2026 Chevrolet Traverse
This page covers the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, a SUV available in 7 trims from $40,800 to $57,400. Below you will find crash test ratings, fuel cost data, reliability scores, recall history, ownership costs, and manufacturer specifications, each sourced and linked to the original publisher.
Among 199 mid-range SUVs, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse earns a C for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 3.5 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse are high published crash-test results. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP. Safest SUVs 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $1,880 above the similar-vehicle average.
- Reliability is not a standout here: RepairPal 3.5/5.
- AAA estimates $13,584/yr in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $40,800 - $57,400
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21-22 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,000 - $2,100/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $2,250 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 7 on file
- Brand Origin
- United States
How Safe Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP designation, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has passed the two most rigorous crash test programs in the United States. Among SUVs, 82% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 18.5%
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse a TSP designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | A Acceptable |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | A Acceptable |
| Seat Belt Reminders | M Marginal |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G Good |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Have Any Recalls?
As of the data shown, NHTSA has not issued any recall campaigns for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The average for SUVs is 1.8 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The average for 2026 SUVs is 8 complaints. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
6 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-02-18
Safety-relevant complaints: At least one complaint includes crash reported. Review individual reports on NHTSA.gov for details.
Most-reported problem areas
- Brakes4
- Engine3
- ADAS / Safety Tech3
- Powertrain2
- Electrical1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse achieves up to 22 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000. That is $292 more per year than the $1,708 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 21 to 22 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT FWD GAS | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2,000/yr |
| LT AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 20 | 24 | $2,100/yr |
| Z71 AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 20 | 24 | $2,100/yr |
| High Country FWD GAS | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2,000/yr |
| RS FWD GAS | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2,000/yr |
| High Country AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 20 | 24 | $2,100/yr |
| RS AWD GAS | 21 MPG | 20 | 24 | $2,100/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse ranges from $94,620 to $135,820 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
With 7 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Trims Compare?
With 7 trims priced from $40,800 to $57,400, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT FWD GAS | $40,800 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | FWD | 4,504 lbs | $94,620 |
| LT AWD GAS | $42,800 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | AWD | 4,793 lbs | $121,220 |
| Z71 AWD GAS | $48,900 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | AWD | 4,793 lbs | $127,320 |
| High Country FWD GAS | $55,100 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | FWD | 4,504 lbs | $108,920 |
| RS FWD GAS | $55,400 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | FWD | 4,504 lbs | $109,220 |
| High Country AWD GAS | $57,100 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | AWD | 4,793 lbs | $135,520 |
| RS AWD GAS | $57,400 | 21 MPG | $2,100/yr | AWD | 4,793 lbs | $135,820 |
The Chevrolet Traverse lineup has contracted from 8 trims in 2024 to 7 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $3,200 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- High Country FWD GAS (added 2025)
- High Country AWD GAS (added 2025)
Trims no longer available
- LS FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LS Fleet FWD GAS (last available 2024)
- LS AWD GAS (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- Z71 AWD GAS $46,400 (2024) → $48,900 (2026) +$2,500
- RS FWD GAS $54,200 (2024) → $55,400 (2026) +$1,200
- RS AWD GAS $56,200 (2024) → $57,400 (2026) +$1,200
- LT FWD GAS $40,000 (2024) → $40,800 (2026) +$800
- LT AWD GAS $42,000 (2024) → $42,800 (2026) +$800
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS FWD GAS | $37,600 21 MPG | — | — |
| LS Fleet FWD GAS | $38,100 21 MPG | — | — |
| LS AWD GAS | $39,600 21 MPG | — | — |
| LT FWD GAS | $40,000 21 MPG | $40,700 23 MPG | $40,800 22 MPG |
| LT AWD GAS | $42,000 21 MPG | $42,700 21 MPG | $42,800 21 MPG |
| Z71 AWD GAS | $46,400 21 MPG | $47,800 21 MPG | $48,900 21 MPG |
| RS FWD GAS | $54,200 21 MPG | $54,100 23 MPG | $55,400 22 MPG |
| RS AWD GAS | $56,200 21 MPG | $56,100 21 MPG | $57,400 21 MPG |
| High Country FWD GAS | — | $53,800 23 MPG | $55,100 22 MPG |
| High Country AWD GAS | — | $55,800 21 MPG | $57,100 21 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse at 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, which is about average for mid-range SUVs. RepairPal ratings reflect repair frequency and cost data from a network of certified repair shops. Source: RepairPal.
Chevrolet backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Come With?
Chevrolet provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Traverse. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 6yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 1yr/1visit |
What Are the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2.5L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 328 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 19.4 - 21.7 gal |
| Length | 204.5 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 79.6 in |
| Height | 69.6 - 70.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 121.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,504 - 4,793 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
All data shown for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. This page updates automatically when source agencies publish new information. See our methodology page for details on data collection and verification.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse FAQ
How does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of C, a RepairPal reliability score of 3.5/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Chevrolet Traverse trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 7 available trims, the LT FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $94,620, starting at $40,800 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $135,820. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Chevrolet Traverse insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Chevrolet Traverse maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $40,800, that represents about 62% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
The most efficient 2026 Chevrolet Traverse trim costs an estimated $2,000 per year in fuel, or about $167 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $292 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse include 2026 Subaru Ascent, 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2026 Tesla Model Y. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 3 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $3,200 for the Chevrolet Traverse lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $167 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,299 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse safe for families?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.