Text by Tom Appel
2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Country of manufacture: U.S.
Seating capacity: 7
Color: Lakeshore Blue
Miles driven: 131
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 328-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged four |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Observed fuel economy: 20.9 mpg
Driving mix: 35% city, 65% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/24/21 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $57,100 (not including $1895 (destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Panoramic Sunroof ($1500)
Price as tested: $60,495
Audio-System Brand
Bose
Audio-System Quality
Poor Fair Good Very-Good Excellent
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy, refined, plenty of power
The good: Excellent ride quality
The not so good: Engine sounds cranky when pushed
Review
As a younger man, I was often told that I hid my weight well. This of course was baloney, as anyone who might proffer such a backhanded compliment would have been quite aware that I was “hiding weight.” But, whatever. Remind me to mention this the next time I visit my therapist…
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
Better than my younger self at hiding mass is the Chevrolet Traverse, a midsize 3-row crossover that rather secretly is the largest vehicle in its class. So large, in fact, that we at Consumer Guide would nudge the rig into the Large SUV class, were Traverse more off-road and tow capable.
Midsize Crossover Listed by Length
For the record, here are all of the mainstream-brand midsize 3-row crossovers, in order of overall length:
Chevrolet Traverse (204.5 inches)
- Wheelbase: 121 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 98 cubic feet
Mazda CX-90 (201.6 inches)
- Wheelbase: 123 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 74 cubic feet
Volkswagen Atlas (200.7 inches)
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 97 cubic feet
Toyota Grand Highlander (201.4 inches)
- Wheelbase: 116 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 98 cubic feet
Honda Pilot (200.0 inches)
- Wheelbase: 114 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 87 cubic feet
Hyundai Palisade (200.4 inches)
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 87 cubic feet
Kia Telluride 196.9 inches)
- Wheelbase: 114 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity 87 cu ft
2026 Ford Explorer (198.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 119.1 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 85.8 cubic feet
Nissan Pathfinder (198.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
- Maximum cargo capacity: 80.5 cubic feet
Subaru Ascent (196.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 113.8 in
- Maximum cargo capacity: 75.6 cubic feet
Note that the mechanically similar Buick Enclave closely approximates the Traverse in size. Because it is by Consumer Guide definition a Premium Midsize Crossover, this based largely and price and trim, it is not included in the above comparison.
Changes for 2026
Yet, despite its girth, er, size, we’d say the new Traverse presents well, looking both modern and lean. Redesigned for the 2024 model year, Chevy’s largest crossover (we consider the truck-based Tahoe and Suburban to be SUVs) rolled into 2026 little changed. Still, the updates for 2024 were significant, including an all-new drivetrain, new trim levels, and a fresh exterior and interior look.
Prices and Trim Levels
Traverse is offered in the following trim levels for ’26:
- LT ($42,795)
- Z71 ($50,895)
- High Country ($57,095)
- RS ($57,395)
Each trim level servers a specific audience; The LT is the popular model, the Z71 sports an off-road-ready look and feel, the High Country boasts plenty of standard equipment and a luxury feel, and the RS is the sportiest Variant.
It’s worth noting that the LT is not a base model in the old-school sense. It comes nicely equipped, and should serve the needs of most Traverse intenders.
Captains Chair
Seating is for 7 or 8 in LT models, which can be had with a 2nd-row bench seat. All other Traverses are fitted with 2nd-row captains chairs, and offer accommodations for 7 people.
Engines
New for 2024 was a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is the only powertrain offered in the Traverse. The setup produces 328 horsepower, putting Traverse near the top of the class for power.
All Traverse trims except the Z71 come standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels, and is standard on the Z71.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country in Lakeshore Blue equipped with the optional Panoramic Sunroof. Including destination charge, our test car came to $60,495.
Cabin
Inside, the Traverse High Country feels high-endy, but falls short of best efforts of Hyundai and Kia. The newly redesigned Palisade and Telluride respectively are legit luxury vehicles, whereas the Traverse feels more the upper trim level of a mainstream crossover—which it is, and it’s perfectly nice.
Controls
Though not a single contiguous piece, the Traverse’s instrument panel and console touchscreen are more-or-less the same element, and form a tidy, handsome display array. We appreciate the bright icon colors, quick response to touch inputs, and general easy of use. We found pairing our phones with the system easy to do, and experience no connectivity glitches.
Room and Comfort
As for space, the Traverse serves it up in spades. Chevy’s big crossover is among the roomiest vehicles in the segment, with adult-friendly accommodations in all three seating row, though taller folks may want to avoid the way-back seating.
Ride and Handling
Underway, the Traverse earns high marks for both quietness—sort of*—and ride comfort. The cabin is well hushed at highway speed, and wind and road noise are mostly absent. Thanks perhaps in part to its long wheelbase, the Traverse makes easy work of smoothing out rougher road surfaces, and is rarely upset by even deep ruts and potholes.
Despite the inclusion of what Chevrolet calls the Special Ride and Handling Suspensions, handling is a mixed bag, however. While the Traverse feels confident in around-town operation and on the highway, the steering is a little numb, and cornering control is about class average. There’s nothing wrong with how the crossover handles, it’s just not very much fun to hustle through traffic, or around cloverleaf highway exchanges. Confident highway manners are a plus, however.
Power and Performance
There’s plenty of power from the turbocharge engine, and Traverse pulls quickly away from stops and serves up better than respectable highway and merging muscle. And though the 8-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, the engine itself is loud when pushed.
What is perceived by many reviewers to be a lack of engine smoothness is really changes in pitch as gears change—making the Traverse either engaging to drive, or a little cranky, depending on your perspective.
Engine Noise
We didn’t find the engine noise—and exhaust note—objectionable, but would-be-owners will find that the Mazda CX-90, for example—delivers a generally more refined drivetrain experience.
Fuel Economy
As for fuel economy, we observed just under 21 mpg in routine driving. Solid efficiency, but other crossovers in this segment are a little easier on the gas.
Value
We’re generally impressed by the Traverse, and appreciate its class-leading passenger and cargo space. The handsome exterior design hide’s the Chevy’s mass well, and all the room comes in handy on road trips or on moving day. While we appreciate the upscale High Country trappings, we suspect most shoppers will find themselves well served by the more-affordable LT. That said, the High Country presents very well.
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2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
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