2026 Chevrolet Traverse: A Complete Overview for Riverside Families
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse delivers a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque — a powertrain that replaced the previous generation’s V6 while adding both power and efficiency. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in four trims (LT, Z71, High Country, and RS), the Traverse seats seven as standard across the lineup, with an available second-row bench on the LT that expands capacity to eight. Families in Riverside, San Bernardino, and across the Inland Empire will find the Traverse well-suited for daily commutes on the 91 and 10 freeways and weekend trips to the San Bernardino National Forest.
2026 Traverse Trim Lineup and Pricing
The 2026 Traverse is available in four trims, each with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Z71 is the exception — AWD comes standard on that trim.
| Trim | MSRP (FWD) | MSRP (AWD) | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | $40,800 | $42,800 | Value-oriented; 8-passenger bench available; heated front seats standard |
| Z71 | AWD Only | $48,900 | Off-road-tuned suspension; twin-clutch AWD; all-terrain tires; unique styling |
| High Country | $55,100 | $57,100 | Perforated leather; ventilated front seats; Super Cruise standard; Bose audio |
| RS | $55,400 | $57,400 | Sport-tuned styling; blacked-out accents; Super Cruise standard; 22″ wheels |
All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and exclude the destination freight charge ($1,995), tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Dealer sets the final price.
For a deeper look at what separates the 2025 and 2026 model years, see our 2025 vs. 2026 Chevy Traverse comparison.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Every 2026 Traverse runs the same turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, but drivetrain choice affects both capability and efficiency. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds across the lineup when properly equipped, making the Traverse capable of pulling a small boat, camper, or utility trailer for weekend trips from Riverside.
Powertrain Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs (when properly equipped) |
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy by Drivetrain
| Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | LT, High Country, RS |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | LT, Z71 (std), High Country, RS |
All figures shown are EPA estimated miles per gallon. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and other factors.
The Z71 adds an advanced twin-clutch AWD system with selectable terrain modes and off-road-tuned suspension, making it the strongest choice for drivers who regularly encounter varied conditions beyond suburban Inland Empire roads. For detailed fuel economy breakdowns, visit our 2026 Chevy Traverse fuel economy page.
Interior, Cargo, and Technology
The Traverse’s cabin centers on a 17.7-inch diagonal color touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto — all standard. An 11-inch Driver Information Center provides trip data, fuel economy, and vehicle alerts in the instrument cluster. Wireless charging is standard across all trims.
Seating and Cargo Capacity
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Seating | 7 passengers (captain’s chairs, all trims) |
| Available 8-Passenger Seating | LT only (optional second-row bench) |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 22.9 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 56.6 cu ft |
| Maximum Cargo (seats folded) | 98 cu ft (best-in-class) |
| Power-Folding 2nd & 3rd Row | Standard on RS and High Country |
The available AutoSense Power Liftgate opens hands-free when it detects the key fob nearby — a practical feature for loading groceries or sports gear after a stop at Ontario Mills or a weekend outing.
Available Packages
| Package | Price | Available On | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Driving Package | $3,935 | LT, Z71 | Super Cruise, Extended Auto Parking Assist, Driver Attention Assist |
| Driver Confidence Package | $1,225 | LT, Z71 | Blind Zone Steering Assist, additional driver assistance features |
| Assistance Package | $1,750 | High Country, RS | Extended Automatic Parking Assist, additional convenience features |
| Panoramic Sunroof | $1,500 | All trims | Dual-panel power sunroof |
Super Cruise and Driver Confidence features come standard on the High Country and RS trims.
Exterior Dimensions
| Dimension | Standard Trims | Z71 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 204.5 in | 204.7 in |
| Overall Width (w/o mirrors) | 79.5 in | 80.0 in |
| Overall Height | 69.9 in | 70.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 121.0 in | 121.0 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6.8 in | 7.8 in |
Safety
The 2026 Traverse earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests. Standard safety features across all trims include Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and an HD Rear Vision Camera.
Available HD Surround Vision provides a 360-degree camera view for tight parking situations, and the Driver Confidence Package ($1,225 on LT and Z71; standard on RS and High Country) adds Blind Zone Steering Assist and additional features. The Traverse’s comprehensive airbag system protects all seven occupants.
Note: The 2025 Traverse earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick. For the 2026 model year, the IIHS tightened its award criteria with new emphasis on rear-seat protection and expanded crash avoidance testing. The 2026 Traverse did not receive a TSP or TSP+ designation under these updated standards, though its structural ratings and NHTSA 5-star overall score remain strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers can the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse seat?
The Traverse seats seven as standard across all four trims with second-row captain’s chairs. The LT trim offers an optional second-row bench seat that increases capacity to eight. The RS and High Country are seven-passenger only.
Which 2026 Traverse trims offer all-wheel drive, and how does it affect fuel economy?
AWD is standard on the Z71 and available on the LT, High Country, and RS for an additional $2,000. FWD models achieve an estimated 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg, while AWD models return an estimated 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg.
What are the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse’s exterior dimensions?
The Traverse measures 204.5 inches long (Z71: 204.7 inches), 79.5 inches wide without mirrors, and 69.9 inches tall (Z71: 70.6 inches). These dimensions balance interior spaciousness with manageable suburban maneuverability for neighborhoods in Corona, Fontana, and Eastvale.
Can the 2026 Traverse tow a trailer or boat?
Yes. The 2026 Traverse offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, accommodating small boats, campers, or utility trailers for trips from Riverside to the San Bernardino National Forest and beyond.
What engine does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse use?
Every trim uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This replaced the previous generation’s V6, delivering more power with improved efficiency.
Your Next Traverse Is at Riverside Chevrolet
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse combines family-focused space, a capable turbocharged powertrain, and a full suite of standard safety and technology features in a package built for Inland Empire lifestyles. Whether you are comparing trims, exploring fuel economy numbers, or ready to see the Traverse in person, Riverside Chevrolet is here to help.
Call our sales team at (951) 643-7003 to schedule a test drive at 8200 Auto Center Drive in Riverside.