Chevrolet Traverse 71·Honda Pilot 70on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Pilot about $5,123 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Pilot is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,123 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with more cargo room (22.9 vs 18.6 cu ft) and more power (328 vs 285 hp).
Go with the Honda Pilot for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Honda Pilot
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Honda Pilot.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Honda Pilot
MotiveGrid Score
71
70
Cost of Ownership
63
71
Powertrain
57
60
Driver Assistance
22
43
Livability
58
53
Safety
97
75
5-Year Cost to Own
$63,572
$58,449
Depreciation (5-yr)
$24,032
$20,816
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,036
$15,304
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,185
$10,865
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$6,515
$6,379
Registration (5-yr)
$1,165
$1,145
Starting Price
$43,300
$42,395
Horsepower
328 hp
285 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
18.6 cu ft
Seating
7
8
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$42,395
MSRP
$42,395
Mo · 5yr
$974
$58,449 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Chevrolet Traverse scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Honda Pilot
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Pilot
71
Winner: Pilot
$5,123 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Pilot
60
Winner: Pilot
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Pilot
43
Winner: Pilot
+21 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Pilot
53
Winner: Traverse
+5 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Pilot is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,123 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Honda Pilot
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Pilot
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Traverse
Much stronger safety with more cargo room
Highway driver
Honda Pilot
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda Pilot
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Chevrolet Traverse
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,060
$63,572 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,060/mo
Honda Pilot
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$974
$58,449 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$974/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Pilot comes out about $5,123 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
