Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chevrolet Traverse 71Jeep Grand Cherokee 73on the MotiveGrid ScoreJeep Grand Cherokee about $6,332 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,332 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with seating for 7.

Go with the Jeep Grand Cherokee for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize more passenger space.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
MetricChevrolet TraverseJeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid Score7173
Cost of Ownership6369
Powertrain5754
Driver Assistance2238
Livability5847
Safety9799
5-Year Cost to Own$63,572$57,240
Depreciation (5-yr)$24,032$20,897
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$16,036$14,111
Insurance (5-yr)$11,185$10,635
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$2,670
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$2,150
Financing (5-yr)$6,515$5,717
Registration (5-yr)$1,165$1,060
Starting Price$43,300$37,995
Horsepower328 hp324 hp
MPG (combined)21 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume22.9 cu ft37.7 cu ft
Seating75
Towing capacity6,200 lbs
DrivetrainAWDRWD
Gas
2026$43,300
2026 Chevrolet Traverse in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Gas
2026$37,995
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit front three-quarter view
MSRP
$37,995
Mo · 5yr
$954
$57,240 / 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 →

Jeep Grand Cherokee scores higher overall.

Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Jeep Grand Cherokee
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Grand Cherokee
69
Winner: Grand Cherokee
$6,332 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Grand Cherokee
54
Winner: Traverse
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Grand Cherokee
38
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Grand Cherokee
47
Winner: Traverse
+11 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Traverse
97
Grand Cherokee
99
Winner: Grand Cherokee
+2 pts
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,332 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.

Daily commuter
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Jeep Grand Cherokee
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
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$954
$57,240 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$954/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Jeep Grand Cherokee comes out about $6,332 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

Helpful guides