Some customers appreciate crossovers that go beyond their core attributes, such as fuel efficiency and a certain level of off-roading ability. It is a trait that helps vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse and the Nissan Pathfinder stand out. Although both classified as midsize crossover SUVs, it’s not often that you see one with three rows of seats. But that’s exactly what both aforementioned automobiles provide. The 2017 model year marks the end of the Traverse’s second generation of production, while denoting a midway fourth-generational refresh of sorts for the Pathfinder. Ultimately, though, it’s the Chevy Traverse that comes out on top, mainly due to a trio of characteristics. 

The 2017 Chevy Traverse and the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have potent powerplants. The Traverse relies on the LLT, which is a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Get the top-level Premier trim, with has an exclusive dual exhaust, and the output is increased to 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. With a 3.5-liter displacement, the V6 engine on the Pathfinder—the VQ35DE—is slightly smaller than the Traverse’s V6. Plus, it’s generally less powerful. The VQ35DE has an output that comprises 4 less horsepower and 11 less lb-ft of torque than the LLT’s peak.

As previously mentioned, both the Chevy Traverse and the Nissan Pathfinder have three rows of seats. The front row is for the driver and a passenger, the second row comprises two captain’s seats, and the third row is a bench-style seat that can accommodate up to three people. Thus, maximum capacity on either crossover is measured at seven. However, you do have the choice of increasing the maximum occupancy of the Traverse. If you go with the LS Base, LS, or 1LT trim, there’s a bench-style seat at the second row to go with that of the third row, thus making the Traverse an eight-seater as well. Such an option is absent from the Pathfinder.

J.D. Power and Associates has a way of measuring how reliable a vehicle is likely to be in the long run. Based on an evaluation of reported issues on a new automobile during the first 90 days of ownership, the car research information firm assigns a Power Circle (on a scale of 1 to 5) to measure what it calls “Predicted Reliability.” Based on such an evaluation, the 2017 Chevy Traverse gets 3 Power Circles, thus making it among the better midsize crossovers to get if you want something that is less likely to need major repairs or replacements during the period of ownership. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder scores a little lower, at 2.5 Power Circles. That makes it rather average, as well as decidedly less desirable than the Traverse in terms of predicted reliability.

You can test-drive the 2017 Chevy Traverse, as opposed to the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, by coming to our dealership in Nashville, Tennessee. We have earned a great reputation in the Nashville metro area for great customer service, a bevy of vehicles, and an experienced and well-trained staff. Give us a call today to set up an appointment with one of our Chevy experts.