2016 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2016 Chevrolet Traverse

2016 Chevrolet Tahoe

• Full-size, truck-based SUV
• Available four-wheel drive
• 5.3L V8 engine

2016 Chevrolet Traverse

• Large crossover SUV
• MSRP from $28,700
• Perfect five-star overall government crash test rating

As a truck-based, body-on-frame, full-size SUV, the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe is a “no compromises” kind of SUV, not only in terms of performance but also dimensions. This model has a spacious cabin that provides a tremendous amount of room across three rows. The standard setup includes first-row captain’s chairs and second- and third-row bench seats to seat eight people. You can also opt for second-row captain’s chairs, which decreases seating to seven. Finally, go with all three rows as bench seats and you’ll get a maximum passenger capacity of nine. The Tahoe comes with 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum cargo volume of 94.7 cubic feet

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is also quite spacious and also gets three rows for passengers. Standard setup is similar to the Tahoe’s with first-row captain’s chairs and second- and third-row bench seats, providing a standard seating for eight. You can also go with second-row captain’s chairs, which decreases seating to seven. Unlike the Tahoe, there is no nine-passenger option on the Traverse. However, cargo volume on the Traverse measures 24.4 cubic feet in back, which can grow to 116.3 cubic feet.

The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe feels fully the part of a full-size SUV behind the wheel thanks to its truck-based chassis, as well as its robust output. No matter which trim you go with, you’ll get a 5.3L V8 engine that churns out a robust 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed automatic transmission. Take your pick between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and enjoy towing up to 8,600 pounds.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse comes with a 3.6L V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 281 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque to either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system, and a properly equipped version can tow up to 5,200 pounds. If you opt for the LTZ trim, you’ll get a dual exhaust system that increases output to 288 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

The price range on these two models is quite different, so budget shoppers may want to take note.

• 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Price: MSRP starting at $47,000
• 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Price: MSRP starting at $31,205

After looking more closely at these models, you might still be grappling with which one will best suit your daily driving demands. As a traditional SUV, the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe may prove an attractive option for those who want robust V8 power, available four-wheel drive, the feel of a truck-based chassis, and a tremendous towing capacity. Also, only the Tahoe provides seating for up to nine people. However, it is important to consider that the Tahoe has a starting price much higher than the Traverse.

For drivers wanting a practical and accessible way to get the look, feel, and spacious convenience of an SUV but who are satisfied with V6 power and available all-wheel drive, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse may prove the better option. While maximum passenger space is eight, it’s worth noting the higher standard cargo capacity measurements in the Traverse, furthering its attractiveness for large families.