Chevrolet Traverse 71·Hyundai Santa Fe 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Santa Fe about $9,882 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheaper one to own — roughly $9,882 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with more cargo room (22.9 vs 14.6 cu ft) and more power (328 vs 277 hp).
Go with the Hyundai Santa Fe 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. Hyundai Santa Fe
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Hyundai Santa Fe
MotiveGrid Score
71
84
Cost of Ownership
63
81
Powertrain
57
62
Driver Assistance
22
32
Livability
58
71
Safety
97
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$63,572
$53,690
Depreciation (5-yr)
$24,032
$18,997
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,036
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,185
$10,320
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$6,515
$5,274
Registration (5-yr)
$1,165
$1,000
Starting Price
$43,300
$35,050
Horsepower
328 hp
277 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
14.6 cu ft
Seating
7
7
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$35,050
MSRP
$35,050
Mo · 5yr
$895
$53,690 / 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 →
Hyundai Santa Fe scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Hyundai Santa Fe
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Santa Fe
81
Winner: Santa Fe
$9,882 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Santa Fe
62
Winner: Santa Fe
+5 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Santa Fe
32
Winner: Santa Fe
+10 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Santa Fe
71
Winner: Santa Fe
+13 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Santa Fe is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $9,882 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Santa Fe
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Traverse
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Santa Fe
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
Hyundai Santa Fe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$895
$53,690 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$895/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Santa Fe comes out about $9,882 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.