Chevrolet Traverse 71·Kia Telluride 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Kia Telluride about $5,695 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2027 Kia Telluride is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,695 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Kia Telluride is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Kia Telluride
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2027 Kia Telluride.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Kia Telluride
MotiveGrid Score
71
80
Cost of Ownership
63
72
Powertrain
57
60
Driver Assistance
22
32
Livability
58
63
Safety
97
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$63,572
$57,877
Depreciation (5-yr)
$24,032
$20,771
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,036
$15,304
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,185
$10,760
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$6,515
$5,896
Registration (5-yr)
$1,165
$1,080
Starting Price
$43,300
$39,190
Horsepower
328 hp
291 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
22 mpg
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
21 cu ft
Seating
7
8
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for comfort & features
Gas
2027$39,190
MSRP
$39,190
Mo · 5yr
$965
$57,877 / 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 →
Kia Telluride scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Kia Telluride
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Telluride
72
Winner: Telluride
$5,695 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Telluride
60
Winner: Telluride
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Telluride
32
Winner: Telluride
+10 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Telluride
63
Winner: Telluride
+5 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Kia Telluride is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,695 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best for comfort & features.
Daily commuter
Kia Telluride
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia Telluride
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia Telluride
Better safety rating with a 6th seat
Highway driver
Kia Telluride
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia Telluride
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
Kia Telluride
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$965
$57,877 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$965/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Kia Telluride comes out about $5,695 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.
