Chevrolet
Traverse
Honda
Pilot
Chevrolet Traverse vs Honda Pilot: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Chevrolet Traverse comes out ahead of the Honda Pilot on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Traverse
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. For the 2018-2023 generation, owner feedback is mixed, with many reporting trouble-free, spacious, and practical family vehicles, while others report significant and recurring mechanical and electrical failures. The 3.6L V6 engine is frequently praised for its smoothness and power, but the associated transmission is a major source of criticism, with reports of failures, leaks, and shifting issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or package. Feedback is focused on generations and powertrains.
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission failures and problems: includes complete failure, fluid leaks, rough shifting, stalling, and speed sensor issues. Affects multiple generations. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical and infotainment system failures: encompasses "Service Driver Assist System" errors disabling all ADAS features, complete failure of the myChevrolet app and connected services (remote start, lock/unlock), screen freezes, and Blu…
- ⚠Engine timing chain issues: a known concern for the 3.6L V6 engine in older models (2009-2012 mentioned), requiring costly repair. Frequency: recurrent.
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- ⚠Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- ⚠Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
The verdict
The Chevrolet Traverse is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Traverse and the Honda Pilot. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
The Chevrolet Traverse is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.2 L/100km combined versus 11.8 L/100km for the Honda Pilot, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Traverse or the Honda Pilot?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chevrolet Traverse than the Honda Pilot. See the known issues comparison above.