2027 Chevrolet TraverseMotorTrendHuge cargo spaceEasy-to-use techStrong standard engineSome plasticky cabin materialsFeels large to driveNo hybrid optionThe Chevrolet Traverse is built around a simple mission: move families, friends, and cargo with as little fuss as possible. Redesigned for 2024, it remains one of Chevy's biggest and most practical three-row SUVs, with bold styling and useful tech helping offset some refinement shortcomings.AdvertisementAdvertisementMidsize three-row SUV rivals include the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Ford Explorer.What's NewExteriorTwilight Blue and Trillium Green Metallic paints; Stardust Metallic and Lakeshore Blue Metallic have been discontinuedZ71 trim now standard with gloss black, machined-face 18-inch wheelsHigh Country standard with gloss black, machined-face 22-inch wheelsRS standard with gloss black 22-inch wheelsAvailable Carbon Flash Metallic 20-inch wheels for LT models via the Sun and Wheel packageOptional gloss black 20-inch wheels with LT Midnight/Sport EditionInteriorAvailable interior cameraWhat We ThinkThe 2027 Traverse is a spacious, straightforward three-row SUV with bold styling, easy-to-use tech, and plenty of family-friendly practicality. Its 2024 redesign brought meaningful improvements, but the Traverse still feels more useful than refined compared with the best SUVs in the segment.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts turbocharged engine gives the Traverse decent low-end response, which helps around town and when carrying passengers. Still, acceleration and fuel economy are not standout strengths, and the engine can sound coarse when pushed. This is also a large SUV that feels large from behind the wheel.Inside, the Traverse benefits from big screens, simple controls, and updated safety tech. The layout is easy to understand, but the cabin itself doesn't feel as rich as some rivals. Materials are on the plasticky side, and the design can come across as plain.Chevrolet gives shoppers some range with the rugged Z71 and more upscale High Country trims. Even so, the lack of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option is a notable miss against competitors such as the Toyota Grand Highlander and Hyundai Palisade.This year's updates don't alter the bigger picture. The Traverse is a roomy and capable family hauler, but its strongest rivals feel more thoughtfully executed.Top-Ranked Competitors:Honda PilotKia TellurideFord ExplorerToyota Grand HighlanderMotorTrend TestedAll 2027 models use a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. The engine arrived in the redesigned Traverse with 315 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, but output increased for 2025 to 328 hp and 326 lb-ft. In MotorTrend testing, a 2025 Traverse High Country AWD reached 60 mph in a somewhat slow 7.4 seconds.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor comparison, the Ford Explorer's base engine is a smaller 2.3-liter turbo-four that makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. Despite its lower output, an Explorer AWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds in testing.MPGs and RangeThe 2027 Traverse is expected to carry over the 2026 model's fuel economy ratings. Front-drive variants should return 20/26 mpg city/highway with about 427 miles of range, while AWD versions are estimated at 20/24 mpg. Despite the lower highway figure, AWD models offer slightly more range at 456 miles thanks to a larger 21.7-gallon fuel tank.Those numbers trail the four-cylinder Ford Explorer, particularly on the highway. The 2026 Explorer is rated at 20/29 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 20/27 mpg with all-wheel drive, though its total range estimates are similar at 430 miles for RWD and 412 miles for AWD.Safety Ratings and FeaturesLast year's Traverse earned an IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick award and an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating. This year's model is expected to achieve similar results. Every trim level comes with safety tech that includes:AdvertisementAdvertisementAdaptive cruise controlBlind-spot monitoringForward and reverse automatic emergency brakingLane keepingAutomatic high-beamsCargo Space and Interior RoomInterior space is one of the Traverse's strengths. Cargo capacity and legroom in the first two rows compare favorably with key rivals such as the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. Like the others, though, third-row legroom is at a premium.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery 2027 Traverse is equipped with an 11.0-inch driver display and 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with compatibility for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger and six USB ports are also included.Sound SystemA six-speaker setup is the base arrangement. Chevy also offers a 12-speaker Bose premium system.Available UpgradesChevrolet continues to offer Super Cruise, one of the industry's better hands-free driving systems, on the Traverse. Other available tech upgrades include a 360-degree camera, a key card, and a power-adjustable steering column.ValueStandard FeaturesEvery 2027 Traverse features a strong powertrain and a spacious interior. Useful standard features include remote start, a hands-free power liftgate, a power driver's seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel.Recommended TrimFor 2027, we'd stick with the Traverse LT with AWD. It hits the practical sweet spot of the lineup, adding all-weather confidence and keeping useful features such as a hands-free power liftgate, second-row captain's chairs, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support.
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