Traverse vs Telluride
This is a classic rivalry: the Traverse against the Telluride, Chevrolet against Kia, both in three-row suv territory. The Telluride is up against it here: the Traverse wins 3 of the 5 areas on our scorecard, with engine & performance as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality7.4
- Off-road & Towing5.3
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
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The Traverse has 64 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Traverse makes its strongest case: 326 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Traverse has 37 hp more power
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Traverse leads with 328 hp to 291 hp. 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 9.5% more cargo space
Only a little separates them: 23 cu ft on the Traverse, 21 cu ft on the Telluride. 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 a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen
The Traverse clearly leads on largest touchscreen, and 17.7 in versus 12.3 in is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Traverse’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
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The Traverse has 13% more maximum cargo space
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Traverse (98.2 cu ft versus 87 cu ft). Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Traverse. Point to the Traverse for 64 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. In short, the Traverse is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft Telluride: 262 lb-ft The Traverse’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Telluride: 291 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Neither the Traverse nor the Telluride has a real advantage in the fuel economy & range category. The fuel economy & range verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
The space & practicality comparison is one-sided. The Traverse leads where it counts. The Traverse brings 9.5% more cargo space. The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Traverse has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft Telluride: 21 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
Traverse: 98.2 cu ft Telluride: 87 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Traverse leads
By a small margin, the Traverse is the stronger of the two in this area. The Traverse pulls ahead with a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. On safety & tech alone, the Traverse gets the nod.
Largest touchscreen
Traverse: 17.7 in Telluride: 12.3 in A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 291 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 21 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft (winner) Most room, seats folded | 87 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 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 often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 291 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 21 cu ft)
- you want the bigger touchscreen (17.7 in vs 12.3 in)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Traverse or the Telluride?
On the specs compared here, the Traverse makes more sense for most buyers; the Telluride doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Brand loyalty aside, I tried to judge the Traverse and the Telluride purely on what they offer. Here’s what matters most to me: the Traverse offers 64 lb-ft more torque. There’s more, too: the Traverse offers 9.5% more cargo space.
Who should get which? The Traverse for engine & performance, the Telluride for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.