What To Know
- The Pilot comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate, making it easy to open and close the rear hatch with a simple foot gesture.
- Both the Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers protected on the road.
- The Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Traverse gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a family SUV, cargo space is a crucial factor. Whether you’re planning a road trip, hauling sports equipment, or simply running errands, having enough room for your belongings is essential. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the cargo space capabilities of two popular SUVs: the Honda Pilot and the Chevy Traverse. From dimensions to features, we’ll explore every aspect to help you determine which vehicle offers the best cargo-carrying solution for your needs.
Dimensions and Configurations
The Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer spacious interiors, but there are some key differences in their dimensions. The Pilot has a slightly shorter overall length, measuring 196.5 inches compared to the Traverse’s 204.3 inches. However, the Pilot makes up for this in terms of width, with a measurement of 79.0 inches versus the Traverse’s 78.3 inches. Both SUVs have a height of approximately 70 inches, providing ample headroom for passengers.
In terms of seating configurations, both vehicles offer three rows of seats. The Pilot has a standard seating capacity of eight, while the Traverse can accommodate up to nine passengers with its available second-row bench seat. However, it’s worth noting that the third row in both SUVs is best suited for children or smaller adults due to limited legroom.
Cargo Volume and Flexibility
The Honda Pilot offers a generous amount of cargo space, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 109.2 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The Chevy Traverse, on the other hand, provides slightly more cargo volume, boasting 18.7 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
Both SUVs feature versatile cargo areas with split-folding rear seats, allowing you to configure the space to accommodate various cargo sizes and shapes. The Pilot’s second-row seats fold in a 60/40 split, while the Traverse’s second-row seats fold in a 60/40 or 50/50 split, providing even more flexibility.
Cargo Features and Convenience
The Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer several features to enhance cargo usability and convenience. The Pilot comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate, making it easy to open and close the rear hatch with a simple foot gesture. The Traverse also offers a hands-free liftgate, but it’s available as an optional feature.
Both SUVs feature underfloor storage compartments in the cargo area, providing additional space for smaller items or valuables. The Pilot’s underfloor storage is located beneath the third row, while the Traverse’s is located beneath the second row.
Towing Capacity and Payload
If you plan on towing a trailer or hauling heavy loads, the Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer impressive towing and payload capacities. The Pilot has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,625 pounds. The Traverse, on the other hand, boasts a slightly higher towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,794 pounds.
It’s important to note that towing and payload capacities can vary depending on the specific trim level and configuration of the vehicle. Always consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications for accurate information.
Safety Features
Both the Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers protected on the road. Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. Additionally, both SUVs offer advanced safety technologies such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The Chevy Traverse offers a few additional safety features that the Honda Pilot doesn’t, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. These features can provide added peace of mind and enhance your overall driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
The Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer comparable fuel efficiency ratings. The Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Traverse gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Both SUVs are powered by V6 engines, with the Pilot producing 280 horsepower and the Traverse generating 310 horsepower.
The Verdict: Which SUV Offers the Best Cargo Space?
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize cargo space above all else, the Chevy Traverse offers slightly more volume behind the third row and with the second row folded down. However, the Honda Pilot provides a more versatile cargo area with a hands-free liftgate and underfloor storage.
In terms of safety features, the Chevy Traverse offers a few more advanced technologies than the Honda Pilot. However, both SUVs received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one meets your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as cargo space, safety features, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience to make an informed decision.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which SUV has more cargo space behind the third row: the Honda Pilot or the Chevy Traverse?
The Chevy Traverse offers slightly more cargo space behind the third row, with 18.7 cubic feet compared to the Honda Pilot‘s 16.5 cubic feet.
2. Which SUV has more maximum cargo space with all seats folded down?
The Honda Pilot provides more maximum cargo space with all seats folded down, with 109.2 cubic feet compared to the Chevy Traverse‘s 98.2 cubic feet.
3. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?
The Chevy Traverse has a slightly higher towing capacity of 5,300 pounds compared to the Honda Pilot’s 5,000 pounds.
4. Which SUV offers more advanced safety features?
The Chevy Traverse offers a few more advanced safety features than the Honda Pilot, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system.
5. Which SUV gets better fuel efficiency?
The Honda Pilot and Chevy Traverse offer comparable fuel efficiency ratings, with the Pilot getting slightly better mileage in the city and the Traverse getting slightly better mileage on the highway.