2022 Honda Pilot Fights the 2022 Chevy Traverse
- 2022 Honda Pilot comes with a standard V6 engine
- 2022 Chevy Traverse has great standard safety features
- Both SUVs can seat seven or eight passengers
The 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Chevy Traverse midsize SUVs each offer ample seating and V6 power. The two SUVs are powerhouse offerings from their respective automakers, but which is suitable for you? The aging Honda Pilot is due for redesign, and the Traverse’s higher trims can get a bit pricey.
| Specification | 2022 Honda Pilot | 2022 Chevy Traverse |
| Price Range | $36,830-$49,120 | $34,895-$52,395 |
| Engine Options | 3.5L V6 | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 | 310 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Nine-speed automatic | Nine-speed automatic |
| MPG Rating | 23 combined | 20 combined |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Five stars | N/A |
2022 Honda Pilot vs. 2022 Chevy Traverse
The two of these models have more in common than most SUVs of this size. The engines, torque, transmission, and even MPG rating are remarkably close to one another. Although the Chevy Traverse is more affordable in its base model, its highest trims get a little too expensive. Each of these SUVs offers similar amounts of cargo and passenger space, but which is right for you?
The Chevy Traverse has more horsepower
Although the 3.5- and 3.6-liter engines are very close, the Traverse’s 3.6-liter provides more horsepower. Its 310 horsepower across all models is a steal, especially for the lower trims. Not to mention, the fuel economy isn’t impacted too severely. After all, the average MPG is just barely lower than the Honda Pilot.
The 2022 Honda Pilot loses out slightly with only 280 horsepower but is close in terms of torque. The 266 lb-ft provided by the Traverse is barely higher than the Pilot’s 262. The loss of horsepower may be worth it if you value the extra three miles per gallon.
The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport trim is brand new
Starting for the 2022 model year, the Pilot has a TrailSport off-road-focused trim level. Starting at $43,560, it comes with extra features like fender flares, a power tailgate, rugged-style all-season tires, and intelligent traction management with snow, sand, and mud settings.
This off-road trim level has become more and more commonplace for SUVs and trucks throughout the market. Automakers like Honda, Subaru, and even Nissan announced new off-road models for the current model year. We’re sure more will follow, and maybe the Traverse will be getting one soon. For now, if you want to do any light off-roading, the Pilot will be a much better option.
Honda Pilot models have a better resale value
If there’s one thing we know about Honda’s vehicles, it’s that they hold their value better than most. Especially going up against the Chevy Traverse, which loses its value rather quickly. According to KBB, it has some of the strongest resale values in its class.
KBB notes for the Chevy Traverse that is about average in terms of resale value. This is typically seen as bad, considering vehicles like the Pilot, Highlander, and Ascent hold their value nicely. Although it isn’t the Traverse at fault, but more so that its segment opponents hold their value too well.
Both SUVs have the same towing capacity
Both the 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Chevy Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Traverse needs to be equipped with the towing package to be able to tow that much. The Pilot has to have all-wheel drive, which is not standard, or it can’t pull 5,000 pounds. Both vehicles are decently capable in terms of towing compared to other midsize SUVs.
All-wheel drive is available on the Traverse for an additional $2,000, and the Pilot costs the same amount. However, the TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition Honda Pilot models come standard with AWD. The same cannot be said for the Traverse, which does not offer standard AWD on a single model in its lineup.
Which midsize SUV is right for you?
The 2022 Honda Pilot and 2022 Chevy Traverse are remarkably similar in a lot of ways. In terms of power, the Traverse provides more but ends up towing the same amount of weight. The Pilot is due for a stylization refresh, but it is still a safe, comfortable, and more luxurious option than the Traverse. Not to mention, the top trim levels are more affordable than Chevy’s offering.
