Traverse vs Santa Fe
Chevrolet brings the Traverse; Hyundai answers with the Santa Fe. Both play in the three-row suv class. The spec sheets tilt toward the Traverse, which leads in 3 of 3 areas and opens its biggest gap on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Traverse has 51 hp more power
The Santa Fe lists 277 hp; the Traverse comes in at 328 hp. That’s not a rounding error. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Traverse has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
At 5,000 lb versus 3,500 lb, this is a decisive lead for the Traverse, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Traverse has room for 8 seats
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Traverse: 8 seats against 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
The Santa Fe has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Traverse pulls well ahead. The Traverse takes this one with 51 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Weighing only engine & performance, the Traverse comes out ahead.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Santa Fe: 277 hp The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
In the space & practicality category, the Traverse is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Traverse wins here with room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. In short, the Traverse is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Seats
Traverse: 8 seats Santa Fe: 7 seats The Traverse has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Traverse leads
The off-road & towing comparison is one-sided. The Traverse leads where it counts. The Traverse makes its case with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the Traverse is where you should land.
Max towing
Traverse: 5,000 lb Santa Fe: 3,500 lb If you tow regularly, the Traverse’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Traverse and the Santa Fe part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 277 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 277 hp)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Traverse or the Santa Fe?
On the specs compared here, the Traverse makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Traverse’s and the Santa Fe’s) so you don’t have to. The Traverse has 51 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the Traverse doesn’t stop there; it also offers 1,500 lb more towing capacity.
I’d steer engine & performance fans toward the Traverse and the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Santa Fe.
My pick: the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.