Mills Chevrolet - Which three-row SUV offers more advanced hands-free driving — 2026 Chevrolet Traverse or 2026 Honda Pilot for East Moline, IL shoppers?
Hands-free driving has become a top question for families comparing these two popular three-row SUVs, and for good reason. In this match-up, the Traverse offers available Super Cruise®—a hands-free driver assistance technology designed for compatible highways—while the Pilot focuses on a robust Honda Sensing® suite that requires continuous steering input. If your daily routine or weekend road trips include long stretches of highway, the difference in how these systems reduce fatigue and streamline lane management is significant.
Super Cruise® on the Traverse can assist with hands-free driving on hundreds of thousands of compatible miles in the U.S. and Canada and, when properly equipped on RS and High Country, includes a three-year plan bundled with Digital Services by OnStar®. The system uses real-time cameras, lidar map data, and attentive driver monitoring to help ensure the driver stays engaged. Pilot counters with Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Traffic Sign Recognition, all valuable features that support confidence. But it does not provide hands-free operation. For many families, that distinction becomes the deciding factor when weighing longer commutes, cross-state travel, or frequent trips to see relatives.
Beyond hands-free capability, both SUVs are loaded with modern technology. Traverse equips a standard 17.7-inch diagonal color touch-screen and 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center to centralize navigation, media, and vehicle information. Pilot offers a 12.3-inch touch-screen on many trims and a 10.2-inch digital cluster. For those who prefer fewer submenus and larger touch targets, Traverse’s display strategy is a welcome advantage. Both vehicles support Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ compatibility, and available Wi-Fi Hotspot functionality, making it easy to keep passengers connected.
Ride and capability also matter. Traverse Z71 brings an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System, Terrain Mode, and Hill Descent Control, tuned with frequency-based suspension dampers for composure on broken pavement or light trails. Pilot’s i-VTM4® AWD with up to seven available drive modes delivers strong traction and confident feedback, especially in TrailSport. Each vehicle can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, supporting camping gear, small boats, or utility trailers. The difference on the road often comes down to torque feel—Traverse’s turbocharged 2.5L provides strong low- and mid-range response—versus Pilot’s linear V-6 character.
If you’re deciding primarily on hands-free highway assistance, here are focused points to consider:
- Hands-free capability on compatible roads
- Driver attention monitoring for added assurance
- Highway lane-centering support designed for long trips
- Map coverage and system updates
- How displays present status and prompts
Families often ask how these systems change the way a vehicle feels on familiar routes. The short answer: when a hands-free system like Super Cruise® is available and used properly, the cabin tends to stay calmer, the driver can relax their shoulders and hands, and lane-keeping confidence remains consistent through gentle curves and changes in traffic flow. The technology does not replace responsible driving, but it can meaningfully reduce the workload on suitable highways.
For personalized guidance and a side-by-side tech demonstration, plan a visit to Mills Chevrolet—serving Bettendorf, IA, East Moline, IL, and Moline, IL—so you can evaluate how each system behaves on the local roads and highways you use most. Our product specialists will walk through setup, indicate compatible routes, and help you understand how these systems fit into your daily routine. When you evaluate the whole picture—screen clarity, control layout, highway refinement, and hands-free functionality—the Traverse makes a strong case for families who want modern assistance that feels intuitive from the first drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does Super Cruise® work in city traffic?
Super Cruise® is designed for compatible divided highways and is not intended for city streets or roads with frequent intersections. The system requires attentive driving and functions within specific mapped routes.
Can I take a hands-off approach on every highway?
No. Hands-free functionality depends on compatible roads, system status, and driving conditions. The driver must always remain attentive and ready to take control.
How do the displays communicate when hands-free is active?
Traverse uses clear status indicators in the instrument display and on the steering-wheel light bar, along with on-screen prompts, so you can see when the system is available, active, or requesting driver takeover.