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If you are looking for a spacious, reliable, and comfortable three-row SUV for you and your family, here are two options: the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot. Both are excellent family SUVs with strong performance, versatile interiors, and advanced safety tech, but they cater to different needs. So, which is best for you? This Traverse vs. Pilot comparison explores the key differences and highlights between these two SUVs to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Interior Space
The Chevrolet Traverse boasts one of the largest interiors in its class, comfortably seating up to eight passengers with plenty of legroom and headroom in every row. With flexible seating configurations and easy access to the third row, families can enjoy spacious trips to the Scandia Family Fun Center or the Mall of Victor Valley.
There is also substantial cargo space: 23 cubic feet behind the third row and 98.2 cubic feet with the second row folded, so you can store everything from holiday baggage to sports gear. Honda offers slightly less space behind the third row at 18.6 cubic feet, but up to 87 to 111.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down.
For interior space, the Chevy wins overall for legroom for longer-legged passengers, whereas Honda is a bit stronger at headroom for taller ones. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offers 44.3 inches of front legroom (vs. Honda's 41) and 41.5 inches in the second row (vs. Honda's 40.8 ). The third row is where the Honda wins out slightly at 32.5 inches vs. 32.1 inches for Chevy. The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has a maximum headroom of 42.6 inches in front (vs. Honda's 40.5), 39.96 in the second row (vs. Honda's 40.2), and 38.27 inches (vs. Honda's 39.3) in the third row.
One of the benefits of the Chevy is that the third-row legroom is adjustable by moving the seat forward or backward to adjust for storing larger items or to prioritize room for adults or children. While the front and second rows provide ample space in the Honda, the third row is comfortable but best suited for children or shorter adults, though it is usable even for taller individuals for shorter trips.
Performance and Towing Capability
The Traverse features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder on every model, paired with an eight-speed automatic for better fuel efficiency and performance. It produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, which results in a powerful and responsive driving experience, delivering a strong balance between acceleration and pulling power.
Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional for handling Victorville's light snowfall and its high elevation and nearby mountain passes. The Z71 trim is more capable off-road and comes standard with a twin-clutch all-wheel drive system, a unique suspension, all-terrain tires, and terrain-specific driving modes for towing or going off-road. It's reasonably fast with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds.
The Honda Pilot's 3.5-liter V-6 engine is slightly less powerful, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering two extra gears for smooth highway cruising. Like the Chevy, front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. It offers a pretty well matched 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds, which won't win any drag races, but provides power and efficiency for everyday driving.
In terms of towing capacity, the Traverse edges out the Pilot at 5,000 pounds, making it a better option for hauling boats, campers, or trailers to Hesperia Lake Park for active families. It has a heavy-duty cooling system, 220-amp alternator, and adds a "Hitch View" to the camera system for better visibility when towing bigger loads. The Honda offers the same 5,000 pound towing capacity, but only with all-wheel drive models.
Technology and Safety Features
Both SUVs come equipped with modern infotainment systems supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to enjoy easy access to music, navigation, calls, and messaging while driving. The Traverse features an enormous and clearly visible 17.7-inch touchscreen using Google-based software on all models. It also comes with an 11.0-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and an optional onboard Wi-Fi hotspot to access information and stay connected.
The Honda has a much smaller 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and matching digital gauge cluster on the base, but upgrades to a larger 9.0 inch on higher trims. Elite and Black Edition models also have a larger 10.2-inch gauge cluster showing real-time data like speed and RPM. The Pilot comes with a standard 7-speaker stereo system, but Touring and Elite models have a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system for a more cinematic experience.
Pricing and Value for Victorville Families
The Traverse has an MSRP of $40,700, whereas the Pilot comes in slightly cheaper at $40,200. The Chevy has four trim levels that range in price and value, whereas Honda offers more choice with six trim levels. While pricing for both SUVs is competitive, the Traverse's larger interior space, more powerful engine, and towing capabilities offer excellent value for families needing extra room and versatility. Another key comparison is the warranty provided, as this can affect the total value for owners over time.
Chevy offers a limited warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance for the first visit. Honda warranty is the same, but includes a complimentary maintenance that covers regular oil changes and basic services for one year or 12,000 miles. All in all, both SUVs offer excellent value; it just comes down to your preferences. Local Chevrolet dealerships in Victorville often provide attractive financing and lease options to make the Traverse an affordable choice.
Why the Chevrolet Traverse Is the Smart Choice
If you want a spacious, powerful, and tech-savvy three-row SUV, the Chevrolet Traverse is the best 3-row SUV for families. Its roomy interior, commanding performance, and family-friendly features make it an excellent option for daily life and weekend adventures in Mojave River Forks Regional Park. Visit Victorville Chevrolet to explore the Traverse in person and take it for a test drive. Explore more about the Traverse at Chevrolet's official site and plan your visit to experience the difference for yourself.
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Model Comparison