Cars

2026 Chevy Traverse Review: Space, Comfort, and Reliability

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2026 Chevy Traverse Review: Space, Comfort, and Reliability

The midsize SUV market is more competitive than ever, with families demanding more from their vehicles in terms of space, comfort, and long-term reliability. Chevrolet has long been a major player in this segment with the Traverse, and the 2026 model year brings some of the most compelling updates yet. Whether you're planning cross-country road trips or navigating daily school runs, the new 2026 Chevy Traverse promises to deliver on its core strengths: expansive interior space, premium comfort features, and dependable performance. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes the 2026 Traverse a top contender and how it stacks up against rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer.

Exterior Design: Bold, Modern, and Functional

The 2026 Chevy Traverse sports a refreshed exterior that blends ruggedness with modern elegance. Chevrolet has refined its signature front grille, now wider and more aggressive, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the SUV a confident stare. Optional high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights and adaptive lighting enhance visibility and style. The sculpted hood and muscular shoulder lines emphasize strength, while the floating roof design—available with blacked-out pillars—adds a touch of sophistication.

At 204.3 inches in length and with a wheelbase of 120.9 inches, the Traverse remains one of the largest three-row SUVs in its class. This translates directly into interior roominess, but it also gives the vehicle a planted, stable stance on the road. Available 20-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust tips on higher trims like the RS and Z71 enhance the sporty aesthetic.

2026 Chevy Traverse review showing spacious exterior design and modern styling

Interior Space and Seating: Best-in-Class Roominess

Where the 2026 Chevy Traverse truly excels is inside. With seating for up to eight passengers, it offers one of the most spacious cabins in the midsize SUV segment. The first- and second-row seats are generously padded, and there’s ample legroom—40.6 inches in front and 41.5 inches in the second row—ensuring comfort even on extended drives.

The third row is where many competitors falter, but the Traverse delivers. With 39.1 inches of legroom, adults can sit comfortably in the back without feeling cramped. This makes the 2026 model ideal for larger families or carpooling groups. The power-folding second and third rows allow for quick reconfiguration, providing up to 98.2 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are folded down—more than the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.

Materials throughout the cabin have been upgraded for 2026. Soft-touch plastics, available leather upholstery, and real metal trim on the Premier and High Country trims elevate the interior’s feel. The center console is wide and practical, with deep storage bins and dual cupholders. Available ambient lighting adds a premium touch, especially at night.

Comfort and Technology Features

Chevrolet has packed the 2026 Traverse with comfort-focused technology designed to make every journey enjoyable. All trims come standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, but higher trims upgrade to a 10.2-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system is responsive and intuitive, with voice command integration and a customizable home screen.

The available Bose premium audio system delivers crisp, balanced sound, even at highway speeds. Rear-seat entertainment options include dual 12.6-inch screens mounted on the front headrests, perfect for keeping kids entertained on long trips. A built-in HDMI port and USB connections make content sharing easy.

Climate control is another highlight. The Traverse now offers tri-zone automatic climate control as standard, with an optional four-zone system on top trims. Rear passengers get their own controls, ensuring everyone stays comfortable regardless of the weather.

Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel are available to enhance comfort in extreme temperatures. The driver’s seat comes with 10-way power adjustment, including lumbar support, while the Premier and High Country trims add memory settings and power-adjustable pedals.

Infotainment and Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Go

Connectivity is a major focus for the 2026 Chevy Traverse. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the SUV offers standard built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, allowing passengers to stay online even in remote areas. Multiple USB-C charging ports are located throughout the cabin—front, second, and third rows—ensuring all devices stay powered.

The available Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system includes embedded navigation with real-time traffic updates. It also supports over-the-air software updates, meaning your system improves over time without needing a dealership visit.

Safety and driver assistance features are integrated seamlessly into the infotainment display. The Rear Camera Mirror, for example, provides a wide-angle view of what’s behind the vehicle, unaffected by passengers or cargo. It’s a standout feature that improves visibility and safety when backing up.

Performance and Powertrain: Smooth and Efficient

The 2026 Chevy Traverse is powered by a refined 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, which delivers responsive acceleration and excellent fuel economy for its size. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for improved traction in snow, rain, or off-road conditions.

Fuel efficiency is competitive in the segment. The EPA estimates 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for FWD models. AWD versions see a slight dip to 18/25/21 mpg, but the trade-off is worth it for drivers in harsh climates.

The Traverse’s suspension has been tuned for comfort without sacrificing handling. Independent front and rear suspension systems absorb bumps and dips with ease, making it a joy on long drives. Steering is light and precise, helping the large SUV feel more agile than its size suggests.

Towing capacity is another strong point. When properly equipped, the 2026 Traverse can tow up to 5,000 pounds—enough for a small camper, boat, or trailer. Trailer sway control and an integrated trailer brake controller come standard on AWD models with the trailering package.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Peace of Mind on Every Journey

Safety is a top priority for families, and the 2026 Chevy Traverse delivers with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard features across all trims include:

Higher trims add more advanced features such as:

The 2026 Traverse is expected to earn top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, continuing the legacy of its predecessor. It features ten standard airbags, including front-center and knee airbags for added protection.

Trim Levels: Options for Every Lifestyle

The 2026 Chevy Traverse is available in six trim levels, each tailored to different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown:

LS – The Practical Starter

The LS trim offers great value with standard features like 18-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, and the latest safety suite. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a spacious and reliable family SUV.

LT (1, 2, 3) – Enhanced Comfort and Tech

The LT trim adds alloy wheels, a power liftgate, remote start, and additional driver aids. LT2 and LT3 build on this with leatherette seats, heated front seats, and advanced infotainment. The LT is the most popular trim, striking a balance between cost and features.

RS – Sporty and Stylish

The RS trim brings a more aggressive look with blacked-out trim, dark alloy wheels, and a sport suspension. Interior touches include unique stitching, red accents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It’s perfect for drivers who want a family SUV with a sporty edge.

Premier – Luxury Redefined

The Premier trim elevates the Traverse with real leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen. It also includes adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Z71 – Rugged Capability

New for 2026, the Z71 trim is designed for families who adventure off the beaten path. It features all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, skid plates, and unique interior trim. It’s available with AWD only and includes trailering capability and underbody cameras.

High Country – Top-of-the-Line Excellence

The High Country is the most luxurious Traverse yet. It includes premium leather, massaging front seats, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and advanced driver assistance features. Exterior upgrades include chrome accents, unique 20-inch wheels, and LED fog lights.

Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Capability

Behind the wheel, the 2026 Chevy Traverse feels composed and confident. The V6 engine provides ample power for merging on highways or climbing steep grades, and the transmission shifts smoothly without hunting for gears. The start-stop system, designed to improve fuel economy, operates seamlessly and isn’t intrusive.

Ride quality is one of the Traverse’s strongest attributes. Even on rough pavement, the cabin remains quiet and stable. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, thanks to acoustic laminated glass and enhanced sound insulation.

While not a performance SUV, the Traverse handles corners with surprising agility. The electric power steering provides good feedback, and the vehicle’s large size is easy to manage thanks to tight turning circles and excellent visibility.

For those who venture off-road, the Z71 trim offers increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. While it’s not a rock-crawler, it can confidently handle gravel roads, muddy trails, and snowy conditions with ease.

Value and Ownership: Reliability and Cost of Ownership

One of the most appealing aspects of the 2026 Chevy Traverse is its value proposition. Starting at around $38,000 for the LS trim, it undercuts many competitors while offering more space and standard features. Fully loaded High Country models top out around $60,000, still competitive with similarly equipped rivals.

Maintenance costs are reasonable, with Chevrolet offering a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2026 model continues to benefit from Chevrolet’s strong dealer network, making service and repairs convenient.

Reliability is a key concern for families, and the Traverse has a solid track record. While long-term data for the 2026 model isn’t available yet, the previous generation earned above-average reliability scores from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. The updated powertrain and improved electronics bode well for continued dependability.

Competitor Comparison: How the Traverse Stacks Up

Let’s see how the 2026 Chevy Traverse compares to its top rivals:

Honda Pilot

The Pilot offers a refined ride and strong resale value, but it falls short in third-row space and cargo capacity. The Traverse provides a more premium interior and more standard tech features at a similar price point.

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is known for reliability, but its base engine is underpowered. While the hybrid version improves fuel economy, it sacrifices some towing capacity. The Traverse’s V6 offers more power and towing ability, and its interior feels more spacious.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer is a capable SUV with a flexible interior, but its third row is tighter than the Traverse’s. The Chevy also offers better fuel economy and a quieter cabin. The Traverse’s standard safety suite is more comprehensive than Ford’s Co-Pilot360, which is often optional.

Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade rivals the Traverse in space and features, with a luxurious interior and long warranty. However, the Traverse has a more powerful engine and slightly better towing capacity. Chevrolet’s brand recognition and dealer network may also appeal to some buyers.

Final Verdict: Is the 2026 Chevy Traverse Worth It?

Yes. The 2026 Chevy Traverse is