How Do the Engine Specs and Towing Capacities Compare Between the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Kia Telluride?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse delivers higher standard performance than the 2026 Kia Telluride, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2026 Kia Telluride outputs 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque from its standard gas engine. Both midsize three-row SUVs offer a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped, but the Traverse provides greater standard engine output for merging, hauling, and highway passing.

When families visit our showroom to compare midsize three-row SUVs, they often ask how the turbocharged power and towing ratings line up on paper before taking a vehicle out on the road. The additional 54 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque in the Traverse give drivers noticeable responsiveness when carrying a full load of passengers or pulling a travel trailer. Front-wheel-drive Traverse models achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive configurations earn 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (with the off-road Z71 trim rated at 21 mpg combined). The gas-powered Telluride delivers matching city efficiency at 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway in front-wheel drive, though it delivers less overall engine power.

For military personnel and families living in Fort Campbell North who frequently haul trailering equipment or organize weekend trips across western Kentucky, that standard torque output provides steady confidence when pulling up to 5,000 pounds. Chevrolet equips the Traverse with integrated trailering equipment on LT, Z71, and RS trims, making it ready for a boat or camper right off the showroom floor.

If you are planning a visit to review towing setups or take a test drive, you can get directions to our dealership or give our staff a quick call at (270) 713-3840 with any questions before heading over.

Table of Contents

• What Infotainment Screens and Standard Safety Driver-Assistance Features Come on Base Trims?
• How Easy Is Third-Row Access and Cabin Versatility in the 2027 Traverse Versus the Telluride?
• Which Trim Offers the Best Value for Money on the 2026 Kia Telluride Compared to Traverse Trims?
• Does Chevrolet Offer Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance and What Are Long-Term Ownership Factors?
• Quick Answers to Common Buyer Questions About the Traverse and Telluride
• Test Drive the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse

What Infotainment Screens and Standard Safety Driver-Assistance Features Come on Base Trims?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with a class-leading 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen paired with an 11-inch digital driver display, whereas the 2026 Kia Telluride includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Both vehicles equip comprehensive suite-level driver assistance on base trims, but the Traverse includes over 20 standard safety features, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Safety Alert Seat, and available hands-free Super Cruise technology on higher trims.

Technology sits front and center inside the Traverse cabin. The standard 17.7-inch screen runs Google built-in software, giving drivers native access to navigation, voice controls, and connected apps without needing to tether a smartphone, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard. In comparison, the Telluride anchors its dashboard with a dual-screen housing containing 12.3-inch displays. While functional, Kia’s central touchscreen offers substantially less screen real estate for split-screen navigation and media management.

On the safety front, both midsize SUVs prioritize family protection. Standard safety gear on the base Traverse LT includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
• Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Park Assist
• Safety Alert Seat (which uses directional haptic seat vibrations instead of audio beeps)

Kia equips the Telluride with its standard Drive Wise package, offering forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, Chevrolet goes further by offering Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance on compatible mapped highways for the RS and High Country trims. Kia offers Highway Driving Assist 2 on upper trims, but it still requires hands on the steering wheel at all times.

For shoppers looking at late-model choices or trade-in alternatives, exploring our pre-owned vehicle selection is a great way to see how safety technology has evolved across recent model years.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims, including AWD High Country, AWD LT, AWD RS, AWD Z71, FWD High Country, FWD LT, and FWD RS, come standard with ABS, telematics, advanced auto collision notification, Isofix preparation, and adjustable front seat head restraints in terms of height. Each trim features two front and two rear head restraints, plus three in the third row. Front and rear seat belts for drivers and passengers are standard with pre-tensioners and height adjustment where applicable, and the third row seat belts include three-point center types with coverage for driver and passenger positions.

Emergency call functionality and an accident data recorder are standard across all trims. The anti-collision system is uniformly equipped with activated brake lights and seat belts, automatic emergency braking, and low-speed front and rear braking across every trim. However, the anti-collision system’s driver monitor and emergency driver intervention system are standard on AWD High Country, AWD RS, FWD High Country, and FWD RS, and these features are not included on AWD LT, AWD Z71, or FWD LT.

How Easy Is Third-Row Access and Cabin Versatility in the 2027 Traverse Versus the Telluride?

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse offers easier third-row entry than the Kia Telluride thanks to its Smart Slide second-row seating, which tilts and slides forward even when an unoccupied child safety seat remains installed. In addition, the Traverse leads the midsize three-row class in total cargo volume, expanding up to 98 cubic feet with rear rows folded, compared to 89 cubic feet in the Telluride.

Flexibility is a primary requirement for three-row SUV buyers. The Traverse seats up to eight passengers on the LT trim when equipped with the second-row bench seat, while seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs is standard on Z71, RS, and High Country trims. Cargo room behind the third row sits at 23 cubic feet, expanding to 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and topping out at 98 cubic feet overall. The Kia Telluride offers up to 87 to 89 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, giving the Traverse a distinct advantage when packing large luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment.

For active families in Springfield commuting into Nashville for work or loading up gear for weekend community events, the ability to tilt the second-row seats forward without removing a car seat frame removes a daily hassle during school drop-offs and family carpools.

Buyers shopping for maximum utility across our inventory can also look into certified pre-owned models that feature multi-point inspections and factory-backed warranty coverage.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

Which Trim Offers the Best Value for Money on the 2026 Kia Telluride Compared to Traverse Trims?

The 2026 Kia Telluride EX trim is frequently highlighted as a strong value point in Kia’s lineup around the mid-$40,000 range, while the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse lineup delivers well-equipped options starting at a base MSRP of $41,100 for the FWD LT trim up to $58,100 for the AWD High Country.

Chevrolet structures the Traverse lineup across four distinct trims designed for specific driving priorities:

• LT (Base MSRP $41,100 FWD / $43,100 AWD): Offers the best overall value for everyday family driving, including the 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, 11-inch digital driver display, 8-passenger availability, and standard 5,000-pound towing capacity.
• Z71 (Base MSRP $49,400 AWD): Built for off-road capability with standard twin-clutch all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, tow hooks, Hill Descent Control, and all-terrain tires.
• RS (Base MSRP $55,800 FWD / $57,800 AWD): Delivers sport styling with 22-inch high-gloss black wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel, Bose 12-speaker audio, and standard Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
• High Country (Base MSRP $56,100 FWD / $58,100 AWD): Focuses on luxury with real wood interior accents, leather seating surfaces, power-folding third row, and standard Super Cruise.

Destination charge across all 2027 Traverse models is $1,995.

When planning a vehicle purchase, our team makes it simple to value your trade-in online to see what your current vehicle is worth before stepping onto the lot. If you ever need cargo organizers, trailering accessories, or all-weather floor liners down the road, you can also order genuine parts online through our dealership.

Does Chevrolet Offer Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance and What Are Long-Term Ownership Factors?

Chevrolet includes one complimentary scheduled maintenance visit for the 2027 Traverse within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership, covering an engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, and a multi-point vehicle inspection. Kia does not offer complimentary maintenance standard on the 2026 Telluride.

Factory warranty coverage on the 2027 Traverse includes a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, backed by 24/7 Chevrolet Roadside Assistance and courtesy transportation. While Kia offers a longer 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, Chevrolet includes emergency roadside support that connects drivers directly to factory-trained technicians and authorized Chevrolet service centers using genuine GM parts.

Shoppers researching long-term dependability often ask about maintenance history. On older, previous-generation Traverse models built over a decade ago, common service considerations involved timing chain wear or power steering pump maintenance. Modern Traverse generations use the updated 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine platform paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, designed for improved component durability and lower maintenance overhead.

To keep your SUV running smoothly over thousands of miles, you can easily schedule a service appointment with our certified maintenance team.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Engine & Performance (continued)

Quick Answers to Common Buyer Questions About the Traverse and Telluride

Q: How does the twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system on the Traverse Z71 handle rough terrain compared to standard AWD?

The Traverse Z71 uses an advanced twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system that can independently send torque to either rear wheel, providing active traction when driving over mud, rutted trails, or slick surfaces. Standard all-wheel-drive systems typically split power front-to-back without active side-to-side rear torque vectoring. Combined with raised ground clearance, all-terrain tires, Hill Descent Control, and underbody skid plates, the Z71 is specifically engineered for light off-roading and unpaved back roads.

Q: What documentation should buyers bring when visiting the financing department at our dealership?

To streamline your purchase, bring a valid driver’s license, your current vehicle registration and title if trading in a car, current proof of auto insurance, and your two most recent pay stubs or proof of income. If you are pre-approved or trading in a vehicle with an existing loan, bringing your current lender account information and payoff quote speeds up the underwriting process significantly.

Q: Can a rear-facing child safety seat remain installed while using the second-row seats in the Traverse?

Yes, Chevrolet’s Smart Slide second-row seating allows the seat to tilt and slide forward to create a wide walkway into the third row even with an unoccupied, forward-facing or rear-facing child seat installed in place. This feature saves parents from having to unlatch and reinstall child seats every time someone needs to get into the back row.

Q: On which 2027 Traverse models is Super Cruise hands-free driving standard?

Super Cruise comes standard on both the RS and High Country trims for the 2027 model year, accompanied by a 3-year OnStar Super Cruise plan. Super Cruise enables hands-free steering, braking, and lane changes on hundreds of thousands of miles of compatible mapped highways across North America, monitored by a driver-attention camera to ensure safety.

Q: What services are covered under Chevrolet Roadside Assistance during the warranty period?

Chevrolet Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 coverage for the duration of the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Included services cover emergency towing to the nearest authorized Chevrolet dealership, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, lock-out service, and emergency fuel delivery. To request help, drivers can call Chevrolet Roadside Assistance at 1-800-243-8872.

Test Drive the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse impresses with its 328-horsepower engine, advanced infotainment, and spacious interior, making it a strong contender against the 2026 Kia Telluride. With 328 horsepower, a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen, standard 5,000-pound towing capacity, and up to 98 cubic feet of cargo room, the Traverse offers a complete package for active families.

Our team at Newton Chevrolet of Russellville is ready to help you compare trims, explore features, and take a test drive. You can check out our new Chevrolet Traverse inventory online, submit an online financing application to get pre-approved, or read up on our certified pre-owned program details.

When you are ready to visit us in person, get directions to our Russellville showroom located at 452 Hopkinsville Rd, Russellville, KY 42276, or call us directly at (270) 713-3840 to set up your test drive today.