George Jones and Tammy Wynette famously sang a song about not being the jet-set, but as the Chevrolet-set. They never forget their working-class roots, but were clearly a few levels above. The same could be said for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT, a three-row crossover that spoils passengers while maintaining value appreciated by those who work for a living.
By size, the Traverse could easily be a Tahoe, but follows cues set by the smaller Trailblazer. I’m especially smitten with our LT package’s sinister black logos, lettering and roof rails. Hulking 20-inch black wheels fill the fenders. Details like squinty driving lamps over LED headlamps, sail-fin C-pillar and spidered smoked taillamps add allure. Four large square exhaust outlets obfuscate the powertrain. It needs tinted windows to complete the fit.
Chevrolet made smart choices with our test vehicle’s interior to give owners most of what they want without inflating prices. Gaining immediate attention is the wall of dashboard glass that includes a crisp flatscreen instrument cluster and intuitive 17.7-inch touchscreen. Devices connect easily via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tri-zone climate control grants rear passengers their own temperature while Bose audio fills the cavern with sound.
There’s no panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats nor head-up display, but our vehicle had heated front seats with power driver lumbar, heated steering wheel and 120-volt household outlet. Split/fold third row sears are a little tight, but center captain’s chairs are cross-continent comfortable. Check deep cubbies and flybridge console with storage for purses, baby toys and fast-food bags below. If GM would quit embedding headlamp controls in the touchscreen, I’d cheer.
Chevrolet went all-in on safety tech that includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection with auto brake. Two other cool features are the rearview camera mirror that can function as a traditional mirror or with a digital display that provides a clear view out the back even with passengers and cargo between. GM’s Safety Alert Seat buzzes in the direction of danger to keep everybody safe.
You’re probably thinking the Traverse has a V8 engine (it doesn’t) or even a V6 (that’s the last-gen Traverse), but our big wagon shifts a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb.-ft. of torque – all routed to the all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s a lot of power from a small engine, so kudos to GM, but it also delivers relatively frugal fuel economy of 20/24-MPG city/highway.
Even loaded with seven passengers and luggage, the Traverse has enough power but isn’t bottled lightening. The suspension is pretty firm and a little clunky over rough pavement. Properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,000 lbs. of camper, boat, or weekend project supplies. A V8 is out of the question, but this black bat-wagon really deserves an optional twin-turbo V6 to throw shade at the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango.
Unlike most competitors, our Traverse came with hands-off Super Cruise that allows drivers to relax on long drives. There’s a sensor watching drivers watch the road, so there’s no napping or book reading, but it is nice to sit back, sip coffee and watch the scenery roll by.
Make wise choices with the options to maintain affordability. Traverses start at $40,800, but came to $53,240 as tested. Competitors include the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
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