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The new Chevy Traverse offers size and style. It is in competition with almost every three-row SUV in America. However, the eight-passenger SUV is larger than most of its competitors. This makes it an ideal choice if passenger comfort is what you need. Further, it has a 98.2 cubic feet cargo space so that you can bring the SUV on your next adventure.
What Else Does the Chevy Traverse Offer?
Under the hood, the car has a 310-horsepower V6 gas engine that allows it to tow up to 5,000 pounds. This engine mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a front-wheel-drive system. There is an optional all-wheel drive.
The MSRP of this SUV ranges from $29,800 to $53,100, depending on the trim and configuration you choose. The L trim is the base and is a bare-bones model engineered to offer space and basic comforts. Its top-of-the-line trim is the High Country, which has a wide range of performance and luxury features.
The Chevy Traverse accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 130 mph. Thanks to its size, the SUV is stable on the roads even at that top speed.
The vehicles are very similar to Chevy Traverse and those I like the most are Chevy Blazer, GMC Acadia, and Ford Explorer. The latter has carved a space in the three-row SUV segment with its performance while the first two share the same platform with the Chevy Traverse – the GM C1 platform.
Read on to learn more.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV just like the Chevy Traverse. Although these two vehicles do not share a platform, they are all engineered to offer power, space, and performance. Ford redesigned the Explorer for the 2021 model to bring more state-of-the-art features and introduce more trims.
The base trim has a 2.3L four-cylinder turbo gas engine that makes 300 horsepower and 310-pound feet of torque. However, Ford uses a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine in the top three trims. This engine generates 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The base engine gives 21/28 mpg gas mileage for city/highway driving while the V6 offers 18/26 mpg.
The Ford Explorer can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 143 mph. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,300 pounds, which is only slightly higher than the Traverse.
The seven-seat Explorer costs between $34,285 for the base model and $58,915 for the Platinum trim. Behind its third row, the Explorer gives you 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second and third rows folded down, the Explorer makes 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is built on the same platform as the Chevy Traverse, the GM C1 platform. It is also a three-row SUV designed to offer a refined ride, comfort, and convenience through modern onboard technology. It comes in between the smaller Terrain and the larger Yukon but is still one of the best for family adventures.
The base model has a four-cylinder gas engine that makes 193 horses and comes standard with a front-wheel-drive system. There is an optional four-wheel drive for drivers who want to go off the road.
The SLT trim has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 230 hp while the AT4 and Denali trim run on a V6 engine that makes 310 horsepower. AT4 is an off-road model while the Denali is one of the most luxurious trims. It has a maximum towing capacity of about 4,000 pounds.
The base engine gives an EPA efficiency of 21/27 mpg for city/highway driving while the V6 engine gives 19/27 mpg.
The seven-seat Acadia accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of 115 mph. Its base model has an MSRP of about $30,995 while the Denali costs about $54,545.
Kia Telluride
Kia Telluride debuted in 2020 as Kia’s largest SUV. It is a three-row SUV that offers almost the same comfort and convenience features as the Chevy Traverse. It also seats eight passengers and has enough head- and legroom for the passengers. It also offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat and 87 cubic feet of space behind the front seats.
Under the hood, Telluride has a standard 3.8L V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with the front-wheel-drive system, but there is an optional all-wheel drive. This engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The 2021 Telluride has an EPA estimated efficiency of 20 mpg in the city and 20/26 mpg for city/highway driving.
The Kia Telluride accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 141 mph. Its MSRP is between $32,190 and $44,390.
Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is a three-row SUV. It is also a mid-size option like the Chevy Traverse. The eight-passenger SUV is spacious enough to offer passenger comfort and also leaves 17.8 cubic feet of space behind its rear seat.
All Ascent trims run on a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a CVT automatic transmission and is standard as an all-wheel-drive system. It has an EPA efficiency rating of 21/27 mpg on the city/highway.
Ascent accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds and can hit a top speed of 130 mph. The 2021 model can tow up to 5000 pounds. Its MSRP is between $32,295 and $45,445.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is an upscale three-row midsize SUV just like the Traverse. It is preferred for its premium interior and its luxurious top-of-range Signature trim. This model is quiet when driven on the highway and gives a fast acceleration with sporty handling.
It comes standard with a 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine that generates 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular gas. The power goes up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with premium gas. It has an efficiency of 22/28 mpg for city/highway driving. With the all-wheel drive, the efficiency goes down by 2.0 mpg.
This engine can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph. When well-equipped, the model can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is lower than what its competitors offer.
The MSRP of the 2021 Mazda CX-9 is between $34,160 and $46,805.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas debuted in 2018. It was the first time VW released a three-row SUV, and they did an awesome job at it. The Atlas offers 22 mpg combined fuel efficiency, about 20 city/24 highway mpg. Inside, the SUV offers sufficient storage and sufficient cargo space. It offers 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and a total of 96.8 cubic feet behind the front seats.
The base engine is a 235-hp gas four-cylinder engine while all other trims run on a 276-hp V6 engine. This 2.0L base engine can tow up to 2000 pounds while the more powerful V6 engine tows up to 5,000 pounds.
The SUV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is slower than what competitors allow. This seven-passenger three-row SUV reaches a top speed of 130 mph and costs between $31,545 and $50,725.
Dodge Durango
Although Dodge Durango is the same as the Chevy Traverse in cabin and cargo space, it is better in performance. It is a model for those who want power and performance for off-road driving and for towing.
The base engine of the Durango is a 3.6L V6 gas engine that makes 295 hp and 260 lb-ft. It mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Another engine, available for the R/T trim is a 5.7L V8 engine that generates 360 hp and 390 lb-ft torque. This also pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two other engines, available for the SRT and the SRT Hellcat include a 6.4L V8 engine and a 6.2L V8 supercharged engine. These two engines make 475 and 710 horsepower respectively.
With the most powerful engine, the Durango can tow up to 7,800 pounds. The base engine has a combined efficiency of 21 mpg while the Hellcat engine offers 15 mpg combined.
Durango seats five passengers in its two-row model and eight in its three-row model. It accelerates from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds with the Hellcat engine, which can hit a top speed of 180 mph. Get this SUV at between $32,570 and $80,995.
Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot is Honda’s largest and highest permanence SUV. It matches the Chevy Traverse in that it is a family SUV that seats eight passengers. There is plenty of passenger space and cargo room, making it ideal for adventure.
Under the hood, the Honda Pilot has a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft torque. This engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and has a standard front-wheel drive. When well-equipped, the engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but the base 2WD model only tows up to 3,500 pounds.
The Honda Pilot can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 miles per hour. The SUV is available at between $32,250 and $49,920.
Nissan Pathfinder
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The Nissan Pathfinder is roomy and capable just like the Chevy Traverse. It is a decent choice for families looking for adventure and impressive towing capacity. While most three-row SUVs tow under 6,000 pounds, this one can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Under its hood, the Pathfinder has a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 284 hp and 259 lb-ft torque. It comes with a standard front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive. This engine has an EPA estimated mileage of 20 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.
This seven-passenger SUV is spacious enough to offer comfort during long trips. It also allows you to bring your cargo to the trip, thanks to the 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the second and third-row seats folded down, the Pathfinder offers up to 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2020 model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, which is only a few seconds slower than the Traverse. It reaches a top speed of 140 mph and costs between $31,980 and $44,910.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is Hyundai’s largest SUV. It is a mid-size SUV just like the Chevy Traverse, and it is also engineered for family adventures. This model is the most expensive from the automaker, and for a good reason, it offers a host of safety, convenience, and performance features. Its cabin is luxuriously trimmed, allowing it to compete with the Traverse and other midsize SUVs in its category.
The SUV draws power from a 3.8L V6 engine that makes 291 horsepower and 262-pound feet of torque. This engine mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission and has a standard front-wheel-drive system with an optional all-wheel drive.
The engine has a gas mileage of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. If you upgrade to the all-drive system, the fuel economy reduces by 2.0 mpg. The engine accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 mph.
When properly equipped, this eight-passenger midsize SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It is available in four trims with the base SE trim costing about $34,450 and the top Calligraphy trim costing about $49,865.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is another three-row family SUV engineered to offer comfort and ruggedness on the road. Toyota upgraded the 2021 model so that it offers a sport-tuned suspension, and it also offers enhanced performance on and off the road. We like the Highlander for its comfortable seats. Its cabin is comfortable and allows seating for up to eight passengers.
Behind the rear seat, the Highlander accommodates 16 cubic feet of cargo. With the two rear rows folded down, the Highlander can accommodate up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
All Highlander models feature a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and 263-pound feet of torque. This engine has a mileage of 21 mpg and 29 mpg for city and highway driving respectively. These numbers are impressive for a V6 engine. With the all-wheel-drive system, the Highlander has a fuel economy of 21 mpg and 27 mpg for city and highway driving.
The engine can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 11 mph, which is relatively low. The MSRP for the 2021 Highlander is between $35,085 and $49,190.
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Blazer is built on the same platform as the Chevy Traverse. As such, these two vehicles have the same capabilities and performance. However, the Blazer is a little smaller and sleeker than the Traverse. If you want the same platform that built the Chevy Traverse, but in a smaller SUV, you can get that in the Blazer.
The five-passenger SUV has sufficient cargo space behind its rear seats, at 30.5 cubic feet. This is almost double what the three-row SUVs above offer. With the rear seats folded down, the Blazer offers up to 64.2 cubic feet of cargo space. It can tow up to 4,500 pounds when well-equipped.
Under the hood, the first three base low trims sport a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 228 horses. Higher trims have a 3.6L V6 gas engine that generates 308 hp. It has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg efficiency on the highway with the base engine. The V6 engine offers 20/27 mpg for city/highway driving.
The 2021 Blazer is fast and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 120 mph. It is available at an MRSP of between $33,400 and $44,000.
Ford Escape
The 2022 Ford Escape has a similar body style to the Traverse and is nearly as spacious. Overall, its solid build quality and upscale interior are impressive. The base engine is an 181 HP turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder with either front or all-wheel drive.
While the turbo three may not offer the most refinement, it provides more than enough power for most drivers and could get our test car from 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds.
It has an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. The Escape has a towing capacity of 1,500 to 3,500 lbs and comes in four standard trims: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium.
Top features include fog lights, roof rails, and a panoramic roof on the SEL and higher trims. Drivers that choose the turbo four-cylinder have access to the Tow package for additional features.
It also has excellent tech highlights with a technology package that comes with a hands-free liftgate, digital instrument panel, driver’s seat memory settings, and a wireless charging pad.
The price range for the 2022 Ford Escape is $25,555 to $28,000.
GMC Terrain
The 2022 GMC Terrain is a stylish compact SUV that seats five and has a similar feel as the Traverse. It has a standard 170-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
It gets from 0 to 60 in 9.3 seconds and has a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The 2022 GMC Terrain has a 1,500lb towing capacity and is available in four trims: SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali.
The SLT updates the interior to perforated leather and adds heated front seats with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Standard features include cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen, and automatic climate control.
The Denali offers the most high-end perks, such as navigation, a head-up display, and premium suspension that provides a smoother ride.
It shares many tech highlights with the Traverse, such as available front and rear parking sensors, an HD surround-view parking camera system, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The 2022 GMC Terrain has a starting price range of $27,900 to $36,600.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 gasoline engine with an all-wheel drivetrain and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs on the market. The SUV has an impressive fuel economy of 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway, giving it one of the best fuel economies among SUVs.
The Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. The Grand Cherokee comes in eight trims: Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland, Overland Summit, SRT, Trail hawk and the Summit.
The Laredo comes standard with a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system with three USB ports and a rearview camera. The Laredo E is the only trim that doesn’t come with an infotainment system. Safety highlights are many in this SUV.
It has a 360-degree surround view, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and trailer sway control.
The price range for this SUV is $35,995 to $55,485.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento, like most other SUVs on this list, comes with a three-row interior layout. It has a standard six-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.
It reaches 60 mph from a stop in 7.4 seconds, which is faster than most of the other SUVs on this list. The SUV has an impressive towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Sorento has three trims: L, LX, and SXL.
The base model, the L comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a rearview camera and Bluetooth. The LX has a nine-inch infotainment system with wireless device charging and two USB ports.
The SXL has automatic climate control, a nine-inch infotainment system with wireless device charging, two USB ports, and Harman Kardon speakers.
The Sorento has many of the features that are standard on most new cars, such as push-button start, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control,
The price range for the Sorento is $30,495 to $45,275.