September means hockey bags are back in the trunk, road trips to the lake are winding down, and Saskatchewan families are shopping for a three-row SUV that can do it all. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and 2026 Honda Pilot both promise room for the crew and gear to match, but they get there in different ways.

Traverse vs. Pilot: Key Specs Side by Side

Spec	Chevrolet Traverse	Honda Pilot
Engine	2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder, 328 hp / 326 lb-ft	3.5L V6, 285 hp / 262 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed automatic	10-speed automatic
Max towing	5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)	5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
Front headroom	1,082 mm	993 mm
Front legroom	1,125 mm	1,041 mm
Touchscreen	17.7-inch, Google built-in	12.3-inch
Drivetrain	AWD standard on LT AWD, Z71 AWD, and RS AWD	AWD standard on every trim

Turbocharged Torque vs. a Smooth V6

The Traverse runs a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. That torque arrives early, which matters when the SUV is loaded with kids, gear, and a full cooler.

The Pilot pairs a 3.5-litre V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft with a 10-speed automatic tuned specifically for the model. It is a proven, refined setup, but the Traverse’s turbo four puts down more horsepower and more torque, so passing on the highway takes less effort and less downshifting.

Matched on Towing, Different on Trailering Tech

Both SUVs land at the same factory number: 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of maximum towing when properly equipped. Neither has a raw capacity edge here, so the real difference shows up in how each one helps the driver get the trailer hooked up and moving.

The Traverse’s available Trailering Package brings Hitch View, Hitch Guidance, a 7-pin wiring harness, and up to 14 camera views, including a Transparent Trailer View that shows what is behind the trailer, not just behind the bumper. Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the shift schedule so the transmission is not hunting for gears with a load behind it.

The Pilot offers a dedicated Tow drive mode, but the Traverse’s camera and hitching technology gives drivers more to work with when backing up to a trailer alone in a parking lot.

The Traverse’s Trailering Package also carries a gross combined weight rating of 10,250 lbs (4,649 kg), giving families room to plan for a fully loaded trailer and vehicle together.

Cabin Space for Growing Families

Across the front row, the Traverse measures out ahead of the Pilot on every core dimension: 1,082 mm of headroom versus 993 mm, and 1,125 mm of legroom versus 1,041 mm. For taller parents or teenagers riding up front on a long drive, that extra room shows up immediately.

The Pilot does offer a larger maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded than the Traverse’s 2,775 litres, which matters for families hauling flat-pack furniture or bulky one-off loads. But for the camping gear, hockey equipment, and cottage supplies that dominate a Saskatchewan family’s actual trip list, the Traverse’s trailering hardware means bigger, bulkier items can ride on a trailer instead of getting wedged into the cargo hold in the first place.

The Traverse’s Z71 trim also adds an advanced twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, a piece of hardware built specifically for uneven terrain and slippery ramps, not just daily-driver traction.

Technology and Driver-Assistance Features

The Traverse’s standard 17.7-inch display with Google built-in compatibility dwarfs the Pilot’s redesigned 12.3-inch touchscreen, giving Traverse drivers a larger map, a larger backup camera view, and more room for split-screen apps. The Traverse’s 11-inch Driver Information Centre also edges out the Pilot’s 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Pilot brings a genuinely quieter cabin for 2026 and standard active noise cancellation on the Black Edition, along with the Honda Sensing suite and a rear seat reminder. But the Traverse answers with Super Cruise, an available hands-free driving system on LT and Z71 and standard on RS, something the Pilot’s feature list does not include.

Layer in the Traverse’s Adaptive Cruise Control, HD Surround Vision, and Blind Zone Steering Assist, and the Traverse’s driver-assistance stack goes further toward taking work off the driver’s plate.

Why the Traverse Fits Saskatchewan Families

For families who tow a trailer to the lake, load up for hockey tournaments, or just want more front-row room on the long stretches of Saskatchewan highway, the Traverse’s turbocharged torque, matched towing rating backed by real hitching technology, and larger standard display add up to a more complete package. The extra horsepower is there when merging onto the highway with a full vehicle, and the trailering camera suite takes the guesswork out of hitching up solo.

The Traverse’s front-row space advantage and available Super Cruise system round out a case that holds up whether the trip is a school run or a full family road trip.

See the 2026 Traverse in Saskatoon

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse pairs a 328-hp turbocharged engine with a 5,000-lb (2,268 kg) towing rating, a 17.7-inch standard display, and front-row space built for families who use every seat. It is a three-row SUV built around torque, trailering confidence, and cabin room.

Visit Saskatoon Motor Products Chevrolet in Saskatoon to sit in the Traverse, check the cargo hold against your own gear, and see how the third row fits your family before you decide.