Model research hub
Chevrolet Traverse
TorqueNews says under the hood of the 2026 Traverse is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing about 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, confirming the RS AWD Performance trim's turbo power and Super Cruise utility. CarNewsCafe says the 2026 Traverse rides on a fully redesigned platform introduced recently, with RS now positioned as the sporty, tech-loaded trim, adding a bit of attitude without losing the everyday usability that makes this three-row SUV such a strong seller. MotorTrend says the 2026 Traverse, at home at the warehouse club or off the grid, is Chevrolet's three-row SUV with a base price under $50,000, bringing meaningful upgrades over its predecessor including a turbocharged engine that delivers more output than the outgoing V6, though it says rivals in the segment tried a lot harder to be competitive than Chevrolet did with the Traverse.
Turbo power and Super Cruise
TorqueNews (opens in a new tab) says under the hood of the 2026 Traverse is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing about 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, confirming the RS AWD Performance trim's turbo power and Super Cruise utility.
A redesigned platform with a sportier RS
CarNewsCafe (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Traverse rides on a fully redesigned platform introduced recently, with RS now positioned as the sporty, tech-loaded trim, adding a bit of attitude for 2026 without losing the everyday usability that makes this three-row SUV such a strong seller.
Meaningful upgrades, but rivals tried harder
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 Traverse, at home at the warehouse club or off the grid, is Chevrolet's three-row SUV with a base price under $50,000, bringing meaningful upgrades over its predecessor including a turbocharged engine that delivers more output than the outgoing V6, though it says rivals in the three-row SUV segment show how their makers tried a lot harder to be competitive than Chevrolet did with the Traverse.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse have?
TorqueNews (opens in a new tab) says about 328 hp from its 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Does the Chevrolet Traverse offer Super Cruise?
TorqueNews (opens in a new tab) confirms it on the RS AWD Performance trim.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is built around 2.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 328 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 4 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is published to tow is 5,000 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Traverse.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Chevrolet Traverse
MY2026 is the third model year of the current-generation Traverse, carrying the 328-horsepower 2.5L turbo engine forward from MY2025 with two exterior colors swapped and the addition of a Key Card.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
5 indexed Chevrolet Traverse model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Chevrolet Traverse | 2027 record → | |
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Chevrolet Traverse | 2025 record → | |
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | 2021 record → | |
| 2015 Chevrolet Traverse | 2015 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Chevrolet Traverse.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a full-size crossover SUV with three-row seating built by General Motors produced since the 2009 model year. It is built on the same platform as the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, known as the Lambda platform for the first generation, and the C1XX for the second generation. It also shares the C1XX platform with the Cadillac XT6.
Source: Chevrolet Traverse (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Traverse at a glance
- Production
- 2008–present
- Model years
- 2009–present
- Class
- Full-size crossover SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
- Predecessor
- Chevrolet TrailBlazer (first generation), Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Traverse generations
The Chevrolet Traverse has been redesigned in 2018, 2024, gaps of 9, 6 years, an average of 7.5 years between generations. The current generation (third generation) began in 2024.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | n/a | 2009–2018 | The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and the Traverse had arrived at every Chevrolet dealer in October 2008. |
| Second generation | n/a | 2018–2024 | On January 23, 2017, General Motors unveiled the second generation Traverse at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. |
| Third generation | n/a | 2024–present | Chevrolet unveiled the third-generation Traverse on July 17, 2023, with first customer deliveries commenced in April 2024 as a 2024 model year. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- February 2026, Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual. General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette… Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Owners filed 177 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, most often about service brakes (112), forward collision avoidance (61), electrical system (45).
Year by year
The Chevrolet Traverse across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Chevrolet Traverse | 21–22 | $2,950–$3,100 | 2 | |||
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 21–22 | $2,850–$2,950 | 2 | 1 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Chevrolet Traverse | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 2 | 173 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–23 | $2,700–$3,100 | 4 | 132 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–21 | $2,950–$3,100 | 2 | 2 | 86 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–21 | $2,950–$3,100 | 2 | 1 | 95 | 5 stars |
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–21 | $2,950–$3,100 | 2 | 3 | 88 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–21 | $2,950–$3,100 | 2 | 8 | 223 | 5 stars |
| 2019 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–22 | $2,950–$3,500 | 3 | 3 | 403 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Chevrolet Traverse | 20–22 | $2,950–$3,500 | 3 | 2 | 457 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Chevrolet Traverse | 17–18 | $3,450–$3,650 | 2 | 3 | 361 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Chevrolet Traverse | 17–18 | $3,450–$3,650 | 2 | 5 | 291 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Chevrolet Traverse | 19 | $3,300 | 2 | 5 | 313 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Chevrolet Traverse, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 22.0 to 21.5 | |||
| 2024 to 2025 | 4 to 2 | 21.5 to 22.0 | Labels: Traverse Limited AWD, Traverse Limited FWD; Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd | |
| 2023 to 2024 | 2 to 4 | 20.5 to 21.5 | Labels: Traverse Limited AWD, Traverse Limited FWD; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 8-spd | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 3 to 2 | 21.0 to 20.5 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Fuels: Premium | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 2 to 3 | 17.5 to 21.0 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd; Fuels: Premium | Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd |
| 2015 to 2016 | 19.0 to 17.5 |
Buying used
What the Chevrolet Traverse recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | equipment (other) | None |
| 2023 | 2 | power train (driveline); power train (automatic transmission) | None |
| 2022 | 1 | air bags (side/window) | None |
| 2021 | 3 | air bags (sensor); power train (automatic transmission); air bags (side/window) | None |
| 2020 | 8 | structure (frame and members); air bags (side/window); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 2 more | None |
| 2019 | 3 | air bags; power train (automatic transmission); air bags (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2018 | 2 | power train (automatic transmission); air bags (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2017 | 3 | air bags (critical fasteners); air bags (frontal) | None |
| 2016 | 5 | visibility (windshield wiper/washer); seats; air bags (critical fasteners); 1 more | None |
| 2015 | 5 | tires; air bags (critical fasteners); air bags (frontal) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 594 | 22% | 2018 (194) |
| air bags | 588 | 22% | 2017 (263) |
| electrical system | 444 | 17% | 2019 (111) |
| engine | 397 | 15% | 2018 (84) |
| unknown or other | 395 | 15% | 2018 (104) |
| service brakes | 279 | 11% | 2025 (111) |
Trim by trim
Every 2027 Chevrolet Traverse trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 326 | – | 5,000 | – | $42,795 |
| Z71 | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 326 | – | 5,000 | – | $51,095 |
| RS | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 326 | – | 5,000 | – | $57,795 |
| High Country | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 326 | – | 5,000 | – | $58,095 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Chevrolet Traverse model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | – | 5,000 | 21.7 |
| 2026 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 4,793 | 5,000 | 21.7 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 4,793 | – | 21.7 |
| 2024 | 4 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 328 | 4,504–4,793 | 1,500–5,000 | – |
| 2023 | 5 | 3.6-liter V6 | 305 | – | 1,500–5,000 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2022 | 5 | 3.6-liter V6 | 305 | – | 1,500–5,000 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2021 | 6 | 3.6-liter V6 | 310 | – | 1,500–5,000 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2020 | 6 | 3.6-liter V6 | 310 | – | 1,500–5,000 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2019 | 6 | 3.6-liter V6 / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 257–310 | – | 1,500–5,000 | 19.4–21.7 |
| 2018 | 6 | 3.6-liter V6 / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 252–305 | 4,362 | 5,200 | 22 |
| 2017 | 3 | 3.6-liter V6 | 281 | 4,713–4,956 | 5,200 | 22 |
| 2016 | 3 | 3.6-liter V6 | 281–288 | 4,713–4,956 | 5,200 | 22 |
| 2015 | 3 | 3.6-liter V6 | 281–288 | 4,647–4,841 | 5,200 | 22 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Chevrolet Traverse.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0W-20 (5.5 qt) | DOT 4 | 140 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2026 | 0W-20 (5.5 qt) | DOT 4 | 140 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2025 | – | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | 0W-20 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2023 | 5W-30 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2022 | 5W-30 | DOT 4 | – | – | – |
| 2021 | 5W-30 | – | – | – | – |
| 2020 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2019 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2018 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
| 2016 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | – | – | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Chevrolet Traverse: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2026 Chevrolet Traverse : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.3).
- 2022 Chevrolet Traverse : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.3).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2020 Chevrolet Traverse : 8 recalls on file, most commonly affecting tires and powertrain.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | equipment |
| 2025 | 173 | ||
| 2024 | 132 | ||
| 2023 | 2 | 86 | powertrain |
| 2022 | 1 | 95 | airbags |
| 2021 | 3 | 88 | airbags, powertrain |
| 2020 | 8 | 223 | tires, powertrain, airbags, fuel system |
| 2019 | 3 | 403 | airbags, powertrain |
| 2018 | 2 | 457 | powertrain, airbags |
| 2017 | 3 | 361 | airbags |
| 2016 | 5 | 291 | airbags, visibility/wipers, seats |
| 2015 | 5 | 313 | airbags, tires |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Chevrolet Traverse model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Chevrolet Traverse?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2026, 2022 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2020 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Chevrolet Traverse model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2020 Chevrolet Traverse has 8 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting tires, powertrain, airbags. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Chevrolet Traverse model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse has 1 recall on file; The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.3. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Chevrolet Traverse by model year?
2026: equipment. 2023: powertrain. 2022: airbags. 2021: airbags, powertrain. 2020: tires, powertrain, airbags, fuel system. 2019: airbags, powertrain.
Q05Why do some Chevrolet Traverse model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Chevrolet Traverse model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain, Engine and cooling.
2020 Chevrolet Traverse owners specifically: see Brakes, tires and steering and Transmission and drivetrain and Buying, records and recalls and Engine and cooling.
Compared with
Models this Chevrolet Traverse is most often compared with.
Nearest Chevrolet models
Other Chevrolet models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Traverse come in?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse (three-row SUV) comes in 4 trims: LT, Z71, RS, High Country.
Q02What are the 2026 Traverse trims?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse trims are LT, Z71, RS, High Country, listed from the entry LT up to the top High Country.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Traverse use?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is built around 2.5L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 328 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Traverse have?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is rated at 328 horsepower (2.5L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Traverse?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is offered with FWD / AWD.