Chevrolet produces some excellent SUVs, but the Kia Telluride is a formidable rival. The 2023 Kia Telluride’s critics’ score and overall ratings from U.S. News are both significantly higher than the Chevy Traverse’s. However, the Traverse has a couple of advantages over the Telluride, one of which may be invaluable to large families.

The 2023 Chevy Traverse boasts more cargo space

Behind the rear seats alone, the three-row Chevy Traverse has 23 cubic feet of storage area. Its maximum cargo capacity is over 98 cubic feet, with nearly 58 cubes available with the third row folded flat. With the Kia Telluride’s third row folded down, it provides only 46 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Kia Telluride has 87 cubic feet of cargo area total, which is still plenty of space for the average SUV driver. It also has a hidden compartment underneath the load floor, which is useful for storing smaller items. The Telluride’s wide hatch opening is also a plus.

However, the 2023 Chevy Traverse is still approximately nine inches longer than the Kia Telluride. In addition to providing more storage, the Traverse’s interior is more accommodating for passengers. That’s especially apparent in the third row, offering over 33 inches of legroom. That’s impressive, considering most three-row SUVs sacrifice third-row legroom for cargo space.

But with 31 inches of legroom, the Telluride’s third row is still more spacious than most rivals. It also beats the Chevy Traverse in cabin space and second-row legroom. However, there isn’t a big difference between the two regarding seat comfort.

The Chevy Traverse also has the more powerful engine

Both of these SUVs have standard V6 power, though the 2023 Kia Telluride’s engine is slightly larger. However, the 2023 Chevy Traverse still makes more power, with 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque on tap. The Telluride is capable of 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It also has an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the Traverse has a nine-speed automatic. 

Neither SUV could be called athletic, and they’re nearly equal in fuel economy. Both also have comfortable rides and reliable brakes. However, despite boasting more power, the Traverse’s engine makes some unrefined noises at higher speeds.

Here’s where the 2023 Kia Telluride is superior

While the 2023 Chevy Traverse has a spacious interior, too many plastic parts garnered some critics’ disapproval. Car and Driver editors knocked the range-topping High Country trim for below-average build materials. In contrast, other reviews praised the Telluride SX Prestige for its genuine wood trim and soft-padded surfaces.

Speaking of trim selection, the 2023 Kia Telluride also added two dedicated off-roading trims for this model year. Every Chevy Traverse has only 7.5 inches of ground clearance, while the Telluride’s Pro-X and X-Line have nearly an inch more. Still, U.S. News says these models leave much to be desired in actual off-roading equipment. 

Still, their ride qualities are reportedly even better with the standard all-terrain tires. Each Telluride model also has more standard features compared to its Traverse counterpart. For example, the Telluride has a 12.4-inch touchscreen that towers over the Traverse’s seven-inch display.

In addition, every 2023 Telluride includes smartphone integration, remote start, navigation, and LED headlights. The Telluride also has a longer list of advanced driver’s aids on the base LX trim. Still, it can’t beat the Traverse in cargo space.