Matchup
Hyundai Palisade vs Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Palisade Calligraphy AWD against the 2026 Traverse LT AWD, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the Traverse costs $13,365 less: $44,795 against $58,160 for the Palisade, destination included. PublishedHyundaiPublishedGM Authority
- The Traverse has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 57.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- From the driver’s seat the Palisade’s hood hides the first 23 ft of road; the Traverse’s hides 33 ft. Simulated
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Traverse and still stop inside the lit road is 84 mph; in the Palisade it’s 64 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
At a glance
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $58,160PublishedHyundai | $44,795PublishedGM Authority |
| Powertrain | 3.5 L Atkinson-cycle V6 with port and direct injection, 12.3:1 compression · HTRAC AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) | 2.5 L turbocharged four (LK0) with direct injection · AWD with an electronically controlled rear coupling (driver-selectable) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 8.0 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 175 ft (53.3 m)TestedCar and Driver | 178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)TestedCar and Driver | 57.0 cu ft (1,614 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Large suitcases, packed | 8Simulatedfrom Hyundai | 8Simulatedfrom C/D |
| Seats | 7Published | 7Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/A/G |
Acceleration
The Traverse gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 7.3 s against 8.0 s.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 287 hp (214 kW)PublishedHyundai | 328 hp (245 kW)PublishedC/D |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft (353 Nm)PublishedHyundai | 326 lb-ft (442 Nm)PublishedC/D |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 8.0 sTestedCar and Driver | 7.3 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 7.8 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 7.4 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.8 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.8 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 16.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 15.6 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
No meaningful gap between the Palisade and the Traverse on what we can measure here.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 175 ft (53.3 m)TestedCar and Driver | 178 ft (54.3 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 121 ft (36.9 m)TestedMotorTrend | 114 ft (34.7 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 362 ft (110.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 367 ft (111.7 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 278 ft (84.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 281 ft (85.6 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 168 ft (51.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 170 ft (51.8 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
NHTSA puts the Palisade’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.9% risk against 18.5% risk for the Traverse.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 15.9% riskTestedNHTSA | 4★ · 18.5% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.23Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA | 1.19Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Traverse costs about $160 a year less to run: $3,199/yr against $3,359/yr.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $3,359/yrDerivedEPA | $3,199/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver |
| Drag coefficient | 0.39DerivedEPA | 0.43DerivedEPA |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
No meaningful gap between the Palisade and the Traverse on what we can measure here.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.82 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.81 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.82 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.81 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.26 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 39.2 ft (11.9 m)PublishedHyundai | 39.0 ft (11.9 m)PublishedGizmoDriver |
| Ground clearance | 7.4 in (19 cm)PublishedHyundai | 6.8 in (17 cm)PublishedC/D |
| Tires | Pirelli Scorpion MS 265/45R21 108V · 265/45R21TestedCar and Driver | 255/65R18 all-season · 255/65R18PublishedC/D |
Space, luggage and fit
The Traverse has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 57.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7Published | 7Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 8Simulatedfrom Hyundai | 8Simulatedfrom C/D |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Hyundai | 6Simulatedfrom C/D |
| Cargo behind the second row | 46.0 cu ft (1,303 L)TestedCar and Driver | 57.0 cu ft (1,614 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Cargo, seats folded | 87.0 cu ft (2,464 L)TestedCar and Driver | 98.0 cu ft (2,775 L)TestedCar and Driver |
| Towing | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedHyundai | 5,000 lb (2,268 kg)PublishedC/D |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.1 in (3 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.2 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +3.6 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +4.0 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +6.7 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +6.8 in (17 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.7 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.1 in (8 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +9.6 in (24 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +8.0 in (20 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.1 in head · +5.3 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | +0.5 in head · +3.7 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 40.1 in (102 cm)PublishedHyundai | 42.6 in (108 cm)PublishedC/D |
| Rear head room, published | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedHyundai | 40.0 in (102 cm)PublishedC/D |
| Rear leg room, published | 43.0 in (109 cm)PublishedHyundai | 41.5 in (105 cm)PublishedC/D |
Cabin noise
No meaningful gap between the Palisade and the Traverse on what we can measure here.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin sound at 70 mph | 67 dBATestedCar and Driver | no data |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Palisade’s hood hides the first 23 ft of road; the Traverse’s hides 33 ft.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 23 ft (7.0 m)Simulated | 33 ft (10.0 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 44%Simulated | 41%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Traverse and still stop inside the lit road is 84 mph; in the Palisade it’s 64 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 288 ft (87.8 m)TestedIIHS | 443 ft (135.1 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 64 mph (103 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 84 mph (136 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 544 ft (165.7 m)TestedIIHS | 512 ft (156.0 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Palisade rates Good and the Traverse Acceptable.
| Palisade | Traverse | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | 5★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS | no data |
| Curb weight | 4,902 lb (2,224 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,865 lb (2,207 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Hyundai Palisade
- From the driver’s seat the Palisade’s hood hides the first 23 ft of road; the Traverse’s hides 33 ft. Simulated
- NHTSA puts the Palisade’s single-vehicle rollover risk lower: 15.9% risk against 18.5% risk for the Traverse. TestedNHTSATestedNHTSA
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +9.6 in of knee room in the Palisade and +8.0 in in the Traverse. Simulated, estimated inputs
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the Palisade rates Good and the Traverse Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the Palisade; the Traverse goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSASimulated, estimated inputsfrom NHTSA
Chevrolet Traverse
- In the trims shown, the Traverse costs $13,365 less: $44,795 against $58,160 for the Palisade, destination included. PublishedHyundaiPublishedGM Authority
- The Traverse has 11.0 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 57.0 cu ft against 46.0 cu ft. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the Traverse and still stop inside the lit road is 84 mph; in the Palisade it’s 64 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- The Traverse gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 7.3 s against 8.0 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 4.8 s in the Traverse and 5.8 s in the Palisade. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- IIHS measured the Traverse’s low beams lighting the road 155 ft farther on a straightaway: 443 ft against 288 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the Traverse costs about $160 a year less to run: $3,199/yr against $3,359/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +2.2 in between head and headliner in the Traverse and +1.1 in in the Palisade. Simulated, estimated inputs
- The Traverse makes 41 hp more: 328 hp against 287 hp. PublishedHyundaiPublishedC/D
Other trims
- Palisade Calligraphy AWD · on this page
- Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD
- Traverse LT AWD · on this page
- Traverse Z71
Keep comparing
Sources
- Hyundai USA: 2026 Palisade starting MSRP by trim (Calligraphy $54,560 FWD; HTRAC AWD +$2,000) (2026-10)
- GM Authority: 2026 Chevy Traverse gets destination freight charge increase (MSRP plus destination by trim) (2026-01)
- Car and Driver: 2027 Kia Telluride’s Turbo Four Tests Better Than the Hyundai Palisade’s V-6 (tested 2026 Palisade Calligraphy AWD) (2026-03)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Is Large but Lacks Charisma (RS AWD) (2024-09)
- IIHS: 2026 Hyundai Palisade ratings (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Hyundai Palisade AWD (id 49581) and Palisade Hybrid AWD (id 49583) ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Chevrolet Traverse AWD (id 49574) and FWD ratings (2026-10)
- Hyundai USA: 2026 Palisade specifications and trim comparison (MSRP, dimensions, weights, interior, cargo, tires, towing) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver (Chrome data): 2026 Chevrolet Traverse FWD LT features and specs (dimensions, interior, cargo, brakes, tires, engine) (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2026 SUV of the Year: Hyundai Palisade (tested Calligraphy AWD, Hybrid Calligraphy AWD and XRT PRO) (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD First Test (2025-06)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV AWD (VehicleId 21136) (2026-10)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse SUV ICE AWD (VehicleId 21869) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 Buick Enclave Is a Big, Cushy Family Cruiser (Avenir FWD, 75-mph highway test) (2024-12)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Palisade and Palisade Hybrid coastdown targets and axle ratios) (2026-01)
- US EPA: Data on cars used for testing fuel economy, MY2026 (Chevrolet Traverse AWD and FWD coastdown targets) (2026-01)
- GizmoDriver: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse turning circle by trim (2026-10)
- IIHS: Two additional models earn awards in latest IIHS ratings (2026 Palisade built after November 2025: Top Safety Pick+, May 14, 2026) (2026-05)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.