Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $13,591 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with more power (328 vs 265 hp).
Go with the Toyota Grand Highlander for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Grand Highlander
| Metric | Chevrolet Traverse | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 72 | 83 |
| Cost of Ownership | 64 | 85 |
| Powertrain | 57 | 67 |
| Driver Assistance | 22 | 43 |
| Livability | 58 | 51 |
| Safety | 97 | 95 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $63,422 | $49,831 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $24,032 | $13,143 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $16,036 | $14,034 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $11,185 | $11,935 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $2,340 | $1,315 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $2,150 | $1,900 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $6,515 | $6,358 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $1,165 | $1,145 |
| Starting Price | $43,300 | $42,260 |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 265 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 21 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Cargo volume | 22.9 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft |
| Seating | 7 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
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 →
Toyota Grand Highlander scores higher overall.
Which vehicle is right for you
Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $13,591 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Cost of Ownership
State
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Chevrolet Traverse ranks #1 of 5 in Best 3-Row SUV for Tall Drivers and #3 of 5 in 3-Row SUV With the Most Legroom.
- Toyota Grand Highlander ranks #1 of 3 in Best 3-Row SUV and #1 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Own.
What each one costs at the counter
Both five-year totals above count yearly registration. Neither counts what the state takes on the day you sign — sales tax and the title fee. Those are one-time, they are not the dealer’s to negotiate, and on a car at this price they run to four figures in most states. Work out yours:
- Tax, title and license in New Yorkwhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in New Jerseywhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Illinoiswhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Pennsylvaniawhat a car costs to own there
- Tax, title and license in Ohiowhat a car costs to own there
Compare tax, title and license across all 22 states we cover →

