2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2026 Honda Pilot: South Bay SUV Comparison

2026 Chevy Traverse Z71 Shown in Sterling Gray Metallic

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Vs.

2026 Honda Pilot

7–8 passengers Seating Capacity 7–8 passengers
2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder Engine 3.5L V6
328 hp Horsepower 285 hp
326 lb-ft Torque 262 lb-ft
5,000 pounds Standard Towing Capacity 3,500 pounds
17.7 inches Max Touchscreen Display 12.3 inches
22.90 cubic feet Cargo Volume (Behind 3rd Row) 21.8 cubic feet

Finding the perfect midsize three-row SUV for your family’s daily drives and weekend getaways shouldn’t feel like a chore. Whether you are commuting through Milpitas, carpooling in Campbell, or heading down to Gilroy for the weekend, you need a vehicle that delivers comfort, safety, and capability you can rely on through our world-class Service center.

At Capitol Chevrolet, we want to help you make an informed choice with zero pressure. We look at two of the most popular options on Northern California roads: the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Honda Pilot. While both offer three rows of seating, the Traverse pulls ahead with standard turbocharged power, massive cargo room, and class-leading digital tech.

See how these family SUVs match up side-by-side, then view our new vehicle inventory and come experience our world-class guest experience on the Capitol Expressway.

 

 

 

Performance Built for Bay Area Adventures

When you merge onto Highway 85 or head up the hills toward Los Gatos, engine responsiveness matters. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse features a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that easily outperforms the Honda Pilot’s naturally aspirated V6. The Traverse delivers a robust 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, giving you quick acceleration and confident passing power.

If your family loves outdoor adventures, towing capacity is likely a top priority. The Traverse comes ready to work with a 5,000-pound standard towing capacity. The Honda Pilot requires an upgrade to higher trims or all-wheel-drive configurations to match that number, starting out with a base capacity of just 3,500 pounds. The Traverse makes it simple to hitch up your camper, boat, or jet skis for a weekend trip to Calero Reservoir or Morgan Hill without breaking a sweat.

Chevrolet Traverse Performance

  • Engine: 2.5L Turbo with 328 hp & 326 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Available Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
  • Fuel Economy: Up to 22 mpg combined (FWD) / 21 mpg combined (AWD)

Honda Pilot Performance

  • Engine: 3.5L V6 with 285 hp & 262 lb-ft of torque
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Available Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
  • Fuel Economy: Up to 22 mpg combined (FWD) / 21 mpg combined (AWD)

Room to Breathe: Seating & Cargo Space

Both models can accommodate up to eight passengers, but they handle daily cargo needs differently. While the Honda Pilot offers slightly more total volume when you fold all the rear seats flat, the Traverse shines where it matters most: day-to-day usability.

With a full house of passengers, the Traverse leaves a generous 22.90 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. That means you can load up groceries from the Almaden Plaza, sports gear for the kids, or luggage without having to sacrifice anyone’s legroom.

Chevy Traverse Cargo Volume (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row): 97.60 / 56.60 / 22.90 cubic feet
Honda Pilot Cargo Volume (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row): 111.8 / 59.5 / 21.8 cubic feet

Next-Level Interior Technology

Inside the cabin, the Traverse feels like a modern command center. It boasts a massive, standard 17.7-inch diagonal color infotainment touchscreen. This driver-centric display completely overshadows the Pilot’s maximum 12.3-inch screen, making it incredibly simple to manage your navigation, music, and vehicle settings at a glance.

Additionally, the Traverse includes convenient standard features that either require a trim upgrade or are completely unavailable on the Pilot:

  • Wireless Phone Charging: Keep your devices powered up without messy cords cluttering the center console.
  • Heated Steering Wheel: Keep your hands comfortable on those chilly Bay Area mornings before the sun hits Communications Hill.
  • Teen Driver Technology: An industry-exclusive built-in system that helps encourage safe driving habits for the teens in your household.

Experience the No Brainer Checkout at Capitol Chevrolet

We are proud to be part of the Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG), the Bay Area’s largest family-owned automotive group. To us, you are never just a transaction—you are our guest. Our goal is to provide a world-class guest experience defined by transparency, honesty, and simplicity.

When you find the right Chevy Traverse for your family, our No Brainer Checkout lets you customize your payments online, apply for financing, view transparent pricing, and complete your purchase from the comfort of your own home. We strip the mystery out of the vehicle-buying process so you can leave completely happy at Capitol Chevrolet.

Visit Our Capitol Expressway Showroom Today

Are you ready to see how the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse can elevate your daily drive around Campbell, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy? Stop by Capitol Chevrolet, located right near Westfield Oakridge Mall in San Jose.

Our friendly Product Specialists are ready to answer your questions, walk you through our current new vehicle specials, and get you behind the wheel for a hassle-free test drive. Let us show you what our Project 100 commitment to customer satisfaction looks like in action!

 


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