Traverse vs EV9
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Traverse from Chevrolet or the EV9 from Kia. On the overall scorecard, the Traverse is ahead: 3 of 4 areas, with engine & performance doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Space & Practicality3.4
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
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The Traverse has 113 hp more power
The Traverse’s 328 hp leaves the EV9’s 215 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Traverse has 68 lb-ft more torque
Not a close call. The Traverse lists 326 lb-ft and the EV9 lists 258 lb-ft. That’s a substantial gap. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Traverse has 20% more maximum cargo space
Among all the differences on this page, 98.2 cu ft against 81.7 cu ft is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Traverse. The Traverse can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
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The Traverse has 14% more cargo space
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Traverse’s 23 cu ft beats the EV9’s 20.2 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Traverse has room for 8 seats
The Traverse wins this narrowly, 8 seats against 7 seats, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Design & Size
Size-wise, the Traverse takes up more space, and the EV9 is easier to fit where room is tight.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122 in |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
This section belongs to the Traverse. In engine & performance, it leads the EV9 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Traverse pulls ahead with 113 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. If engine & performance is your priority, the Traverse is the car to pick.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp EV9: 215 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft EV9: 258 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
The Traverse clearly takes the space & practicality round. On the Traverse, you get 20% more maximum cargo space. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number. Weighing only space & practicality, the Traverse comes out ahead.
Cargo (seats folded)
Traverse: 98.2 cu ft EV9: 81.7 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft EV9: 20.2 cu ft The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
Traverse leads
The Traverse edges the safety & tech section, though the EV9 stays close. The Traverse adds a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. The Traverse’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Net result: the Traverse leads this part of the comparison.
Largest touchscreen
Traverse: 17.7 in EV9: 12.3 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 230 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 81.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 want more power (328 hp vs 215 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (98.2 cu ft vs 81.7 cu ft)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 20.2 cu ft)
Choose the EV9 if…
- you want the more compact car
- you already know your way around Kia’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Traverse or the EV9?
On the specs compared here, the Traverse makes more sense for most buyers; the EV9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Traverse bigger than the EV9?
Size goes the other way: the Traverse is larger (204 in), and the EV9 is the smaller option (197.4 × 77.9 × 69.1 in).
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Traverse versus the EV9 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. It’s hard to argue with 113 hp more power, which is exactly what the Traverse brings. A second point goes to the Traverse for 20% more maximum cargo space.
If your days lean on engine & performance, I’d pick the Traverse; if they lean on the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the EV9.
My pick: the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.