverse, a Honda Pilot, or other used SUVs near Jersey City or Bergen County, our team is here to help you make the best decision for your family.

Visit us today to explore our wide inventory of used cars, take a few models for a test drive, and see which one feels right. We’re proud to help drivers across the New York metro area find vehicles that deliver reliability, comfort, and great value.

Ready to take the next step? Stop by our dealership today or browse our online inventory to find your next family SUV.