Chevrolet Traverse 71·Jeep Grand Cherokee 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Jeep 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.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Jeep Grand Cherokee
MotiveGrid Score
71
73
Cost of Ownership
63
69
Powertrain
57
54
Driver Assistance
22
38
Livability
58
47
Safety
97
99
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
Horsepower
328 hp
324 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
37.7 cu ft
Seating
7
5
Towing capacity
—
6,200 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Gas
2026$37,995
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.
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.