Chevrolet Traverse vs Honda Pilot
The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2022 Honda Pilot are two of the most popular three-row family SUVs on the used market, frequently appearing on the same shopping list thanks to their similar passenger capacity, feature sets, and price points. Buyers are often torn between the Traverse's larger interior and lower sticker price versus the Pilot's legendary Honda reliability and stronger resale value. Understanding the true five-year cost of ownership — not just the purchase price — reveals some meaningful differences that can save shoppers thousands of dollars.
Despite its higher purchase price, the 2022 Honda Pilot's superior reliability, lower repair frequency, and significantly stronger resale value result in a lower true five-year cost of ownership compared to the Traverse, whose faster depreciation and higher maintenance costs erode its initial price advantage.
2022 Chevrolet Traverse
- Lower initial purchase price reduces upfront financial commitment
- Larger cargo and passenger space per dollar than most rivals
- Widely available at dealerships keeping insurance and parts competition strong
- Faster depreciation than Honda means higher five-year value loss
- GM reliability ratings trail Honda in J.D. Power and Consumer Reports surveys
- Slightly worse real-world fuel economy at roughly 20 MPG combined increases fuel spend
2022 Honda Pilot
Winner- Best-in-class resale value for three-row SUVs limits depreciation loss
- Honda's above-average reliability reduces unexpected repair bills
- Marginally better real-world fuel economy at roughly 21-22 MPG combined saves fuel costs
- Higher purchase price requires more cash or financing upfront
- Slightly elevated scheduled maintenance costs at Honda dealerships
- Third-row is tighter than Traverse limiting true seven-passenger comfort
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The verdict
When you look past the sticker price, the 2022 Honda Pilot's $1,500 higher purchase cost is more than offset by its slower depreciation, superior reliability, and marginally better fuel economy over five years, making it the smarter financial choice for most buyers. The Traverse is not a bad vehicle — its interior space and lower entry price are real advantages — but buyers should factor in its faster value loss and historically weaker reliability before committing. If budget is tight today and interior room is paramount, choose the Traverse; if you want the lowest true cost over a full ownership cycle, the Pilot wins.
Chevrolet Traverse: The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse is best for large families prioritizing maximum interior space and lower upfront cost who plan to keep the vehicle fewer than four years or are less concerned about long-term reliability data.
Honda Pilot: The 2022 Honda Pilot is best for buyers planning to own the vehicle five or more years who value proven long-term reliability, stronger resale value, and lower total cost of ownership over the full ownership period.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Honda Pilot more reliable than the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse?
Yes, the 2022 Honda Pilot scores above average in both J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability and Consumer Reports reliability surveys, while the 2022 Traverse scores average to below average, particularly regarding its transmission and infotainment system.
Which holds its value better, the Traverse or the Pilot?
The 2022 Honda Pilot holds its value significantly better, retaining roughly 52-54% of its original value after five years compared to approximately 46-49% for the Traverse, according to Edmunds and Black Book residual value data.
How much does it actually cost per month to own a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs Honda Pilot?
Including depreciation, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, the 2022 Traverse costs approximately $712 per month over five years while the Honda Pilot costs approximately $681 per month, making the Pilot cheaper despite its higher sticker price.
Which SUV has more cargo and passenger space, the Traverse or the Pilot?
The Chevrolet Traverse wins on space with up to 98.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and a more accommodating third row, versus the Pilot's 83.9 cubic feet, making it the clear choice for larger families needing true seven-passenger capacity.
Is it worth paying more for the Honda Pilot over the Chevy Traverse?
For most buyers planning to own the vehicle four years or longer, yes — the Pilot's lower total five-year cost of approximately $40,860 versus $42,720 for the Traverse, combined with better reliability, justifies its higher initial price of roughly $2,500 more.