Traverse vs Tahoe vs Equinox: Which Chevy SUV?
Traverse vs Tahoe vs Equinox
Traverse vs Tahoe vs Equinox: Which Chevy SUV?
Where the Traverse fits between the Equinox and the Tahoe.
- 5Equinox seats
- 7–8Traverse seats
- Up to 9Tahoe seats
Home › Chevrolet Traverse Guide › Traverse vs Tahoe vs Equinox · Last updated October 31, 2026
Short answer: Equinox: 5 seats from $29,300. Traverse: 7 or 8 seats, 328 hp, 5,000-lb towing, from about $41,100. Tahoe: full-size V8, up to 9 seats and 8,400 lb of towing, from $61,200. All before destination.
Prices are GM MSRP including the $1,995 destination charge unless noted, checked against Chevrolet.com starting MSRPs on Oct 31, 2026; option prices from GM 2027 order data as reported by GM Authority and GM-Trucks (2026). GM can change prices; confirm on the window sticker or ask for an out-the-door quote.
Side by side
| Equinox | Traverse | Tahoe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (before destination) | $29,300 | About $41,100 | $61,200 (LS 2WD) |
| Seats | 5 | 7 or 8 | Up to 9 |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo, 175 hp | 2.5L turbo, 328 hp | 5.3L V8, 355 hp (6.2L, diesel available) |
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | 5,000 lb | Up to 8,400 lb |
| Max cargo | 63.5 cu ft | 97.6 cu ft | — |
| Drive | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD | 2WD or 4WD |
Chevrolet and published pricing; Traverse before-destination price derived from GM MSRP minus $1,995 destination. Confirm current Tahoe and Equinox pricing on the sticker.
Which fits your family
- Equinox: a family of four, commuting, best price and mpg. Equinox guide.
- Traverse: three rows, car seats plus friends, a pop-up camper or fishing boat, better mpg than a V8.
- Tahoe: bigger campers, V8 or diesel, or 8 to 9 seats every day. Shop Tahoe.
The Traverse's edge
A lower floor and easier third-row entry than a body-on-frame SUV, more third-row legroom than most crossovers (32.1 in), and better mileage than the V8. Its limit is towing: over 5,000 lb, step up. See Towing: 5,000 lb explained, Seating: 7 vs 8 and Specs, dimensions and cargo.
Back to the Chevrolet Traverse buyer's guide.
More buyer questions
Traverse vs Tahoe in one minute
Unibody vs body-on-frame
Traverse is a unibody crossover (lighter, easier to park, 5,000-lb towing). Tahoe is body-on-frame with V8 or diesel and much higher towing. Over 5,000 lb? Tahoe. Under? Traverse.
Traverse questions
Traverse vs Tahoe: what's the difference?
The Tahoe is a body-on-frame full-size SUV with a V8, up to 8,400 lb of towing and up to 9 seats from about $61,200. The Traverse is a three-row crossover with 328 hp, 5,000 lb of towing and better mpg from about $41,100.
Traverse vs Equinox?
The Equinox is a five-seat compact from $29,300; the Traverse adds a third row, 328 hp and 5,000-lb towing for about $11,800 more.
Is the Traverse bigger than the Tahoe?
No. The Tahoe is bigger and heavier.
Which Chevy SUV is best for towing a camper?
Under 5,000 lb, the Traverse; heavier, the Tahoe or Suburban.
More Traverse guides
Sources: Chevrolet.com, 2027 Traverse, Chevrolet.com, Tahoe, Chevrolet.com, 2027 Equinox