2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Its Chevrolet's family-friendly hauler with three rows of seating standard boasting more cargo room than most rivals. Plus competitive pricing keeps budgets from bursting too far from their seams.  

The 2026 Traverse finds itself within the popular mid-size family-focused segment. It's the largest uni-body (car-like) offering. For those seeking a rugged, heavier duty body-on-frame design with bow-tie badging, move on over and up to a Tahoe. 

Traverse, redesigned in the 2024 model year, arrives with a suitable number of trim levels. A 'High Country' Trim was added the lineup in 2025 joining the entry LT, Z71 and RS. All offer the choice of front-wheel two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (for an extra $2,000) sans the off-road spec Z71 which arrives exclusively bearing all-wheel drive and features such as hill-decent control and red tow hooks.  

The backstory includes a 2009 model year debut. A second-generation update sprung up in the 2018 model year with the most recent redo in 2024. Expect scant few new updates in 2026 (most notably two new exterior colors; Polar White and Sandstone Gray) as this year's effort carries over mechanically and design-wise unchanged from 2025.  

One engine selection returns for all 2026 trims, an adequate 2.5-liter turbocharged four cylinder cranking out 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of low-end torque. This engine also powers the similar sized GMC Acadia and replaces a naturally-aspirated (non turbo) 3.6-liter 310 horsepower V-6 offering under hood of Generation Two vehicles. It's complimented by a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission with an electronic shift stalk located on the steering column's right side where mechanical shifters once ruled the roost. The front/rear windshield wiper stalk situates on the stalk's left.  

The gear shift process requires a gentle pull towards the driver than an up move for reverse, or down when requesting drive. Park engages with a push of the endcap. This location opens up significant room between front buckets for additional storage space, including an arm rest, hinged at the rear, with a deep abyss. A secondary open pit resides just fore along with sizeable, side-by-side beverage holders with brushed aluminum highlights. Need more room? Below deck of the dual beverage holders one finds a flat carrier good for storing purses, man or lady varieties.  

Fuel mileage with the recommended all-wheel drive checks in at 19 miles per gallon city and 24 mpg highway. With two-wheel drive, expect slightly stronger results at 20/26 respectively. No matter the wheels in play, the sizeable 21.7-gallon fuel tank features a capless fuel lead for the recommended regular 87-octane gas, allowing the petrol nozzle to push through a self-sealing barrier when refueling time comes along.  

This third generation boasts an additional inch of ground clearance compared with Gen Two along with a wider stance, assisting with stability and handling. This review marks my first time testing Gen Three and its impressive interior.  

On the road, power steering improvements provide a precise, tight feel while the generous ground clearance enhances road visibility. Braking feedback returns as progressive and predictable minimizing uneven stops.  

Back inside, three rows serve up seating for seven in most trims. Only the base LT comes with a no-cost option of a bench-style second row. All other trims sport two independent captain's chairs in the middle. As far as seating material is concerned, cloth seats arrive standard and synthetic leather a comfy option within entry LT and Z71 models. Move up and perforated leatherette arrives standard in the upper two trims.  

Kudos to Chevrolet for improving the quality feel of the seating experience as past efforts over the decades resulted in a sometimes cardboard-like ambiance with a sinking feeling in the tush. Having spent a decade in the volume-driven, entry-minded Chevrolet Cavalier when I wore a younger man's cloths, the difference is notable and appreciated.  

The front two bucket seats also serve notice to past Cavalier drivers that back and neck support takes precedent in 2026. The driver's seat includes eight-way power adjustment with a contoured headrest extending up above the headline, providing extra comfort during long highway safaris. The pilot's seat also includes tush-sensitive warning zap if one finds him/herself unexpectedly drifting from one lane to another. Not as potent as a whoopie cushion, but attention-grabbing all the same.  

One small but notable feat, a green button illuminates when the electronic start/stop button summons the internal combustion engine to life; when retiring for the day, the green fades to black, conveniently and visually signaling to drivers the powertrain is now off. The ignition circle positions on the dash left of the steering column.  

A larger, can't miss opportunity presents in the form of a 17.7-inch multi-function swipe-and-pinch flat screen gently skewed towards the driver while extending up from the center dash. It's standard in all four trims and one of the segment's largest and brightest. The landscape-design stretches to the far left with a secondary 11-inch flat digital insert serving as the instrument panel with three unique layouts chosen via a well-marked steering wheel push button. Both screens work in tandem with Google maps, wireless Apple Car Play and wireless Android Auto and wireless hotspot capable. Expect a quick learning curve when familiarizing oneself with the screen design.  

The three-spoke steering wheel includes a faux wood inlay and frilly white intricacies; another perk never associated with the long-gone but practical two-door Cavalier (1982-2005).  

Left of the steering column resides a series of vertically rectangular push/toggle buttons performing various functions including setting/releasing the parking brake. A push button within the scheme deactivates the engine's start/stop function so the system continues in a rumble/idle setting while at a prolonged stop such as a traffic signal rather than shutting down into a temporary sleep mode to conserve fuel.  

If ordered with all-wheel drive, an AWD push button opportunity constantly locks in the benefits of all-wheel drive. Traverse's on-demand AWD defaults to a two-wheel drive format on dry pavement, automatically activating rear wheels at the first detection of slippage. The dashboard push allows drivers to override the system and order up AWD at any time. On demand differs from full-time AWD, which constantly delivers power to front and back wheels (and not as fuel friendly).  

As an extra bonus within Z71 trims, a twin-clutch design automatically adjusts power and torque to individual wheels building better traction.  

Thanks to nuclear family forethought, access to the third row is possible even with kid-friendly car seats latched in place in row two. Our LT trim featured two Captain's Chairs built with an easy manual slide design. Tilt the backrest forward via a lift of a topside manual latch and the entire unit easily slides forward on a dedicated floor track when gaining access to the three-person third row. Rear side doors swing open wide, close to the 45-degree mark, allowing workable step-in and step-outs. Second-row Captain's Chairs also include an outboard manually-controlled lever, allowing the back rest to fold flat onto the cushions when additional cargo capacity comes calling. 

Maneuvering into the three-person capable third row requires tilting forward the chair, which creates an aisle wide enough for my aging, 6-foot plus frame to accommodate. Once ensconced, expect surprising generous leg room, although compromises with the two center Captain's Chairs may be needed for optimal comfort. When exiting, just simply unlatch the top-side pull tab atop the up-front chair and gently push the seat forward with hands or feet. Preteen riders have the option of just walking through the naturally occurring second row center aisle. Traverse accommodates three adults within third-row confines in a pinch, one of the few mid-size crossovers, able to stake this claim with many just opting for a two-rider way back. For most of its life cycle, the preteens set lays dibs for this real estate. With third row prone, a sizable 22.90 cubic feet of cargo space remains for stowing lots of stuff. A retracting cargo cover is optional. Lift the floorboard behind third row back rests for access to a deep well of additional storage.  

Front-seat riders enjoy enormous headroom benefits. In fact, the back two rows offer substantial space, although about an inch less than row one. Ceiling air vents accommodate row three as well as beverage holders molded into the outboard frame.  

Chevrolet dropped off a base all-wheel-drive Mosaic Blac LT starting at $42,800 before piling on a handful of option packages and one a-la-carte item. All trims tack on a comparatively hefty (for a non-luxury mainstream brand) $1,995 destination charge which ended our bottom line at $53,240.  

The $1,000 jet black Evotex seat trim joined a $2,285 midnight black trim with high-gloss black trimming/grille and 20-inch-high gloss black painted aluminum wheels. Rounding out the two remaining packages, a $1,225 driver convenience package with rear pedestrian alert and traffic sign recognition and multiple in-screen surround viewing along with a $3,935 enhanced driver package boasting upgraded 12-spaker Bose stereo, driver attention assist and GM's Super Cruise driver assist technology (requiring an OnStar subscription and compatible/compliant roadways for optimal lane/paint detection).  

The tall-standing, bold front end/grille borrows cues usually associated with larger workman-like body-on-frame built crossovers and pickup trucks. The high grille includes three horizontal black bars extending end-to-end inside a black frame. Center high resides the golden Bow Tie logo. Narrow, slit-like daytime running lights connect kiss up against the side panel just below the hood opening. Larger DRL bulbs positioned lower towards the outer limits of the front end.  

In back, a quad exhaust with chrome square tips divides up with a pair of pipes on each lower side below the power hatch, hinged at the top with a wiper swiper hinged at the bottom. Black cladding frames squared wheel wells and alongside door bottoms. Strap-like door openers share body color.  

Gobs of interior space and storage, along with an adequate gas-exclusive powertrain and upgraded interior provide a good pick for growing family needs.  

At A Glance: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT  

Price as tested: $53,240 

Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder  

Horsepower: 328 

Torque: 326 lb.-ft.  

Wheelbase: 121inches 

Overall Length: 205.5inches 

Overall Width: 79.6 inches 

Overall Height: 70.9 inches 

Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway (AWD) 

Curb Weight: 2,175 pounds (AWD)  

Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles  

Assembly: Lansing, Michigan