Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Nation AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Nation of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capability: 7
Coloration: Lakeshore Blue
Miles pushed: 131
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B |
| Gas Economic system | B |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 328-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Noticed gas economic system: 20.9 mpg
Driving combine: 35% metropolis, 65% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 20/24/21 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas kind: Common fuel
Base value: $57,100 (not together with $1895 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Panoramic Sunroof ($1500)
Value as examined: $60,495
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Execs and Cons
The nice: Roomy, refined, loads of energy
The nice: Wonderful experience high quality
The not so good: Engine sounds cranky when pushed
Evaluation
As a youthful man, I used to be typically instructed that I hid my weight nicely. This after all was baloney, as anybody who would possibly proffer such a backhanded praise would have been fairly conscious that I used to be “hiding weight.” However, no matter. Remind me to say this the following time I go to my therapist…
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Higher than my youthful self at hiding mass is the Chevrolet Traverse, a midsize 3-row crossover that fairly secretly is the most important automobile in its class. So giant, in reality, that we at Client Information would nudge the rig into the Massive SUV class, have been Traverse extra off-road and tow succesful.
Midsize Crossover Listed by Size
For the document, listed here are the entire mainstream-brand midsize 3-row crossovers, so as of total size:
Chevrolet Traverse (204.5 inches)
- Wheelbase: 121 inches
- Most cargo capability: 98 cubic toes
Mazda CX-90 (201.6 inches)
- Wheelbase: 123 inches
- Most cargo capability: 74 cubic toes
Volkswagen Atlas (200.7 inches)
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Most cargo capability: 97 cubic toes
Toyota Grand Highlander (201.4 inches)
- Wheelbase: 116 inches
- Most cargo capability: 98 cubic toes
Honda Pilot (200.0 inches)
- Wheelbase: 114 inches
- Most cargo capability: 87 cubic toes
Hyundai Palisade (200.4 inches)
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Most cargo capability: 87 cubic toes
Kia Telluride 196.9 inches)
- Wheelbase: 114 inches
- Most cargo capability 87 cu ft
2026 Ford Explorer (198.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 119.1 inches
- Most cargo capability: 85.8 cubic toes
Nissan Pathfinder (198.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
- Most cargo capability: 80.5 cubic toes
Subaru Ascent (196.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 113.8 in
- Most cargo capability: 75.6 cubic toes
Word that the mechanically related Buick Enclave intently approximates the Traverse in dimension. As a result of it’s by Client Information definition a Premium Midsize Crossover, this based mostly largely and value and trim, it isn’t included within the above comparability.
Adjustments for 2026
But, regardless of its girth, er, dimension, we’d say the brand new Traverse presents nicely, wanting each fashionable and lean. Redesigned for the 2024 mannequin yr, Chevy’s largest crossover (we take into account the truck-based Tahoe and Suburban to be SUVs) rolled into 2026 little modified. Nonetheless, the updates for 2024 have been important, together with an all-new drivetrain, new trim ranges, and a contemporary exterior and inside look.
Costs and Trim Ranges
Traverse is obtainable within the following trim ranges for ’26:
- LT ($42,795)
- Z71 ($50,895)
- Excessive Nation ($57,095)
- RS ($57,395)
Every trim stage servers a selected viewers; The LT is the favored mannequin, the Z71 sports activities an off-road-ready appear and feel, the Excessive Nation boasts loads of normal tools and a luxurious really feel, and the RS is the sportiest Variant.
It’s price noting that the LT isn’t a base mannequin within the old-school sense. It comes properly outfitted, and will serve the wants of most Traverse intenders.
Captains Chair
Seating is for 7 or 8 in LT fashions, which might be had with a 2nd-row bench seat. All different Traverses are fitted with 2nd-row captains chairs, and supply lodging for 7 individuals.
Engines
New for 2024 was a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automated transmission. That is the one powertrain supplied within the Traverse. The setup produces 328 horsepower, placing Traverse close to the highest of the category for energy.
All Traverse trims besides the Z71 come normal with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is out there on all trim ranges, and is normal on the Z71.
Take a look at Automotive
Client Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Nation in Lakeshore Blue outfitted with the non-compulsory Panoramic Sunroof. Together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile got here to $60,495.
Cabin
Inside, the Traverse Excessive Nation feels high-endy, however falls wanting greatest efforts of Hyundai and Kia. The newly redesigned Palisade and Telluride respectively are legit luxurious autos, whereas the Traverse feels extra the higher trim stage of a mainstream crossover—which it’s, and it’s completely good.
Controls
Although not a single contiguous piece, the Traverse’s instrument panel and console touchscreen are more-or-less the identical aspect, and type a tidy, good-looking show array. We admire the brilliant icon colours, fast response to the touch inputs, and common straightforward of use. We discovered pairing our telephones with the system straightforward to do, and expertise no connectivity glitches.
Room and Consolation
As for house, the Traverse serves it up in spades. Chevy’s huge crossover is among the many roomiest autos within the phase, with adult-friendly lodging in all three seating row, although taller people could wish to keep away from the way-back seating.
Trip and Dealing with
Underway, the Traverse earns excessive marks for each quietness—form of*—and experience consolation. The cabin is nicely hushed at freeway velocity, and wind and highway noise are principally absent. Thanks maybe partly to its lengthy wheelbase, the Traverse makes straightforward work of smoothing out rougher highway surfaces, and is never upset by even deep ruts and potholes.
Regardless of the inclusion of what Chevrolet calls the Particular Trip and Dealing with Suspensions, dealing with is a combined bag, nevertheless. Whereas the Traverse feels assured in around-town operation and on the freeway, the steering is a bit of numb, and cornering management is about class common. There’s nothing unsuitable with how the crossover handles, it’s simply not very a lot enjoyable to hustle by way of site visitors, or round cloverleaf freeway exchanges. Assured freeway manners are a plus, nevertheless.
Energy and Efficiency
There’s loads of energy from the turbocharge engine, and Traverse pulls shortly away from stops and serves up higher than respectable freeway and merging muscle. And although the 8-speed automated is easy and responsive, the engine itself is loud when pushed.
What’s perceived by many reviewers to be an absence of engine smoothness is actually modifications in pitch as gears change—making the Traverse both participating to drive, or a bit of cranky, relying in your perspective.
Engine Noise
We didn’t discover the engine noise—and exhaust observe—objectionable, however would-be-owners will discover that the Mazda CX-90, for instance—delivers a usually extra refined drivetrain expertise.
Gas Economic system
As for gas economic system, we noticed just below 21 mpg in routine driving. Strong effectivity, however different crossovers on this phase are a bit of simpler on the fuel.
Worth
We’re usually impressed by the Traverse, and admire its class-leading passenger and cargo house. The good-looking exterior design disguise’s the Chevy’s mass nicely, and all of the room turns out to be useful on highway journeys or on transferring day. Whereas we admire the upscale Excessive Nation trappings, we suspect most buyers will discover themselves nicely served by the more-affordable LT. That mentioned, the Excessive Nation presents very nicely.
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2026 Chevrolet Traverse Excessive Nation Footage
(Click on beneath for enlarged photos)
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