Which 3-row SUV is better for your family? We compare the cargo space, winter driving capability, and passenger comfort of the newly redesigned Chevrolet Traverse and the popular Kia Telluride to help Minnesota buyers choose.
Both the Chevy Traverse and the Kia Telluride are top-tier choices for 3-row family SUVs, but they cater to slightly different priorities.
The Chevy Traverse is the ultimate choice for families who need maximum interior volume. With best-in-class cargo space (nearly 98 cubic feet), a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen, and a potent new 328-horsepower turbocharged engine, the Traverse is built to haul kids, sports gear, and weekend supplies with ease.
The Kia Telluride is highly praised for its premium-feeling interior materials and straightforward, boxy styling. It offers excellent ride comfort and a robust list of standard features, making it a strong contender for buyers prioritizing a luxury-like feel over maximum hauling capacity.
| Feature | Chevy Traverse | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower / Torque | 328 hp / 326 lb-ft | 291 hp / 262 lb-ft |
| Max Cargo Space | Up to 98.0 cu. ft. | Up to 87.0 cu. ft. |
| Standard Touchscreen | 17.7-inch diagonal display | 12.3-inch display |
| Max Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs (properly equipped) | Up to 5,000 lbs (5,500 on X-Pro) |
When it comes to family SUVs, interior space is often the deciding factor.
The Chevy Traverse Advantage: The Traverse feels cavernous. Whether you are hauling hockey bags to the Rogers Ice Arena or packing for a week at the lake, the Traverse provides up to 98 cubic feet of max cargo space. The third row in the Traverse is also notably adult-friendly, making it one of the few midsize SUVs that can comfortably seat full-sized passengers all the way in the back.
The Kia Telluride Perspective: The Telluride is incredibly comfortable and offers a very refined cabin, especially in its upper trims. However, with 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, it falls short of the Traverse when it comes to raw hauling capability. The third row is capable, but slightly tighter than the Traverse.
Don't just look at maximum cargo space—look at space behind the third row. If you frequently travel with all three rows occupied, the Traverse offers more usable trunk space for groceries and strollers without needing to fold seats down.
The newly redesigned Traverse replaces its old V6 with a modern 2.5L Turbo making a robust 326 lb-ft of torque. This low-end torque is fantastic for merging onto I-94. Furthermore, Chevy now offers the Traverse Z71, an off-road focused trim featuring a twin-clutch AWD system, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires—perfect for unplowed Minnesota driveways or rutted cabin roads.
The Telluride sticks to a traditional 3.8L naturally aspirated V6. It's smooth and predictable, though it lacks the immediate low-end punch of the Traverse's turbo. The Telluride's AWD system handles snowy commutes reliably, and trims like the X-Pro offer slightly better ground clearance and towing limits for recreational weekenders.
Modern families demand seamless connectivity and top-tier safety.
The Kia Telluride remains a fantastic, highly-rated SUV with a premium feel and great warranty. However, for active Minnesota families who prioritize maximum cargo volume, robust turbocharged performance, and cutting-edge tech like a 17.7-inch screen and available Super Cruise, the Chevy Traverse is the undisputed champion of the carpool lane.
At Miller Chevrolet of Rogers, we know that reading about an SUV isn't the same as driving one. We invite you to bring the family, bring the car seats, and see how the Traverse fits your life.
Yes. The Chevy Traverse is larger both inside and out. It offers up to 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the Telluride's 87 cubic feet, and generally provides more legroom in the third row.
Fuel economy is very similar between the two. The Traverse's new 4-cylinder turbo is designed for a blend of efficiency and torque, while the Telluride uses a traditional V6. Real-world mileage will depend heavily on your driving habits and whether you opt for AWD.
Yes. Both the Chevy Traverse and the Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped with their respective factory trailering packages. The Telluride X-Pro trim bumps this slightly to 5,500 lbs.
Yes, both SUVs offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to easily mirror your smartphone for navigation, music, and messaging.
