If you’re shopping for a 3-row midsize SUV, you’ve almost certainly come across the Kia Telluride and the Chevy Traverse. They’re among the most in-demand vehicles on American roads today.
The Telluride is a relative newcomer, but has won every KBB Best Buy Award since it debuted for the 2020 model year. Kia updated its look for the 2023 model year, so it gets minimal changes for 2024.
The Traverse, meanwhile, outsells the Telluride most months. The 2023 Traverse is a family-friendly choice with even more cargo space. Note that there’s an all-new, completely redesigned Traverse on the way for 2024. But it’s not in showrooms yet, so this comparison uses the 2023 Traverse still on dealership lots now.
Let’s see how these two compare.
2024 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a bona fide automotive smash hit in its fourth year. Roomy, with a long standard equipment list and the longest warranty in the business, it’s so popular dealers sometimes struggle to keep it in stock. A pair of light off-roader models mean you can buy a Telluride for the highway or the ranch. Prices start at $35,990.
Kia Telluride Highlights
Stylish, high-tech cabin: The Telluride has one of the most contemporary cabins in the 3-row midsize class. The driver’s instrument panel and central touchscreen sit together in a single, curved housing – a look borrowed from the luxury classes. Its entertainment system updates itself with over-the-air downloads. The Traverse’s cabin is comparatively dated.
A pair of off-road models: The Telluride X-Line has more ground clearance, trailer sway control, and off-road-tuned traction control for those who plan to end up on grass and dirt tracks often. The X-Pro gets all the same, plus 500 pounds more towing capacity. Chevy focused on off-road capability with next year’s Traverse because this year’s model lacks it.
The longest warranty in the business: Kia vehicles can make solid financial investments because of their amazing 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. There’s a lot of peace of mind in knowing you’re not on the hook for major repairs for up to a decade.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Telluride models for sale near you.
2023 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse on dealership lots today is about to be replaced. A handsome, rugged-looking 2024 Traverse will appear, Chevy says, in “early 2024.” But when a new model is on the way, dealers will often take any reasonable offer on the older model on the way out. The 2023 Traverse offers more room in most dimensions than the Telluride and a lower starting price of $34,520.
Chevy Traverse Highlights
More power: Chevrolet builds a 310-horsepower V6 into every Traverse – 20 more horses than any Telluride. The added passing power makes a difference on the highway and in the mountains.
Standard active noise cancelation: It’s surprising to find this technology outside the luxury classes. Active noise cancelation keeps the cabin quiet even at highway speed.
Third-row and cargo space: Critics praise the space in the Telluride, and the Traverse makes it look small. It offers more third-row space and 11.2 more cubic feet in the cargo area.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Chevrolet Traverse models for sale near you.
Similarities
Each comes with a standard V6 engine and starts prices in the mid $30,000 range. Both can tow 5,000 pounds in most configurations (though the Telluride X-Pro beats that at 5,500).
Conclusion
The Kia Telluride keeps winning our Best Buy Award in its class with its excellent balance and exceptional warranty. You almost certainly wouldn’t go wrong with buying one.
The aging 2023 Chevy Traverse is less heralded and about to be replaced. But it deserves a look if you need the added space and power or want the chance to make a lower bid on a model about to exit the lineup. This contest will likely be closer once the 2024 Traverse arrives early next year.
Specifications
| 2024 Kia Telluride | 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | |
| Starting Price | $35,990 | $34,520 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.8-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 310 hp @ 6,800 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,200 | 266 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic | 9-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 mpg (20 city/26 hwy) | 21 mpg (18 city/27 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | n/a |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 120.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.9 inches | 205.9 inches |
| Width | 78.3 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 70.7 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.8 feet | 39.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 42.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 40.2 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.1 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.0 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 42.4 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom 3rd Row | 31.4 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.6 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.2 inches | 62.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 55.3 inches | 57.5 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 178.1 cubic feet | 157.1 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 87.0 cubic feet | 98.2 cubic feet |
