2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2025 Honda Pilot

Many people find it hard to choose between the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs. the Honda Pilot. These versatile SUVs offer spacious interiors and impressive tech but differ in key areas that might sway your decision. Our team at Steve Austin’s Auto Group put these two popular contenders head-to-head so you can understand what sets them apart. Both vehicles deliver comfort and capability for everyday life, but one may fit your needs and driving style better.

Exterior Design and Styling

The updated look of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse attracts attention. Its bold grille and sharp LED headlights blend into sleek body lines, while its solid stance gives it an athletic vibe. Sculpted sides lead to a stylish rear with standout taillights, balancing ruggedness and elegance. Conversely, the 2025 Honda Pilot looks more like a traditional SUV due to its boxy shape. It showcases a wide grille and modern headlights. The design is simple, focusing on reliability over flash. Both rides have roof rails and available power liftgates.

Interior Comfort and Space

If you’re carting a big family around, the Traverse has you covered with tons of space. It fits seven passengers comfortably, with second-row captain’s chairs available, or you can opt for a bench seat on the LS trim to fit eight. There’s enough space in the third row for adults, and the seats are designed to keep your knees happy. There are also plenty of storage bins and cupholders. Folding the seats down gives you over 97 cubic feet of cargo space, which makes it practical for all your gear.

The new Pilot is also built to be a family-friendly SUV. It can accommodate up to eight people across three rows of seating, with captain’s chairs in the second row optional for the EX-L trim and standard on the TrailSport. The Touring and Elite models feature a clever design in the second row where the middle seat can be removed and conveniently stashed under the cargo floor when you don’t need it.

Honda emphasizes that eight of the Pilot’s cupholders can accommodate 32-ounce water bottles. When all the seats are up, there’s decent cargo space, too — you can manage to squeeze in six carry-on-sized boxes behind the third row.

Performance and Engine Options

Every Traverse comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can choose all-wheel drive (AWD) if you want, but the standard setup sends power to the front wheels. If you’re looking for something a bit more rugged, the Z71 trim is your go-to. It’s got features that make it better for off-road adventures, such as a twin-clutch AWD system, an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires, and a Terrain driving mode. The Traverse can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, so you can bring along small boats or campers without any issues.

The Pilot features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 285 horsepower paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. While it’s mainly front-wheel drive, AWD is an option. The V-6 isn’t incredibly fast, but it has a responsive throttle and feels stable on the road. The TrailSport model handles moderate off-road trails well, thanks to its 1-inch lift compared to other trims, all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, and hill-descent control, plus a special AWD system with a Trail driving mode.

Technology, Infotainment, and Connectivity

All Traverse models come with a huge 17.7-inch touch screen for entertainment, which uses Chevrolet’s newest software interface based on Google. There’s also a standard 11-inch digital gauge display with several different configurations. Everyone across the three rows can charge up with multiple USB ports, and there’s built-in Wi-Fi for staying connected on those long road trips.

The 2025 Honda Pilot showcases Honda’s commitment to technological innovation with its own impressive suite of features. The base Sport features a 7-inch infotainment touch screen and digital gauge cluster with Honda’s user-friendly interface, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims have a 9-inch display with wireless capabilities, while Elite and Black Edition models offer a 10.2-inch gauge cluster. The Pilot comes with a standard seven-speaker stereo, while the Touring, Black Edition, and Elite models include a premium 12-speaker Bose system.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Chevrolet packed the new Traverse with a bunch of standard driver-assistance features, such as systems for detecting pedestrians and cyclists, plus automatic high-beam headlights. If you’re willing to spend a little extra, you can get a Traverse equipped with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving mode on the LT and Z71 models — it comes standard on the RS and High Country.

All Pilot models come equipped with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The suite includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights to help out at night. There’s even an emergency SOS system that can automatically call for help if something goes wrong.

Price, Value, and Ownership Costs

Both SUVs are similar in price — the Traverse kicks off at around $40,700, while the Pilot is slightly cheaper at about $40,200. When you look at the total cost of ownership over five years, the Pilot comes in at around $58,624, while the Traverse jumps up to $64,119. These numbers cover things such as depreciation, maintenance, insurance, and fuel.

Which SUV Should You Choose?

The new Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot are excellent midsize SUVs. While the Traverse’s extra cargo space and torque give it an advantage, the Pilot’s reliability and resale value are worth considering. Choosing the right one comes down to what you need and what you like.

Visit our Bellefontaine dealership if you want to see the Traverse up close and ask us any questions you have. We can also set you up for a test-drive so you can see and feel the difference for yourself. Stop by today and see how the Traverse can fit into your lifestyle.