2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2027 Kia Telluride
Shopping for a three-row SUV in Erie? The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse and the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride are two of the most cross-shopped family SUVs on the market.
These SUVs have a lot in common, but plenty sets them apart, too. The Telluride was fully redesigned for 2027 with a new turbo engine and its first-ever hybrid. Meanwhile, the Traverse offers best-in-class cargo space and 328 horsepower on every trim.
Read on as the team at Dave Hallman Chevrolet compares power, space, tech, winter capability, and towing so you can pick the right fit for your family.
The Best 3-Row SUV for Erie Families: Traverse or Telluride?
The short answer: for most Erie families, the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse is the better three-row SUV. It offers up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space, about 9 more than the Telluride, and every trim gets a 328-horsepower turbo engine. That's 54 more horsepower than the Telluride's standard engine. The all-new 2027 Kia Telluride makes sense if fuel economy is your top priority and you want its new hybrid, or if you want the off-road X-Pro.
Both seat up to eight, tow up to 5,000 pounds, and offer all-wheel drive for lake-effect winters. The differences show up in standard power, cargo room, screen size, and hands-free driving tech. Here's how they compare.
Traverse vs. Telluride at a Glance
| Spec | 2027 Chevrolet Traverse | 2027 Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl, 328 hp / 326 lb-ft (every trim) | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
| Available engine | N/A | 2.5L turbo-hybrid, 329 hp / 339 lb-ft |
| Seating | Up to 8 (LT with available bench) | Up to 8 (LX, EX); 7 on Hybrid |
| Max cargo space | 98 cu ft (best in class) | 89.3 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 22.9 cu ft | 22.3 cu ft |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (4,500 Hybrid) |
| EPA fuel economy, FWD (city/hwy) | 20/26 mpg | 20/26 mpg gas; up to 34/36 Hybrid EX |
| Touchscreen | 17.7-inch standard | 12.3-inch standard |
| Driver display | 11-inch standard | 12.3-inch on SX and above; 4.2-inch below |
| Hands-free driving | Super Cruise standard on RS, High Country, Z71 | Not offered |
| AWD | Available; standard on Z71 | Optional on S, EX; standard on X-Line, X-Pro, SX Prestige |
| Trims | LT, Z71, RS, High Country | 10 trims, LX through X-Pro SX Prestige |
Performance: More Standard Power in Every Traverse
Every 2027 Traverse uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Since the entire lineup uses the same engine, you’ll never pay extra for full power.
The redesigned 2027 Telluride drops its old V6 for a standard 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft. It’s also available with a turbo-hybrid powertrain that generates 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy: Same Efficiency, More Power in the Traverse
When you compare the gas-powered models, the new Chevy Traverse comes out ahead. With front-wheel drive, it’s EPA-rated at 20 mpg city and 26 highway. This is actually the same fuel economy you’ll get in the FWD gas Telluride, but with 54 more horsepower. Add all-wheel drive for Erie winters and the Traverse holds at 20/24 mpg, while the gas Telluride drops to 18/24, or 17/22 on the X-Pro.
Kia’s new Telluride Hybrid is rated up to 35 mpg combined, but that efficiency comes with trade-offs: a higher price, only seven seats, and 500 fewer pounds of towing capacity than the Traverse. With the Traverse, you get solid mileage plus full power, seating for up to eight and up to 5,000 pounds of towing.
Space: The Traverse Holds More
The Chevy Traverse interior seats up to eight on the LT with its available second-row bench, and seven on other trims. Fold both rear rows, and you get 98 cubic feet of cargo space, which Chevrolet rates best-in-class. The 2027 Telluride tops out at 89.3 cubic feet of cargo room.
With every seat in use, the Traverse still has 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row for groceries, hockey bags, or luggage. Behind its third row, the Telluride has 22.3 cubic feet of space. It seats eight on the LX and EX and seven on other trims, and the Telluride Hybrid seats seven.
Technology: A Bigger Screen and Hands-Free Driving
The Traverse comes standard with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver display, plus wireless phone connectivity and Google built-in compatibility. Super Cruise, which lets you drive hands-free on compatible roads, is standard on the RS and High Country.
The Telluride comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A matching 12.3-inch driver display starts on the SX, while lower trims get a 4.2-inch gauge display. Kia's Highway Driving Assist uses hands-on-wheel detection to make highway driving more convenient, but it's not hands-free.
Erie Winters and Towing
All-wheel drive is available on the Traverse and standard on the off-road-ready Z71, which has a Twin-Clutch AWD system. On the Telluride, AWD is optional on the S and EX, standard on X-Line, X-Pro and SX Prestige trims, and not offered on the LX or SX.
The Traverse tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, enough for a small boat headed to Presque Isle or a pop-up camper. The gas Telluride matches that, but the Telluride Hybrid is rated for 4,500 pounds.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the 2027 Chevy Traverse if you:
- Haul a lot of gear and want the most cargo space in the class
- Want 328 horsepower without paying for a hybrid or top trim
- Want the biggest standard touchscreen
- Plan to use hands-free highway driving on road trips
Choose the 2027 Kia Telluride if you:
- Want a hybrid and don’t mind paying more for it
- Plan to go off-road and want the X-Pro
- Only need seven seats
Frequently Asked Questions
For most Erie families, the 2027 Chevrolet Traverse is the better choice. It offers up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space, 328 horsepower on every trim, and available all-wheel drive for winter. The Telluride Hybrid is worth a look only if fuel economy is your top priority.
The Traverse's interior is bigger than the Telluride's. The 2027 Traverse offers up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2027 Telluride offers up to 89.3 cubic feet. Both seat up to eight, though the Telluride Hybrid seats seven.
The Traverse offers 328 horsepower on every trim. The Telluride's standard engine provides 274 horsepower, while the Telluride Hybrid generates 329 horsepower.
No. The redesigned 2027 Telluride uses a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder or a turbo-hybrid. The Traverse also uses a 2.5-liter turbo four, rated at 328 horsepower.
Both are up for the challenge that is an Erie winter. All-wheel drive is available on the Traverse and standard on the Z71. On the Telluride, AWD is optional on the S and EX, standard on X-Line, X-Pro, and SX Prestige, and not offered on the LX or SX.
Up to 5,000 pounds with the right equipment. That matches the gas Telluride and beats the Telluride Hybrid's 4,500 pounds.
Yes. We offer Chevy financing and lease options, and you can get pre-approved online or value your trade before you visit.
Test-Drive the 2027 Chevy Traverse For Sale in Erie
The best way to compare these SUVs is with a test drive! Stop by Dave Hallman Chevrolet at 1925 State Street in Erie to browse our Traverse inventory or schedule a test drive.
Ask about current Traverse offers on our specials page or contact us today with any additional questions!