Chevrolet Traverse 71·Toyota Highlander 78on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Highlander about $5,982 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,982 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with more cargo room (22.9 vs 16 cu ft) and more power (328 vs 265 hp).
Go with the Toyota Highlander for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Toyota Highlander.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Toyota Highlander
MotiveGrid Score
71
78
Cost of Ownership
63
73
Powertrain
57
70
Driver Assistance
22
43
Livability
58
46
Safety
97
93
5-Year Cost to Own
$63,572
$57,590
Depreciation (5-yr)
$24,032
$19,174
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$16,036
$14,034
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,185
$12,325
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$6,515
$6,901
Registration (5-yr)
$1,165
$1,215
Starting Price
$43,300
$45,870
Horsepower
328 hp
265 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
24 mpg
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
16 cu ft
Seating
7
7
Towing capacity
—
5,000 lbs
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for families
Gas
2026$45,870
MSRP
$45,870
Mo · 5yr
$960
$57,590 / 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 Highlander scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Toyota Highlander
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
Highlander
73
Winner: Highlander
$5,982 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
Highlander
70
Winner: Highlander
+13 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
Highlander
43
Winner: Highlander
+21 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
Highlander
46
Winner: Traverse
+12 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Highlander is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,982 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Toyota Highlander
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Highlander
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Traverse
Better safety rating with more cargo room
Highway driver
Toyota Highlander
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota 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 Highlander
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$960
$57,590 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$960/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Highlander recoups its $2,570 price premium in 4.8 years ($540/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Highlander comes out about $5,982 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.
