The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse remains one of GM’s most popular products and a strong seller in the three-row SUV arena. As of 2025, the American group confirms that it was able to deliver 148,278 individual copies of the model, reflecting a 40 percent year-on-year demand increase. 44,646 of these sales took place in the final quarter of the year, which is typically when special discounts and incentives drive demand up.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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328 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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326 lb.-ft. @ 3500 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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20/27/23 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
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Lead acid battery
- Make
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Chevrolet
- Model
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Traverse
The three-row SUV market is relatively more niche than the conventional two-row segments, but the Chevy Traverse continues to set sales benchmarks against the likes of key rivals from Toyota, Ford, and other noteworthy mass-market brands. When you break down the model’s offering and standard features, it’s easy to see why this is a segment leader that stands out from the crowd.
How The Traverse Fits Into Chevy’s Catalog
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse serves as the American brand’s primary midsize three-row crossover that bridges the gap between the midsize Blazer and the full-size truck-based Tahoe. This moniker was introduced to the market in 2009, since which time the Traverse has evolved from a soft-edged family hauler into a more rugged and truck-inspired SUV. The third-generation model moves away from the older naturally aspirated V-6 towards a downsized turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Chevrolet markets this model towards active and growing families who require good utility accommodation without the massive footprint of a full-size SUV. Historically, the moniker was first seen as a 2003 concept car before officially replacing the Uplander minivan, signaling Chevy’s shift toward crossovers. The 2026 model reinforces this versatility through a diverse lineup covering a plethora of trims and specifications with impressive standard features and safety functions.
Competitive And Broad Pricing
Not too unlike the 2025 Chevy Traverse, the 2026 lineup is structured across four primary trims, namely the entry-level LT, the off-road-focused Z71, and the premium High Country and RS models. Pricing begins at an MSRP of $40,800 for the LT with front-wheel drive. Stepping up to the rugged Z71, which includes standard all-wheel drive, raises the base cost to $48,900. For those seeking the top-tier luxury of the High Country or the sport-tuned aesthetic of the RS, prices start at $55,100 and $55,400, respectively. Across most of the lineup, adding AWD to front-wheel-drive models typically incurs an additional cost of $2,000. Beyond the base MSRP, every 2026 Traverse is subject to a mandatory destination freight charge of $1,995.
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The Traverse’s Spacious Interior
Utility is the primary focus when it comes to the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse’s interior layout and design philosophy. All trim levels offer a flexible layout that accommodates seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.
The Traverse leads its segment with a massive 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, including 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row when in use, which is more than sufficient for a full-size stroller or a week’s groceries. Beyond this, you also get access to 39.9 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom in the middle row and 38.3 inches of headroom and 32.1 inches of legroom in the third row. Chevrolet also treats the SUV’s ease of access as a priority, featuring Smart Slide second-row seats that tip forward even with a car seat installed. You can also opt for a one-touch power-folding second and third rows for seamless adjustments.
The exterior design features a high belt line and truck-like styling, which some note does impact rear-quarter visibility. Improving this is a standard HD Surround Vision for all trims and an available digital rear camera mirror. To maintain low noise, vibration, and harshness levels that typically affect models in this segment, Chevrolet utilizes frequency-based suspension dampers and acoustic lamination, ensuring the cabin remains hushed during highway cruising.
No Shortage Of Standard Features
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse provides a robust baseline of standard equipment across all trim levels, the star of which is a 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard convenience features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Google Built-In capability, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Prioritizing comfort in the LT is standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone automatic climate control. Your family will also benefit from the standard AutoSense Power tailgate, which opens automatically when the key fob is detected nearby, and a comprehensive suite of safety tech, including Adaptive Cruise Control and HD Rear Vision.
The High Country and RS models introduce premium features like ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, and the aforementioned one-touch power-folding second and third rows. These also include the Bose Premium Audio System and Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, limited to a three-year OnStar plan. If you stick with the LT or Z71, you can have access to some of these features through the following optional packages.
- Enhanced Driving Package ($3,935): Super Cruise and Active Noise Cancellation
- Sun and Wheel Package ($2,500): Panoramic Dual SkyScape sunroof and larger 20-inch wheels
- Driver Confidence Package ($1,225): A Rear Camera Mirror and a 120-volt power outlet
- Midnight or Sport Edition ($2,285): Blacked-out exterior aesthetics to the LT trim.
Standalone extras include a panoramic sunroof for $1,500, while premium paint colors or specialized cargo management systems, like the vertical net and divider, typically add $100 to $500 to the final price.
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Reasonable Efficiency Estimates
According to the EPA, the Traverse isn’t exactly the most efficient SUV that money can buy in its segment, despite featuring a downsized engine. However, it does reflect a noteworthy consumption improvement compared to the V-6 model. Opting for the front-wheel drive model, regardless of the trim, yields a 20/26/22 MPG consumption result on the city/highway/combined cycle and a 427-mile range claim from the 19.4-gallon tank.
The EPA indicates that this model will cost you $2,000 more in fuel over five years, $1,900 to refuel throughout the year, $3.19 to drive 25 miles, and $55 to fill the tank up. The all-wheel drive model consumes an estimated 20/24/21 MPG while covering 456 miles between refuels thanks to a larger 21.7-gallon tank. Expect to spend $2,500 more on fuel over five years, $2,000 on fuel every year, $3.35 to drive 25 miles, and $61 to fill the tank.
Impressive Performance Returns
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is only available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 328 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 RPM. The brand pairs this powertrain with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. The off-road-focused Z71 trim features a specialized advanced twin-clutch all-wheel drive system capable of directing torque side-to-side between the rear wheels for superior traction, while other models adopt conventional all-wheel drive systems.
In terms of performance, the Traverse is electronically limited to a top speed of approximately 130 MPH, with a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 7.0 seconds for both drivetrains. The Traverse also boasts a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory trailering package. This setup includes Hitch Guidance with Hitch View, ensuring the driveline is optimized for hauling boats and trailers.
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Fans And Critics Love The Traverse
Beyond the spec sheets of the average Chevy Traverse for sale today, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse enjoys several noteworthy accolades and ratings from esteemed reviewers and owners alike. J.D. Power issues the model with a consumer-verified 84/100 overall score, including 83/100 for quality and reliability, 85/100 for the driving experience, 83/100 for resale, and 84/100 for the dealership experience.
iSeeCars awards the same model a 7.7/10 overall score, including 6.8/10 for reliability, 7.5/10 for retained value, and 8.8/10 for safety. On the reliability front, you can expect an average lifespan of 7.5 years or 129,964 miles with a 6.8 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles. In terms of value retention, it’s estimated that the Traverse will lose an average of 48.3 percent or $19,688 of its value after five years, which is slightly worse than the segment average.
This generation of the Traverse currently holds a 4.0/5 average rating on the Edmunds consumer reviews portal, consisting of 44 reviews. Key strengths include its interior packaging, visual presence, and driving experience, but some have criticized it for its substandard reliability and manufacturing quality, poor transmission performance, and braking performance.
Sources: The EPA, J.D. Power, iSeeCars, and Edmunds