Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Grand Highlander

Chevrolet Traverse 71Toyota Grand Highlander 82on the MotiveGrid ScoreToyota Grand Highlander about $13,056 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $13,056 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

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
MetricChevrolet TraverseToyota Grand Highlander
MotiveGrid Score7182
Cost of Ownership6384
Powertrain5767
Driver Assistance2243
Livability5851
Safety9795
5-Year Cost to Own$63,572$50,516
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)$2,490$2,000
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
Horsepower328 hp265 hp
MPG (combined)21 mpg24 mpg
Cargo volume22.9 cu ft20.6 cu ft
Seating78
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Gas
2026$43,300
2026 Chevrolet Traverse in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$42,260
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander three-row SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,260
Mo · 5yr
$842
$50,516 / 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 →

Toyota Grand Highlander scores higher overall.

Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Toyota Grand Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Grand Highlander
84
Winner: Grand Highlander
$13,056 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Grand Highlander
67
Winner: Grand Highlander
+10 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Grand Highlander
43
Winner: Grand Highlander
+21 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Grand Highlander
51
Winner: Traverse
+7 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Traverse
97
Grand Highlander
95
Winner: Traverse
+2 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Toyota Grand Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $13,056 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best on balance.

Daily commuter
Toyota Grand Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Grand Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Traverse
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Grand Highlander
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
Toyota Grand Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$842
$50,516 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$842/mo
04

Frequently asked questions

Toyota Grand Highlander comes out about $13,056 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

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