2026 Chevrolet Traverse Features, Trims & Pricing
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is a three-row midsize SUV built for families across Waxahachie, Midlothian, DeSoto, and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth area. With seating for up to seven or eight passengers, a turbocharged powertrain, a best-in-class 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, and available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance, the Traverse delivers the room, capability, and technology growing families actually use. Here’s a complete look at what the 2026 Traverse offers across its four trims — LT, Z71, High Country, and RS — and what each one costs at Legacy Chevrolet of Waxahachie.
2026 Traverse Trim Lineup & MSRP
Every 2026 Traverse trim is powered by the same turbocharged 2.5L inline-four engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The lineup is differentiated by drivetrain availability, styling, technology, and luxury content. All MSRPs below reflect Chevrolet’s published starting prices.
| Trim | FWD Starting MSRP | AWD Starting MSRP | Wheels | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | $40,800 | $42,800 | 18″ aluminum | FWD standard / AWD available |
| Z71 | AWD only | $48,900 | 18″ gloss black with all-terrain tires | AWD standard (twin-clutch system) |
| High Country | $55,100 | $57,100 | 22″ high-gloss black machined-face | FWD standard / AWD available |
| RS | $55,400 | $57,400 | 22″ high-gloss black painted aluminum | FWD standard / AWD available |
MSRP shown excludes destination charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets the final price.
Performance: One Turbocharged Engine, Two Drivetrain Choices
The 2026 Traverse replaces the previous V6 with a single, more efficient turbocharged powertrain across the entire lineup. The turbo-four produces more torque than the outgoing V6, which translates to confident merging and passing for daily Waxahachie-to-DFW commutes, while the 8-speed automatic keeps the engine in its efficient power band.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard on LT, High Country, RS; AWD optional (+$2,000). Z71 is standard AWD with twin-clutch system. |
| Max Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped |
| Standard Trailering Equipment | Factory-installed hitch, hitch guidance, heavy-duty cooling, 220-amp alternator |
Estimated Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy varies by drivetrain choice, not by trim. For commuters running back and forth between Waxahachie and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the FWD Traverse delivers the best efficiency in the lineup at an estimated 22 mpg combined.
| Configuration | Estimated City | Estimated Highway | Estimated Combined | Fuel Tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD (LT, High Country, RS) | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | 19.4 gal |
| AWD (Z71, plus AWD-equipped LT/HC/RS) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | 21.7 gal |
EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and habits.
Interior Space and Cargo Versatility
The 2026 Traverse is one of the most space-efficient three-row SUVs on the market. Smart Slide second-row seats allow easy third-row access even with a child safety seat installed. The High Country and RS trims add power-folding third-row seats — a one-button reconfiguration that’s genuinely useful when loading gear for a weekend at Lake Waxahachie or hauling sports equipment for school pickups.
Seating & Cargo Capacity
| Measurement | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Standard Seating | 7 passengers (second-row captain’s chairs) |
| Available 8-Passenger Seating | LT only — no-cost second-row bench option |
| Cargo Behind 3rd Row | 22.9 cu ft |
| Cargo Behind 2nd Row | 56.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo (All Seats Folded) | Up to 98 cu ft — best-in-class for midsize three-row segment |
| 3rd-Row Legroom | 32.1 in (class-leading) |
Exterior Dimensions
| Dimension | LT / High Country / RS | Z71 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.5 in | 204.7 in |
| Width (without mirrors) | 79.6 in | 79.6 in |
| Height | 69.6 in | 70.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 121 in | 121 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6.8 in | 7.8 in |
Technology & Comfort by Trim
Chevrolet equipped every 2026 Traverse — including the base LT — with the same flagship infotainment stack. Higher trims add premium audio, hands-free driver assistance, and luxury comfort features.
| Feature | LT | Z71 | High Country | RS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.7″ Touchscreen with Google Built-In | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 11″ Digital Driver Information Center | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Hands-Free AutoSense Power Liftgate | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Smartphone Charging | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 6-Speaker Audio System | Standard | Standard | — | — |
| Bose 12-Speaker Premium Audio | Available (via Enhanced Driving Pkg) | Available (via Enhanced Driving Pkg) | Standard | Standard |
| Super Cruise Hands-Free Driver Assistance | Available (via Enhanced Driving Pkg) | Available (via Enhanced Driving Pkg) | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Ventilated Front Seats | — | — | Standard | Standard |
| Seating Material | Premium cloth (Evotex available) | Evotex synthetic leather | Perforated leather | Perforated leather with red accents |
| Power-Folding Third Row | — | — | Standard | Standard |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Available | Available | Available | Standard |
Super Cruise enables hands-free driving on more than 750,000 miles of compatible North American highways. The Enhanced Driving Package on LT and Z71 bundles Super Cruise, the Bose 12-speaker audio, Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist, and Driver Attention Assist.
Explore Traverse interior, tech, and trim features in detail.
Safety Features for Every Trim
Every 2026 Traverse comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of active safety features designed to give families confidence behind the wheel. The 2026 Traverse earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Standard Chevy Safety Assist Features (All Trims)
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Alert | Warns of an impending front-end collision |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Brakes automatically when a frontal collision is imminent; includes pedestrian and cyclist detection |
| Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning | Helps keep the vehicle in its lane on highways |
| Following Distance Indicator | Shows the distance between you and the vehicle ahead |
| IntelliBeam Automatic High Beams | Switches between high and low beams based on oncoming traffic |
| Front Pedestrian Braking | Detects pedestrians ahead and applies the brakes if needed |
Driver Confidence Package — Trim Availability
Additional safety tech bundled in the Driver Confidence Package: Rear Camera Mirror, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, and a 120-volt power outlet.
| Trim | Driver Confidence Package |
|---|---|
| LT | Available ($1,225) |
| Z71 | Available ($1,225) |
| High Country | Standard |
| RS | Standard |
Additional standard equipment across the lineup includes HD Rear Vision Camera, Rear Park Assist, Teen Driver mode, Buckle to Drive, and rear seat belt reminders.
Warranty Coverage
Every 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is backed by Chevrolet’s standard new-vehicle warranty:
| Coverage | Term |
|---|---|
| Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Warranty terms apply per Chevrolet’s standard new-vehicle warranty. See dealer for complete details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers does the 2026 Traverse seat?
The 2026 Traverse seats seven passengers standard with second-row captain’s chairs. The LT trim offers a no-cost option for a second-row bench seat that increases capacity to eight passengers. The Z71, High Country, and RS are seven-passenger only.
Which trims include Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance?
Super Cruise comes standard on the High Country and RS trims as part of the Enhanced Driving Package. It is also available as an option on the LT and Z71 trims.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Traverse?
The 2026 Traverse has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The required trailering equipment — including a factory-installed hitch, hitch guidance, heavy-duty cooling, and 220-amp alternator — is standard on every trim.
What’s the estimated fuel economy of the 2026 Traverse?
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined for front-wheel-drive models, and 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined for all-wheel-drive models. These ratings apply across the trim lineup.
Which Traverse trim is the most off-road capable?
The Z71 is the only trim built specifically for light off-road use. It includes an advanced twin-clutch AWD system, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks, a skid plate, and 7.8 inches of ground clearance — about an inch more than other trims.
Shop the 2026 Traverse at Legacy Chevrolet of Waxahachie
Legacy Chevrolet of Waxahachie carries the full 2026 Traverse lineup at 1701 US-287 Byp in Waxahachie, TX. Stop by to drive the trim that fits your family, or call our sales team at 972-268-6126 to check current availability.