2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD Performance Review Confirms 328HP Turbo Power and Super Cruise Utility

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Review in Three Key Points

• After a week driving the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD in Charlotte, I found it stands out for its soft ride quality, quiet cabin, and premium-feeling interior that makes daily driving especially comfortable.
• The redesigned Traverse delivers strong performance from its turbocharged engine while offering one of the most spacious third rows and cargo areas in the midsize three-row SUV segment.
• Compared with rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride, the Traverse combines modern infotainment technology, family-friendly space, and relaxed highway driving in a way that makes it a compelling SUV to consider.

Last week I spent seven days driving the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD through Charlotte, North Carolina, which included city traffic, suburban errands, school-run chaos, and long highway stretches.

And I’ll admit something right away: the Traverse surprised me.

After roughly 15 years covering the automotive industry and testing SUVs, I’ve learned that many three-row crossovers blend together. They’re competent, practical, and forgettable.

But the redesigned Traverse stood out in ways that matter to real families.

The biggest reasons?

• A soft and refined ride quality
• A premium-feeling interior that looks more expensive than expected
• A spacious third row that adults can actually use

The midsize SUV segment is extremely competitive. Models like the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Honda Pilot dominate many buyers’ shopping lists.

But after living with the Traverse for a week, I believe Chevrolet has built a seriously compelling family SUV that deserves more attention than it sometimes gets.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Exterior Design: A More Athletic Look for Chevy’s 3-Row SUV

One thing that immediately stood out while photographing the vehicle myself was how confident and modern the Traverse looks in person.

The RS trim gives the SUV a sportier personality than past versions of the Traverse.

You get:

• Black exterior accents
• Larger dark wheels
• A bold front grille
• More sculpted body lines

Chevrolet clearly wanted the new Traverse to look less like a traditional family hauler and more like a modern performance-inspired SUV.

In some ways the front-end design echoes styling cues from the Chevrolet Silverado, especially in the grille proportions and squared stance.

Interestingly, that more rugged design direction isn’t accidental. As I previously noted in another Torque News analysis, the redesigned Traverse increasingly looks and behaves like a scaled-down version of Chevy’s flagship SUV, something Torque News GM reporter Mary Conway explores in detail in “Chevrolet’s 2024 Traverse Looks and Acts More Like a Baby Tahoe, Which Is Great.” The truck-inspired styling and stronger SUV stance are part of Chevrolet’s effort to make the Traverse feel more capable and more premium in the three-row segment.

What I also noticed while driving around Charlotte is that the Traverse has excellent visual proportions. Despite being one of the larger midsize SUVs, it doesn’t look bulky or awkward.

And that size advantage translates directly into interior space.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Engine and Performance: Turbocharged Power That Feels Stronger Than Expected

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.

Those numbers are impressive for a four-cylinder SUV.

According to testing by Car and Driver, this new turbo engine rdeplaces the older V6 while delivering more torque and improved efficiency.

During my week with the vehicle, the engine felt strong and relaxed rather than stressed.

Acceleration is smooth and confident, particularly when merging onto highways.

The powertrain includes:

• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Multiple drive modes

Driving around Charlotte’s highways like I-77 and I-485, the Traverse had no trouble maintaining speed or passing slower traffic.

The extra torque really helps the SUV feel responsive, even though it’s a large three-row vehicle.

Fuel economy is competitive for the segment as well, with EPA estimates around 20–27 mpg depending on drivetrain. The RS trim's fuel economy is 21 MPG and 20/24 city/highway respectively.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS Interior: Premium Cabin and Modern Technology

If the exterior gets your attention, the interior is where the Traverse really wins people over.

When I first sat inside the RS trim, my immediate reaction was that the cabin felt more premium than expected for a mainstream Chevrolet SUV.

The dashboard is dominated by a massive 17.7-inch infotainment display.

The system runs Google built-in software, meaning drivers get native integration for:

• Google Maps
• Google Assistant
• Voice commands
• Smartphone connectivity

The interface is quick and intuitive. This is something not all automakers get right.

An 11-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, giving drivers customizable vehicle information.

According to research from Edmunds, Chevrolet designed this new interior to compete directly with class leaders in technology and user experience.

From my week using the system daily, I can say the tech feels modern and easy to live with, which is exactly what families want.

The RS trim also adds details like contrast stitching, darker materials, and sporty accents that elevate the cabin.

Second-Row and Third-Row Seating: One of the Most Spacious 3-Row SUVs

One of the most important questions buyers ask when researching a three-row SUV with usable third-row seating is simple:

Can adults actually sit back there?

In the Traverse, the answer is yes: more comfortably than in many rivals.

The second row offers generous legroom and wide door openings that make entry easy.

But the third row is where the Traverse really shines.

Because of the SUV’s long wheelbase and wide body, the third row has surprisingly good space.

Adults can sit there without feeling cramped, especially for shorter trips.

For families with teenagers, carpooling duties, or frequent passengers, that extra space is genuinely useful.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Cargo Space: Why It’s One of the Best Family SUVs for Storage

Another area where the Traverse excels is cargo capacity.

Even with all three rows in place, the cargo area behind the third row remains usable for groceries or smaller luggage.

Fold the third row down, and the space expands dramatically.

With both rear rows folded, the Traverse becomes a serious cargo hauler.

This is one reason many families choose the Traverse over some competitors, and that reason is the combination of passenger space and cargo flexibility.

For road trips, sports gear, or Costco runs, the storage space is simply excellent.

Driving Experience: Soft Ride Comfort and Quiet Highway Driving

If I had to describe the driving experience of the Traverse in one word, it would be relaxed.

The suspension tuning is clearly designed for comfort.

During my week driving through Charlotte’s streets, including rough pavement and construction zones, the SUV absorbed bumps well.

That soft ride quality is something many family SUV buyers value.

At the same time, the steering remains predictable and the vehicle feels stable at highway speeds.

The cabin is also impressively quiet.

Wind noise and road noise are minimal, which makes longer drives far more enjoyable.

For commuting, school runs, and road trips, the Traverse simply feels stress-free to drive.

Buying Tips for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD

If you’re researching whether the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is worth buying, here are a few tips.

Compare trim levels carefully.
The RS trim adds sporty styling and premium touches, but the LT or Z71 trims might offer better value depending on your priorities.

Decide on your seating configuration.
Captain’s chairs in the second row improve third-row access.

Look at technology and safety packages.
Some advanced driver-assist features are optional and worth considering.

Test drive competitors.
Even if the Traverse impresses you, comparing multiple SUVs ensures you choose the right one.

2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs Competitors: Telluride, Grand Highlander, and Honda Pilot

The midsize three-row SUV market is packed with strong options.

Here’s where the Traverse stands out.

Toyota Grand Highlander
Offers hybrid efficiency, but the Traverse provides more traditional turbo power and competitive interior space.

Kia Telluride
Known for its upscale interior, though the Traverse counters with newer infotainment technology and more cargo capacity.

Hyundai Palisade
Luxury-like features and value pricing, but the Traverse delivers a softer ride and stronger turbo torque.

Honda Pilot
A reliability favorite, yet the Traverse feels more modern in terms of displays and connectivity.

For buyers prioritizing space, ride comfort, and technology, the Traverse deserves serious consideration.

Final Verdict: Is the 2026 Traverse RS AWD a Good Family SUV?

After spending a full week driving the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS AWD in Charlotte, I came away genuinely impressed.

Chevrolet has created a comfortable, spacious, and technologically modern three-row SUV that competes well against the segment’s biggest names.

From my perspective, after 15 years covering the automotive industry and testing vehicles, this generation of the Traverse represents a meaningful step forward.

It may not always get the same hype as some rivals, but in real-world driving it delivers what many families want most:

Comfort, space, technology, and a relaxed driving experience.

And that combination makes it one of the most underrated three-row SUVs on the market right now.

I also propose you to watch this video, which is relevant because it provides a first-hand visual breakdown of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse RS trim's interior technology and driving dynamics.

Now I’d love to hear from you.

Would you choose the Chevrolet Traverse over rivals like the Telluride or Grand Highlander?

And if you own a three-row SUV today, what feature matters most to you: ride comfort, cargo space, or technology?

Let me know in the comments. Your perspective helps other readers make better buying decisions.

About The Author

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News and an automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience writing car reviews and industry news. Now based in the Charlotte region (Indian Land, SC, he founded Torque News in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News on X, Linkedin, and Youtube. Armen holds three Masters Degrees, including an MBA, and has become one of the known voices in the industry, specializing in the landscape of electric vehicles and real-world stories of actual car owners. Armen focuses on providing readers with transparent, data-backed analysis bridging the gap of complex engineering and car buyer practicality. Armen frequently participates in automotive events throughout the United States, national and local car reveals and personally test-drives new vehicles every week. Armen has also been published as an automotive expert in publications like the Transit Tomorrow, discussing how will autonomous vehicles reshape the supply chain, and emerging technologies in vehicle maintenance.