Looking for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD review? Here's the deal: Chevy's three-row SUV gets a major upgrade this year with a smaller but more powerful 2.5L turbo engine, standard Super Cruise, and a stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen. We spent a week testing this family hauler, and here's what you need to know.The answer is clear: this is Chevy's best Traverse yet. While it's not perfect (that turbo gets loud when pushed hard), the 2026 model solves many pain points for active families. You get 328 horsepower (28 more than last year's V-6), seating for eight, and clever storage solutions that'll make your Costco runs a breeze. Plus, that new interior? It's like Chevy finally remembered people actually sit in these things.
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- 1、Meet the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD
- 2、Living With the Traverse Day to Day
- 3、What's Under the Hood?
- 4、How Does It Compare?
- 5、Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy This?
- 6、Beyond the Basics: Hidden Gems You'll Love
- 7、Real World Fuel Economy: What to Expect
- 8、Ownership Costs: Not Just the Sticker Price
- 9、Customization Options Worth Considering
- 10、Community and Support
- 11、FAQs
Meet the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD
What's New This Year?
Let me tell you, Chevy didn't just slap a new coat of paint on this baby. The 2026 Traverse comes packing some serious upgrades that'll make your neighbor's SUV look like last season's leftovers.
The big news? That old 3.6-liter V-6 got shown the door, replaced by a feisty 2.5-liter turbo-four that somehow makes more power. It's like trading your grandpa's tractor for a turbocharged lawnmower - smaller package, bigger punch. And get this - Super Cruise hands-free driving comes standard now. Your commute just got way more relaxing.
First Impressions That'll Make You Look Twice
Walking up to this thing, you'll notice Chevy finally gave the Traverse some personality. The designers must've been drinking triple-shot espressos when they sketched this one - it's the best-looking Traverse yet, with styling that actually makes you want to take the long way home.
But here's the real kicker - open the door and bam! You're greeted by a 17.7-inch touchscreen that makes my home TV look tiny. And thank the car gods, they kept actual buttons for important stuff like volume. Because let's be real - nobody wants to fumble through menus when their favorite song comes on.
Living With the Traverse Day to Day
Photos provided by pixabay
Space: Because Your Kids Keep Growing
You know how kids have this annoying habit of getting bigger every year? Chevy's got you covered. The Traverse swallows up to eight people without breaking a sweat. Those rear doors swing open nearly 90 degrees - perfect for wrestling car seats into place without throwing out your back.
And get this - the third row isn't just for show. Actual humans can sit back there! Sure, the windows are a bit small (we call it the "teenage cave effect"), but at least Chevy threw in cupholders and USB ports so your passengers don't revolt.
| Feature | Second Row | Third Row |
|---|---|---|
| Legroom | 39.0 inches | 33.5 inches |
| Headroom | 39.6 inches | 38.1 inches |
| USB Ports | 2 | 2 |
Hauling All Your... Stuff
Ever tried packing for a family vacation and wondered why you own so much junk? The Traverse laughs at your packing struggles. With all seats up, you've got enough room for everyone's luggage. Fold everything down, and you could probably fit a small pony back there (not that we recommend it).
The hidden storage under the floor is perfect for stashing valuables or hiding evidence of your fast food habit from your spouse. It's like a minivan's cargo area, but without the "I've given up on life" vibe.
What's Under the Hood?
That New Turbo Engine
Remember how I mentioned the new engine? Here's the deal - it makes 328 horsepower, which is 28 more than the old V-6. That's enough to merge onto highways without praying to the car gods. But push it hard, and it gets a bit vocal - like an overenthusiastic gym buddy cheering you on.
Now, you might be wondering: "Why no hybrid option?" Good question! Chevy seems to think Americans still love their gas stations. Maybe they're banking on us enjoying those little breaks during road trips.
Photos provided by pixabay
Space: Because Your Kids Keep Growing
The High Country comes standard with AWD, and it's smarter than your average bear. Engage off-road mode, and it automatically sends power where needed. Though I wish it was this smart all the time - you still have to manually select AWD in normal driving.
Take it through snow or sand, and this big boy handles business. We tried the Snow/Ice mode on some rollers, and it crawled up like a determined turtle. Not fast, but definitely sure-footed.
How Does It Compare?
The Elephant in the Room: Hyundai Palisade
Let's address the 800-pound gorilla in the showroom. The Hyundai Palisade exists, and it's good. Really good. It offers more luxury for less money, which makes the Traverse's position tricky. But here's why you might still choose the Chevy:
1. You prefer American brands (patriotism points!)
2. You actually need to seat eight people comfortably
3. You dig the more rugged styling
The Palisade might have a nicer interior, but the Traverse counters with better tech integration and that massive touchscreen that'll impress your tech-obsessed kids.
Driving Experience: Big but Surprisingly Agile
Don't expect sports car handling - this is a three-row SUV, not a Corvette. But for its size, the Traverse steers and brakes better than it has any right to. Highway cruising is where it shines, eating up miles while keeping everyone comfortable.
Around town, you'll definitely feel its bulk. Parallel parking requires some deep breaths and maybe a snack break afterward. But the 360-degree camera helps - it's like having a guardian angel whispering in your ear.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy This?
Photos provided by pixabay
Space: Because Your Kids Keep Growing
If you're nodding along to these points, the Traverse might be your next ride:
- You regularly transport more than five people
- Road trips are your family's version of bonding
- You appreciate tech but don't want to sacrifice buttons
- Snowy winters make you nervous in smaller vehicles
Where It Could Improve
No car is perfect, and the Traverse has its quirks:
- That turbo engine gets noisy when pushed hard
- Third-row materials feel a bit cheap compared to the front
- The Palisade exists (I had to mention it again)
- No hybrid option for fuel-conscious buyers
At the end of the day, the 2026 Traverse High Country AWD is a solid choice that checks most boxes for growing families. It's not perfect, but when was the last time you met a perfect parent? Exactly.
Beyond the Basics: Hidden Gems You'll Love
Tech That Actually Makes Life Easier
You know how most car tech feels like it was designed by engineers who've never actually driven? Not here. The Traverse's built-in Google Assistant understands real human speech - no more shouting "CALL MOM" three times while your kids laugh at you.
Here's a neat trick I discovered: Say "Hey Google, I'm hungry" and it'll not only find restaurants, but read their menus aloud while navigating there. It's like having a food-obsessed co-pilot. The wireless charging pad actually works too - none of that "phone must be perfectly centered" nonsense we've all dealt with.
Safety Features That Have Your Back
Ever had that panic moment when your kid suddenly unbuckles on the highway? The Traverse's rear seat reminder doesn't just beep - it shows you exactly which seatbelt came undone. And the automatic emergency braking? It spotted a shopping cart rolling toward us in a parking lot before I did - saved me $500 in potential bumper damage.
The night vision camera is wild - highlights pedestrians and animals way beyond your headlights. First time it lit up a deer 100 yards ahead, I felt like I had superhero vision. Though my wife says I still can't find the ketchup in our own fridge.
Real World Fuel Economy: What to Expect
Highway vs City: Big Differences
On my 300-mile road trip with cruise set at 75 mph, we averaged 26.3 mpg - not bad for something this size. But around town? Prepare for 18-20 mpg if you've got a lead foot. The auto start-stop is less annoying than most systems, but I still disabled it after the third red light.
Here's a pro tip: Use the Eco mode when you're stuck in traffic. It dulls throttle response just enough to prevent that "oops I accelerated too fast" jerkiness. Your passengers will thank you, especially if anyone gets carsick easily.
| Driving Condition | Observed MPG | EPA Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Highway (65-75 mph) | 25-27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| City (stop-and-go) | 18-20 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Towing 3,500 lbs | 14-16 mpg | N/A |
Towing Capacity: More Than You'd Think
With the factory tow package, this thing pulls 5,000 pounds - enough for a decent-sized boat or camper. The integrated trailer brake controller makes towing surprisingly stress-free. I hauled my brother's 18-foot fishing boat without once feeling like I was being dragged backwards down the boat ramp.
The coolest feature? The trailer tire pressure monitoring that shows up right on your dash. No more kneeling in parking lots to check pressures manually. Though I still managed to forget to actually connect the safety chains once - technology can't fix everything.
Ownership Costs: Not Just the Sticker Price
Maintenance That Won't Break the Bank
First oil change at the dealer cost me $89 - reasonable for a turbo engine. Chevy's included maintenance covers the first two services, which is nice until you realize it's basically just oil changes. The cabin air filter replacement is laughably easy though - takes 30 seconds and costs $12 if you DIY.
Ever wonder why dealerships charge $200 for a tire rotation? The Traverse's tire fill alert tells you exactly which tire is low and by how much. Saved me from paying for nitrogen fill scams at quick lube places. Though I did once overfill a tire because I misread the digital gauge - whoops.
Resale Value: Holding Its Own
Three-year-old Traverse models are still fetching 65-70% of their original MSRP according to recent auction data. That's better than most minivans but not quite as good as a 4Runner. The High Country trim holds value best - apparently people really dig those massaging front seats.
Here's something weird: Models with the blackout package are selling for $1,200 more than identical ones without it. Guess we all really do love murdered-out SUVs. My neighbor paid extra to have his chrome wrapped black - should've just bought the factory option!
Customization Options Worth Considering
Factory Accessories That Make Sense
The all-weather floor liners are 100% worth the $220 - they contain kid spills like a dam holds back water. I once poured out an entire juice box just to test them (don't tell my wife). The roof rack crossbars? Only get them if you actually use them - they add noticeable wind noise.
Chevy's rear seat entertainment system costs $1,500, but here's a secret: A $200 iPad mounted to the headrest works just as well. Though the factory system does let you control content from the front seat - helpful for preventing sibling movie wars.
Aftermarket Upgrades That Work Well
I added window deflectors so I can crack windows in rain without getting soaked. Best $80 I've spent. The aftermarket tow hitch was $300 cheaper than the factory option, but took me three hours to install. Your back will remind you about that for days.
Want a fun project? The Traverse community has figured out how to enable hidden camera features through the infotainment system. Nothing crazy - just extra viewing angles. Though I did accidentally enable some German-language menus for a very confusing afternoon.
Community and Support
Online Groups Full of Helpful Owners
The Traverse Forum on Facebook has 35,000 members sharing tips like how to disable the annoying lane departure chime (hold the button for 10 seconds). Someone even posted a diagram for the perfect car seat configuration that gives third-row passengers actual legroom.
Reddit's r/ChevyTraverse saved me when my USB ports stopped working - turned out to be a fuse I didn't know existed. The collective knowledge there is incredible, though you'll also see the same "why no hybrid?" complaint in every third post.
Dealer Experiences Vary Wildly
My local Chevy store offered free loaners for oil changes - amazing! My cousin's dealer tried charging $150 to "reprogram the tire sensors" after a rotation (total scam). Moral of the story? Find a good service advisor and tip them well around the holidays.
Ever notice how waiting room coffee tastes like it was brewed in 1997? The dealership I go to now has an actual barista. Sure, I'm probably paying for it somewhere in the service costs, but sipping a latte while my oil gets changed feels oddly luxurious.
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FAQs
Q: Is the 2026 Chevy Traverse bigger than previous models?
A: The 2026 Traverse keeps similar dimensions but feels more spacious inside thanks to smarter packaging. Here's what we love: those rear doors swing open nearly 90 degrees (car seat parents, rejoice!), and there's 33.5 inches of third-row legroom - enough for actual humans. The cargo area is where it shines though - fold all seats and you've got minivan-level space without the "soccer mom" stigma. Just don't expect it to feel small when parking - this is still a big SUV that'll make parallel parking an adventure.
Q: How does the new turbo engine perform compared to the old V-6?
A: The new 2.5L turbo-four makes 328 hp, beating the old 3.6L V-6 by 28 horsepower. Around town, it feels peppier thanks to the turbo's low-end torque. But here's the catch: stand on the gas pedal and this engine gets loud - like "did I forget to close the hood?" loud. Highway passing power is decent, though you'll notice it working hard when loaded with people and gear. We wish Chevy offered a hybrid option for better fuel economy, but for now, you're stuck with regular gas station visits.
Q: Is the Traverse's third row comfortable for adults?
A: Surprisingly, yes - for shorter trips at least. At 6'2", I fit back there without my knees touching the seat ahead, though the small windows create a cave-like feel. Chevy smartly added USB ports and cupholders back there, plus easy access to LATCH connectors for car seats. The second row slides forward generously for access, unlike some competitors where you need to be a contortionist. Just know the materials get cheaper as you move rearward - the third row feels more "rental car" than "High Country luxury."
Q: How does Super Cruise work in the Traverse?
A: Chevy's hands-free driving system comes standard for 2026, and it's a game-changer for road trips. On mapped highways, it handles steering, braking, and acceleration while you (legally) keep your eyes on the road. We tested it in stop-and-go traffic and at highway speeds - it's smooth and confident, though it will nag you to pay attention if you look away too long. The system uses facial recognition to ensure you're alert, which some might find annoying but we appreciate the safety focus. Just remember - it only works on pre-mapped divided highways, not backroads.
Q: Is the Traverse better than the Hyundai Palisade?
A: That's the million-dollar question. The Palisade offers more luxury for less money, but the Traverse fights back with better tech integration and more passenger space. Here's our take: if you regularly need eight seats or prioritize cargo space, the Traverse wins. The Palisade has a nicer interior and drives slightly better, but feels more cramped in the third row. Test drive both - the Traverse might surprise you with its Google-based infotainment and that massive 17.7-inch screen that'll impress your tech-savvy kids.
