Chevrolet Traverse vs. Hyundai SANTA FE
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse and Hyundai SANTA FE contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Traverse and the Hyundai SANTA FE.
In comparing the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Traverse has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Hyundai SANTA FE has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Hyundai SANTA FE's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SANTA FE is a better car than the Chevrolet Traverse.
Pricing: For a new model, the Chevrolet Traverse's price is between $42,818 and $61,092, with the Hyundai SANTA FE priced between $37,209 and $51,800.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Traverse loses 51.9 percent of its value and the Hyundai SANTA FE loses 48.3 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SANTA FE retains 3.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 7.7 out of 10 while the Hyundai SANTA FE's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 10 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Hyundai SANTA FE being ranked 6 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 13 and the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 5. The Chevrolet Traverse is also ranked 23 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Hyundai SANTA FE is ranked 12 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 7.5 out of 10. For the Hyundai SANTA FE the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SANTA FE a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Traverse.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the Hyundai SANTA FE base engine makes 277 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Traverse has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai SANTA FE, with an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.69 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
42818 - 61092
Starting MSRP:
40800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37209 - 51800
Starting MSRP:
34800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50800
Price Range:
40548 - 60544
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
21238
Depreciation %:
0.52054536
Resale Value $:
19562
Residual Value %:
0.47945464000000004
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.51651297
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.36117337 - 0.54113436
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
17011
Depreciation %:
0.48881264
Resale Value $:
17789
Residual Value %:
0.51118736
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.51651297
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.36117337 - 0.54113436
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
Hyundai SANTA FE Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
8.7 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Traverse
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.105
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SANTA FE
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.145
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 26Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
18 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 54Ranking
34 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 54Ranking
49 out of / 66Ranking
60 out of / 66Hyundai SANTA FE Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 33Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
13 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 54Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 33Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
34 out of / 54Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Summary Review
The Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
Summary Review
Hyundai’s Santa Fe has evolved rapidly over its generations into one of the most satisfying to drive midsize crossover SUVs on the market. There are many versions of the Santa Fe, some with two rows and some with three, depending upon the model year and trim.
Pros and Cons
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
Pros and Cons
- New engines for 2021 including a hybrid
- Cutting-edge infotainment
- Excellent safety ratings
- Only two rows for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
High Country, LT, RS, Z71
Hyundai SANTA FE Trim Levels
Calligraphy, Limited, SE, SEL, XRT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.69 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.073 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
277 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
311 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
14.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
166.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4504 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
204.5 inches
Wheelbase:
121 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4343 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
67.7 inches
Length:
190.2 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
Red
Radiant Red Tintcoat
White
Polar White Tricoat / Summit White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Ecotronic Gray Pearl / Hampton Gray
Red
Not available
White
Serenity White Pearl
Silver
Shimmering Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black / Jet Black/Gideon
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
