How Does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Compare With Other 3-Row SUVs?
What SUV Shoppers Need to Know
- Shoppers in the three-row SUV class have a lot of options, but not all three-row models are created equal. Some prioritize power over fuel economy or third-row space over cargo room.
- The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is competitive in terms of cargo room, but it’s mid-pack in third-row space against other three-row SUVs, such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
If you’re shopping for a three-row vehicle, odds are it needs to haul a lot of people, stuff or both. Not all three-row SUVs are created equal, though, and there’s a lot to choose from. Some models skimp on cargo room to boost third-row space and comfort. Powertrain is another compromise area where some sacrifice power for fuel economy, and vice versa.
Related: Which SUVs, Minivans and Sedans Have the Most Cargo Space?
I recently put the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse through my real-world grocery-hauling, car-seat-installing and errand-running routine. Here’s how it measures up against three of its closest competitors — the Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas — in terms of fuel economy, car-seat fitment, third-row headroom and legroom, and cargo space.
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Shop the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse near you
Powertrain and Fuel-Economy Comparison
The Traverse delivers confident acceleration from a stop and strong midrange responsiveness for passing and merging. On paper, it has the others beat with 328 horsepower, and it’s no slouch in fuel economy, either, with a competitive 22 mpg combined EPA rating. The below chart illustrates how the Traverse ranks against the competition in terms of fuel economy when considering base front-wheel-drive models.
| Model | Powertrain | EPA-Rated Fuel Economy |
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 328-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic transmission | 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined |
| 2026 Honda Pilot | 285-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; 10-speed automatic | 19/27/22 mpg |
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | 265-hp, turbo2.4-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 21/28/24 mpg |
| 2026 Volkswagen Atlas | 269-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder; eight-speed automatic | 20/27/23 mpg |
Second-Row Car-Seat Fitment Comparison
The Traverse’s second row excels at accommodating car seats with straight-A grades, which some competitors also accomplish. Where the Traverse falls short is in third-row Latch connectors: It doesn’t have lower anchors, while others, such as the Pilot and Grand Highlander, do. Check out the table below to see how all four SUVs scored in Cars.com’s Car Seats Checks, and click the link for each SUV’s full report.
| Model | Latch | Infant | Convertible in Rear/Forward Modes | Booster |
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | A | A | A/A | A |
| 2024 Honda Pilot | A | A | A/A | A |
| 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | A | A | A/B | B |
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | A | A | A/A | A |
Third-Row Car-Seat Fitment Comparison
| Model | Latch | Third-Row Access | Forward-Facing Convertible | Booster |
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | N/A | A | B | C |
| 2024 Honda Pilot | A | A | B | C |
| 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander | A | B | C | C |
| 2025 Volkswagen Atlas | N/A | A | A | A |
Third-Row Headroom and Legroom Comparison
When it comes to third-row passenger space, the Traverse is mid-pack in headroom and on the smaller side for legroom.
| Model | Headroom (Inches) | Legroom (Inches) |
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 38.3 | 32.1 |
| 2026 Honda Pilot | 39.3 | 32.5 |
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | 37.2 | 33.5 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Atlas | 38.3 | 33.7 |
Cargo Room Comparison
According to Cars.com’s cargo measurements, the Traverse has loads of cargo room, and that tracks with my experience, too. Its cargo area easily swallowed a week’s worth of groceries — and some Aldi extras — for my family of five. By the numbers, it offers much more space than the competition.
| SUV | Space Behind Second Row (Cubic Feet) | Space Behind Third Row (Cubic Feet) |
| 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 31.1 | 14.2 |
| 2023 Honda Pilot | 23.0 | 11.5 |
| 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | 26.0 | 14.5 |
| 2024 Volkswagen Atlas | 28.5 | 13.3 |
More SUV News From Cars.com:
- Video: Which 3-Row SUV Has the Most Cargo Space?
- Which 3-Row SUVs Offer Captain’s Chairs?
- How Much Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
- Chevrolet Partners With BraunAbility for Wheelchair-Accessible Traverse SUV
- Shop for a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Near You
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