How Does the Engine Performance of the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse Compare to the 2025 Honda Pilot?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse outpowers the 2025 Honda Pilot with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In comparison, the 2025 Honda Pilot relies on a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque with a 10-speed automatic transmission, giving the Traverse a 43-horsepower and 64 lb-ft torque advantage.

This power difference is immediately noticeable when merging onto busy highways or passing slow-moving traffic under full passenger loads. Turbocharging allows the Traverse to deliver its peak torque low in the rev range, providing rapid throttle response without forcing the transmission to downshift multiple gears. The Pilot’s V6 requires higher engine revs to produce its full power output, which creates a more gradual acceleration feel under heavy acceleration.

Engine tuning in the Traverse also provides enhanced low-speed drivability for around-town errands and heavy stop-and-go driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission in the Traverse is calibrated to match the high-torque output of the turbocharged engine, delivering precise gear holds on steep inclines and prompt shifts when power is requested. While the Pilot’s 10-speed automatic transmission provides smooth highway cruising, it cycles through gears more frequently during sudden speed changes.

For drivers interested in experiencing this powertrain firsthand, our showroom at 452 Hopkinsville Rd offers convenient access to realistic test-drive loops. You can also give our team a quick call at (270) 713-3840 to speak directly with our staff regarding specific model availability and capability comparisons.

Table of Contents

• Which SUV Has More Cargo Space, the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse or 2025 Honda Pilot?
• Which SUV Has Higher Maximum Towing Capacity and Better AWD Fuel Economy?
• How Large Is the Touchscreen Display in the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse?
• What Driver Assistance Safety Suites Come Standard on These SUVs?
• What Is the Starting MSRP and Pricing Structure for the Traverse and Pilot?
• Common Questions About the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Honda Pilot
• Test Drive the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse

Which SUV Has More Cargo Space, the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse or 2025 Honda Pilot?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse delivers significantly more overall cargo volume than the 2025 Honda Pilot, offering up to about 98 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat compared to 87 cu. ft. in standard Pilot models. Even with all three rows of seats in upright position, the Traverse provides about 23 cubic feet of rear cargo space, while the Pilot offers roughly 19 cubic feet behind its third row.

Maximizing interior volume is a primary design strength of the Traverse platform, allowing active families to transport large sports gear, camping equipment, or bulk purchases without compromising passenger seating. When the second row is folded, the Traverse opens up about 57 cubic feet of storage, expanding to its class-leading total capacity when both rear rows are stowed. In contrast, the Pilot yields about 48.5 cubic feet behind its second row and caps out at 87 cubic feet behind the front row, with top-tier trims like the Pilot Elite dropping slightly to about 86.5 cubic feet.

Families browsing models on our lot in Fort Campbell North often test folding the third row flat with one hand while holding items to see how easily the cabin adapts to sudden hauling needs. The lower cargo floor load height in the Traverse also makes lifting heavy coolers, double strollers, or travel luggage far easier on back muscles during family road trips.

Smart cabin storage solutions in the Traverse include a deep under-floor cargo compartment in the rear floor, cavernous door bins, and a spacious pass-through storage area beneath the floating center console. You can easily view available cabin configurations across our new Chevrolet Traverse selection or upgrade your SUV’s carrying versatility by browsing heavy-duty liners and cargo organizers through our factory auto parts center.

Which SUV Has Higher Maximum Towing Capacity and Better AWD Fuel Economy?

Both the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2025 Honda Pilot deliver a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, but the Traverse offers this standard threshold across its lineup while the Pilot requires selecting an all-wheel-drive trim to reach 5,000 pounds. For fuel economy, the Traverse AWD achieves an EPA-rated 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined, matching or exceeding the AWD Pilot’s 20 to 21 mpg combined rating depending on trim configuration.

Standard factory engineering allows the Traverse to tow heavy utility trailers, recreation craft, or mid-size campers without forcing buyers to upgrade to expensive upper-tier packages just to get maximum pulling power. Integrated trailering features, including hitch guidance cameras and tow/haul driving modes, help stabilize tongue weight and manage transmission temperatures when navigating steep highway grades or rolling countryside. Front-wheel-drive Pilot models are restricted to a lower 3,500-pound towing limit, making AWD a requirement for Honda buyers needing maximum trailer capability.

Real-world efficiency remains competitive across both platforms despite the significant power output of the turbocharged Traverse. The standard Traverse AWD returns 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined, while the off-road-focused Traverse Z71 earns 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined. The 2025 Honda Pilot AWD achieves 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for 21 mpg combined on standard trims, while specialized off-road variants drop to 20 mpg combined.

For commuters traveling highway stretches around Springfield, the high torque of the Traverse allows the transmission to maintain taller gear ratios on highway inclines without engine lugging, preserving real-world fuel economy. Shoppers seeking capable pre-owned utility vehicles can also browse our current pre-owned SUV inventory to find three-row models equipped with factory towing equipment.

How Large Is the Touchscreen Display in the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse features a massive 17.7-inch diagonal color infotainment display standard across every trim level, complemented by an 11-inch digital driver information center. In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot comes standard with a small 7-inch touchscreen, offering a 9-inch display screen only on higher-tier trims.

Chevrolet’s oversized touchscreen completely transforms the cabin’s visual appeal and daily usability. The screen is angled slightly toward the driver for effortless reach, featuring high-resolution graphics, customizable menu layouts, and Google Built-in functionality that seamlessly integrates navigation, media apps, and voice assistance. Drivers can view split-screen navigation prompts, camera views, and media playback simultaneously without navigating away from essential driving controls.

The 11-inch digital driver information center sits directly behind the steering wheel, displaying full-color navigation maps, active vehicle telemetry, safety alerts, and audio details. Honda’s 9-inch maximum display in the Pilot feels noticeably smaller, requiring more manual screen cycling to switch between vehicle settings, smartphone projection, and audio inputs.

Advanced camera technology in the Traverse integrates directly into the 17.7-inch screen, providing up to 18 available camera views including HD Surround Vision and a transparent underbody view on off-road models. Buyers searching for tech-forward vehicles with strong inspection records and comprehensive vehicle coverage can explore our certified pre-owned lineup to review modern digital features.

What Driver Assistance Safety Suites Come Standard on These SUVs?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of driver-assist technologies including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and IntelliBeam auto high beams. The 2025 Honda Pilot includes Honda Sensing, which bundles collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.

Chevrolet enhances standard safety further by incorporating advanced blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic braking, and side bicyclist alerts into the core safety architecture of the Traverse. Furthermore, the Traverse offers available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology, which allows hands-free driving on hundreds of thousands of miles of compatible highways across North America. Honda does not currently offer a hands-free highway driving system on the Pilot.

Standard active safety equipment on both SUVs operates continuously in the background to monitor surrounding traffic, pedestrian movement, and lane positioning:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential front-end collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and automatically applies hard braking if the driver fails to react in time.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Provides gentle steering wheel turns to alert and guide the driver back into the center of the lane when unintentional drifting is detected.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a driver-selected distance from vehicles detected ahead.
• Blind Zone Steering Assist: Monitors blind spots during lane changes and provides subtle steering resistance if a vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane.

Proper sensor calibration and routine tire positioning ensure these active safety systems function accurately throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. You can easily book routine tire maintenance or system checks through our online service scheduling portal to keep your vehicle’s safety features operating at factory standards.

What Is the Starting MSRP and Pricing Structure for the Traverse and Pilot?

Starting at $39,900, the 2025 Honda Pilot LX base trim with front-wheel drive offers competitive pricing in the midsize SUV segment. The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse pricing structure is organized across four distinct trim levels: the versatile LT, the off-road-capable Z71, the sporty RS, and the luxurious High Country.

Value positioning in the Traverse is bolstered by its extensive list of standard equipment on the base LT trim. Buyers receive the standard 328-horsepower engine, 17.7-inch touchscreen display, 11-inch digital gauge display, HD Surround Vision camera, and heated front seats without needing to pay for higher tier packages. On the Honda Pilot, obtaining comparable display screens and advanced camera technology requires stepping up to mid-level or top-tier trims like the EX-L, Touring, or Elite.

Specialized trims cater directly to distinct driving needs. The Traverse Z71 includes off-road enhancements such as an advanced twin-clutch AWD system, off-road suspension tuning, aluminum skid plates, red tow hooks, and Terrain Mode for rugged trail navigation. The Traverse High Country adds top-tier luxury items, including premium leather seating, power-folding third-row seats, Bose audio, and available Super Cruise.

Understanding your current vehicle’s market worth helps establish an accurate down payment estimate before choosing your next vehicle trim. You can easily estimate your trade-in market value online in just a few minutes using our trade valuation tool.

Common Questions About the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Honda Pilot

Q: What seating configurations are available on the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse compared to the Pilot?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse offers seating for seven or eight passengers depending on the trim and chosen second-row bench or captain’s chair setup. The 2025 Honda Pilot also accommodates seven or eight passengers, featuring an available removable middle seat in the second row on select trims that stows under the rear floor cargo compartment.

Q: Is all-wheel drive standard on any 2027 Chevrolet Traverse trims?

All-wheel drive is standard on the off-road-focused Traverse Z71, which utilizes an advanced twin-clutch AWD system designed to optimize traction on slippery surfaces or dirt trails. On all other Traverse trims, including LT, RS, and High Country, front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is available as an option.

Q: How does Chevrolet’s hands-free driving system operate on highway trips?

Available Super Cruise technology uses real-time cameras, sensors, radar, and LiDAR map data to control steering, braking, and acceleration on compatible mapped highways. The system monitors driver eye movement to ensure attention remains on the road, allowing true hands-free highway driving during long family travel.

Q: What maintenance routine keeps a turbocharged family SUV running efficiently over time?

Regular oil and filter changes every 7,500 miles using GM dexos1 approved synthetic oil protect the turbocharger bearings and internal engine components. Routine engine air filter replacements, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections preserve fuel economy, tire tread life, and brake system performance.

Q: What options exist for buyers seeking pre-owned three-row family SUVs?

Shoppers searching for reliable three-row family vehicles can explore our certified inventory, which undergoes a rigorous multi-point mechanical inspection. You can learn about our certified pre-owned benefits to review inspection standards and warranty coverage details. You can also explore our Newton Fastpass digital buying tool to configure pricing online, or read more about our dealership commitment to transparent customer service.

Test Drive the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse

Comparing mechanical specifications on paper highlights the performance and utility advantages of the Traverse, but taking a test drive reveals how these features translate to daily driving comfort. The standard 328-horsepower turbocharged engine, generous about 98 cu. ft. max cargo capacity, and intuitive 17.7-inch touchscreen make the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse a standout choice for three-row SUV buyers.

Our team at Newton Chevrolet of Russellville is ready to assist you with transparent pricing, straight answers, and a stress-free shopping experience. Stop by our local dealership location to explore the Traverse lineup in person, give our team a direct call at (270) 713-3840 with any questions, or start your purchase online by choosing to apply for auto financing today.