2020 Honda Pilot vs. 2020 Chevrolet Traverse Comparison

Three-row midsize SUVs offer an abundance of versatility due to their large size, seating capacity and various capabilities. Let’s see how the 2020 Honda Pilot and 2020 Chevrolet Traverse stack up against each other.

2020 Honda Pilot

2020 Honda Pilot Starting Price: $34,245 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Standard safety equipment; standard V6 engine; spacious with good resale value

Below Average: Design is showing its age; feels more like a minivan; the LX trim doesn’t include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Consensus: The 2020 Honda Pilot can seat eight passengers, and still offer plenty of cargo space, plus it has some off-road features that make it relatively capable should you venture off the pavement.

2020 Chevrolet Traverse

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Starting Price: $30,995 | Price Yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Fantastic styling both inside and out; oodles of cargo space; comfortable seating in all three rows; handles well for its size; powerful V6.

Below Average: Lack of features on lower trims; not a great record for reliability; some safety features are only available as options; lags behind competitors in resale value.

Consensus: The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse is a 3-row midsize SUV with good road manners and a comfortable ride.  It stands out in its class by offering a massive amount of cargo space with the seats folded.

Pilot vs. Traverse: Predictable or something new?

Honda Pilot 

The 2020 Honda Pilot has plenty to offer like generous cargo possibilities, a powerful V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and it can hold its own off-road as well. Note the base model comes with a 6-speed automatic, a 9-speed comes on higher trim levels. As a family hauler, it seats up to eight. Selectable terrain modes like Snow, Mud, and Sand enables the Pilot to handle off-road pursuits. Honda has improved the Pilot’s torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system which means improved handling for the midsize 3-row vehicle. The Honda Pilot comes equipped with a host of safety equipment called Honda Sensing. It includes active safety features and driver-assistance features that are among the best in the class. If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, you will need to step up to the EX trim.

Chevrolet Traverse

The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse offers exceptional styling, plenty of storage space, and solid driving dynamics. The downside is you have to spend more money to get the safety and driving assistance features that are available in the Honda Pilot. On the road, the Chevrolet Traverse is quick with a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. We’d recommend moving up to at least the LS trim (which is thousands more expensive than the base trim) to get access to the features you’ll want. Inside, the Traverse has a huge interior, and the addition of the optional smart slide second-row seat makes it easy to access the third row. One of our favorite features is the rear-view camera mirror inside. By flipping the view to the camera you are treated to a live video feed 180-degrees behind the Traverse.

Similarities 

Capable V6-powered SUVs with smart functionality, spacious cargo, seating for up to eight.

2020 Honda Pilot Advantages 

Lots of storage and cargo space, solid resale value, notable standard safety tech. 

2020 Chevrolet Traverse Advantages 

Lower starting price; good drivability, significantly more cargo space; aggressive looks.

Final Recommendation

In this comparison, we have to recommend the 2020 Honda Pilot. The Pilot includes as standard the latest safety and driver-assist features, has more usable storage, and is both proven and reliable. The Honda Pilot also has better resale value compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.

Ready to buy a Honda Pilot or Chevrolet Traverse? Shop now for one on sale near you.