2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?

July 13th, 2026 by Abby Heilman

Shopping for a three-row SUV? Chances are, you have come across the Chevrolet Traverse and the Kia Telluride. Both of these vehicles are great choices for families looking for ample cargo space and modern technology. So how do you decide between the two?

This common customer question is exactly why we are introducing a new series called Brand Battle! The goal isn’t to declare one vehicle the winner. Instead, we’re putting them side by side and comparing the features that matter most to shoppers so you can determine which vehicle is the better fit for your lifestyle.

To kick off this new segment, we are going to be comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT and the 2027 Kia Telluride EX.

So, which one makes more sense for you? Let’s compare the Telluride and Traverse side by side.

Quick answer: The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is a great fit if you want more maximum cargo space, higher horsepower, and a rugged design. The 2027 Kia Telluride is a strong choice if you prefer a more premium look, refined interior, and upscale SUV feel.

2027 Kia Telluride vs. 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Comparison

Feature	2027 Kia Telluride EX	2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT	Why It Matters
Seating	Three rows	Three rows	Both are built for families, carpools, road trips, and daily driving.
Max Cargo Space	Up to 89 cu. ft.	Up to 98 cu. ft.	The Traverse offers more total cargo room with the rear rows folded.
Cargo Behind Third Row	About 22 cu. ft.	About 23 cu. ft.	With all seats in use, these SUVs are very close.
Engine	2.5L turbocharged engine	2.5L turbocharged engine	Both use turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.
Horsepower	274 hp	328 hp	The Traverse has the higher horsepower rating.
Torque	311 lb-ft	326 lb-ft	The Traverse also has a slight torque advantage.
Towing	Up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped	Up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped	Both can handle light towing needs when equipped correctly.
Interior Feel	Upscale and refined	Rugged and functional	Your preference may come down to design style and cabin personality.

*Specs vary by trim and configuration. Contact Jeff Belzer’s for the latest availability and model details.

Exterior Design

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has a bold, athletic look inspired by Chevrolet’s truck lineup. Its strong front end, wide stance, and rugged styling give it a more adventurous personality. It feels right at home whether you are heading to a weekend cabin, pulling into a school pickup line, or loading up for a sports tournament.

The 2027 Kia Telluride takes a different approach. Its boxy shape, upright design, vertical headlights, and chiseled front end give it a more premium presence. The Telluride has built a reputation for looking upscale without losing the practicality families expect from a three-row SUV.

If you like a tougher, truck-like appearance, the Traverse may catch your eye first. If you prefer a more refined and modern design, the Telluride has a strong case.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is one of the biggest reasons shoppers choose a three-row SUV, and this is where the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse stands out.

The Traverse offers about 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Fold the third row down, and you get around 57 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded, the Traverse provides up to 98 cubic feet of cargo room.

That extra space can make a real difference if you regularly carry:

Sports gear
Strollers
Luggage
Groceries
Coolers
School bags
Pet supplies
Road trip essentials

The 2027 Kia Telluride is still very spacious. It offers about 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 49 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 89 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

With the third row up, these SUVs are very close. But if maximum cargo capacity is a top priority, the Traverse gives you more room to work with.

Interior Styling and Comfort

Inside, the 2027 Kia Telluride EX feels polished and upscale. The cabin design is clean, modern, and easy to navigate. Its panoramic display setup gives the dashboard a high-end look, while features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat help create a comfortable daily driving experience.

The Telluride also offers a generous amount of second-row space, with 43 inches of second-row legroom. That is helpful if you frequently have adults, teens, or older kids riding in the back.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT has a more rugged and functional interior. Chevrolet focused on space, usability, and technology. The large 17.7-inch touchscreen is one of the first things you notice when you sit inside, and it pairs with an 11-inch driver information center for a modern, driver-focused layout.

The Traverse offers 41.46 inches of second-row legroom, and depending on configuration, available Smart Slide second-row seating can make it easier to access the third row.

Both SUVs are comfortable enough for commuting, errands, family trips, and weekend travel. The Telluride feels a little more premium, while the Traverse puts a stronger focus on practicality and space.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Both the Telluride and Traverse offer a strong list of safety and driver-assistance features.

The 2027 Kia Telluride EX includes helpful technology such as:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Following Assist 2
Safe Exit Assist
Highway Driving Assist
Parking Distance Warning Forward and Reverse
Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control with Curve

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse also comes well equipped. Chevrolet says the Traverse offers more than 20 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including:

Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
Blind Zone Steering Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Safety Alert Seat

For families, commuters, and road-trip drivers, both SUVs offer the modern safety technology shoppers expect in a new three-row SUV.

Power and Towing

Both SUVs use turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but the power numbers are different.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2027 Kia Telluride also uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It is also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the right towing package.

If horsepower and torque are high on your list, the Traverse has the advantage. If both SUVs are properly equipped, towing capacity is similar.

Which SUV Is Better for Your Lifestyle?

The right choice depends on what you want most from your next SUV.

Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse if you want:

More maximum cargo space
A rugged, truck-inspired design
A large 17.7-inch touchscreen
Strong horsepower and torque numbers
A practical cabin built around family use

Choose the 2027 Kia Telluride if you want:

A more upscale exterior and interior feel
A refined, premium-looking cabin
Strong second-row legroom
A polished design with modern technology
A well-rounded mix of comfort, safety, and style

Both SUVs are excellent options for families and three-row SUV shoppers. The Traverse feels bigger, bolder, and more utility-focused. The Telluride feels more refined, stylish, and premium.

Watch the Telluride vs. Traverse Brand Battle

Want to see these SUVs compared in person? In the Brand Battle video, Allye walks through the key differences between the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse so you can get a better feel for how they stack up.

Key Takeaways

The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse are both strong three-row SUV choices.
The Traverse has more maximum cargo room and more horsepower.
The Telluride offers a more upscale design and premium-feeling cabin.
Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize space and utility or refinement and style.

Compare the Telluride and Traverse in Person

The best way to choose between the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is to see them side by side. Compare the seating, cargo space, technology, and driving feel, then choose the three-row SUV that fits your family best.

Shop 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Shop 2027 Kia Telluride

Features, trims, specs, and availability are subject to change. Contact Jeff Belzer’s for the latest model details and inventory availability.