2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Dallas Family?
Two of the most-shopped three-row SUVs in North Dallas take very different approaches. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse leads on power, cargo volume and screen size while starting roughly $3,000 below the Highlander. The 2026 Toyota Highlander answers with a hybrid powertrain that nearly doubles the Traverse’s combined fuel economy, plus two years of included maintenance. Every figure below comes from manufacturer, EPA, NHTSA or IIHS data.
The Short Answer: Category by Category
| Category | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, all-wheel drive | Traverse | $2,970 lower |
| Horsepower and torque | Traverse | +63 hp, +16 lb-ft |
| Cargo behind third row | Traverse | +6.9 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo volume | Traverse | +13.3 cu. ft. |
| Third-row legroom | Traverse | +4.1 in. |
| Standard touchscreen | Traverse | 17.7 in. vs. 8.0 in. |
| NHTSA frontal crash rating | Traverse | 5 stars vs. 4 stars |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy | Highlander Hybrid | +14 mpg combined |
| Included scheduled maintenance | Highlander | 2 yr/25,000 mi vs. 1 visit |
| Maximum towing, gas models | Tie | 5,000 lb. each |
Each figure in this summary is detailed, sourced and disclaimed in its corresponding section below. Full disclaimers appear at the end of this page.
The Traverse takes seven of ten categories outright. Where the Highlander wins, it wins decisively, so the right answer depends on which rows matter most to your household.
Pricing: Every 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Configuration
Chevrolet builds the 2026 Traverse in four trims. Front-wheel drive is standard on LT, High Country and RS; all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to those three and comes standard on the off-road-tuned Z71.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Seating | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT | FWD | 7 or 8 | $42,795 MSRP* |
| LT | AWD | 7 or 8 | $44,795 MSRP* |
| Z71 | AWD standard | 7 | $50,895 MSRP* |
| High Country | FWD | 7 | $57,095 MSRP* |
| High Country | AWD | 7 | $59,095 MSRP* |
| RS | FWD | 7 | $57,395 MSRP* |
| RS | AWD | 7 | $59,395 MSRP* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
What Each Traverse Trim Brings
- LT — the entry point, and the only trim offering a no-cost second-row bench for eight. Includes the 17.7-inch touchscreen, Chevy Safety Assist and trailering equipment.
- Z71 — standard all-wheel drive with a twin-clutch rear system, off-road suspension and skid plates.
- High Country — comfort-first, with leather-appointed seating and 22-inch wheels.
- RS — the same premium content in blacked-out exterior styling.
Pricing: Every 2026 Toyota Highlander Configuration
For 2026 Toyota dropped the LE grade and made all-wheel drive standard across the entire lineup. Four grades are offered, three of them available as hybrids, and the sport-styled XSE is gas-only — seven configurations in total.
| Grade | Powertrain | Seating | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLE | Gas 2.4L Turbo | 7 or 8 | $47,765 TSRP* |
| XLE | Hybrid | 7 or 8 | $49,515 TSRP* |
| XSE | Gas 2.4L Turbo | 7 | $49,835 TSRP* |
| Limited | Gas 2.4L Turbo | 7 or 8 | $52,220 TSRP* |
| Limited | Hybrid | 7 | $53,970 TSRP* |
| Platinum | Gas 2.4L Turbo | 7 | $55,420 TSRP* |
| Platinum | Hybrid | 7 | $57,170 TSRP* |
*Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
What Each Highlander Grade Brings
- XLE — the entry point, with SofTex-trimmed heated front seats and a hands-free power liftgate.
- XSE — gas-only, with a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch black alloy wheels.
- Limited — leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, the 12.3-inch touchscreen and gauge cluster, and 11-speaker JBL audio.
- Platinum — tops the range with a panoramic glass roof, 10-inch head-up display and Panoramic View Monitor.
Head to Head: Traverse LT AWD vs. Highlander XLE AWD
Because every 2026 Highlander now comes with all-wheel drive, the fairest comparison pairs the Traverse LT AWD against the Highlander XLE AWD.
| Specification | 2026 Traverse LT AWD | 2026 Highlander XLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $44,795 MSRP* | $47,765 TSRP† |
| Price difference | $2,970 less | $2,970 more |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 265 hp |
| Standard touchscreen | 17.7 in. | 8.0 in. |
| Cargo behind third row | 22.9 cu. ft. | 16.0 cu. ft. |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
†Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Stepping up to the Highlander Hybrid XLE widens the price gap to $4,720. And if you do not need all-wheel drive, the Traverse LT FWD opens the lineup at $42,795 MSRP, a front-drive configuration Toyota no longer offers on the Highlander. For standard equipment by trim, see our 2026 Chevrolet Traverse overview.
Engine, Transmission and Towing
| Specification | 2026 Traverse | 2026 Highlander Gas | 2026 Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbocharged I4 | 2.4L turbocharged I4 | 2.5L I4 with two electric motor-generators |
| Horsepower | 328 hp at 5,500 rpm | 265 hp at 6,000 rpm | 243 hp combined at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm | 310 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm | 175 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm‡ |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | AWD standard | AWD standard |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lb. | 5,000 lb. | 3,500 lb. |
‡The Highlander Hybrid’s published 175 lb-ft figure is the gasoline engine’s rated torque. Toyota does not publish a combined system torque rating for the hybrid, so it is not directly comparable to the Traverse’s full engine output.
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
What the Numbers Mean on the Road
- The Traverse’s 63-horsepower advantage shows up merging onto the LBJ Freeway with a full load of passengers.
- Both gas models tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped; the Highlander Hybrid trades 1,500 pounds of that capacity for fuel economy.
Fuel Economy, Tank Size and Driving Range
| Configuration | EPA-Estimated City / Hwy / Combined | Fuel Tank | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse FWD | 20 / 26 / 22 mpg | 19.4 gal. | About 427 mi. |
| Traverse AWD | 20 / 24 / 21 mpg | 21.7 gal. | About 456 mi. |
| Highlander Gas AWD | 21 / 28 / 24 mpg | 17.9 gal. | About 430 mi. |
| Highlander Hybrid XLE | 35 / 35 / 35 mpg | 17.1 gal. | About 599 mi. |
| Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum | 35 / 34 / 35 mpg | 17.1 gal. | About 599 mi. |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Range figures are calculated from EPA-estimated combined fuel economy multiplied by fuel tank capacity and are provided for comparison purposes only.
This is the Highlander’s strongest category. The hybrid returns an EPA-estimated 14 mpg more combined than the all-wheel-drive Traverse. Confirm both ratings at the federal fueleconomy.gov database.
Cargo, Dimensions and Passenger Space
| Measurement | 2026 Traverse | 2026 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo behind third row | 22.9 cu. ft. | 16.0 cu. ft. |
| Cargo behind second row | 56.6 cu. ft. | 48.4 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo volume | Up to 98 cu. ft. | 84.3 cu. ft. |
| Front legroom | 44.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Second-row legroom | 41.5 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Third-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 28.0 in. |
| Overall length | 204.5 in. | 194.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 121.0 in. | 112.2 in. |
Seating Configurations
- Traverse — seats seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs. The LT trim adds a no-cost second-row bench for eight.
- Highlander — seats seven with captain’s chairs. A second-row bench for eight is available on the XLE and gas Limited grades.
The 4.1-inch third-row legroom advantage is the number worth watching: it is the difference between a third row your older kids tolerate and one they argue about. The trade-off is footprint, since the Highlander is nearly 10 inches shorter overall.
Technology and Infotainment
| Feature | 2026 Traverse | 2026 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Standard touchscreen | 17.7 in. on every trim | 8.0 in. |
| Largest available touchscreen | 17.7 in. | 12.3 in., standard on Limited and Platinum |
| Digital driver display | 11 in., standard | 12.3 in., standard on Limited and Platinum |
| Smartphone integration | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Connected platform | Google built-in | Toyota Audio Multimedia |
| Premium audio | Available Bose premium audio | 11-speaker JBL on Limited and Platinum |
| Wireless charging | Available | Standard, Qi-compatible |
| Hands-free highway driving | Available Super Cruise | Not offered |
Traverse Technology Notes
- The 17.7-inch touchscreen is standard on every trim, not reserved for upper grades.
- Google built-in brings Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play natively to the dash.
- Super Cruise is standard on High Country and RS, and available on LT and Z71.
- Retail orders include three years each of OnStar One and SiriusXM.
Highlander Technology Notes
- The 8.0-inch touchscreen with six speakers is standard.
- Three-zone automatic climate control and Qi-compatible wireless charging are standard across the lineup.
- The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 11-speaker JBL audio are standard on Limited and Platinum.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
| Test | 2026 Traverse | 2026 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Frontal crash | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Side crash | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Rollover | 4 stars | 4 stars |
Ratings published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
IIHS Crash Test and Crash Avoidance Evaluations
| Evaluation | 2026 Traverse | 2026 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Small overlap front | Good | Good |
| Side, updated test | Good | Good |
| Moderate overlap front, updated test | Acceptable | Marginal |
| Headlights | Good | Good or Acceptable, varies by trim |
| Front crash prevention, pedestrian | Acceptable | Good |
| LATCH ease of use | Good | Good |
Full evaluations are published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Neither SUV earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Institute tightened its criteria for the 2026 model year with a new emphasis on rear-seat protection and expanded crash avoidance testing, and no Toyota SUV earned a 2026 award.
Standard on Every Traverse
Chevy Safety Assist is standard across the lineup, a suite of more than 20 driver assistance features including:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking and rear automatic braking
- HD Rear Vision Camera
HD Surround Vision, which provides a 360-degree exterior view, is part of the available Driver Confidence Package. For child seats, the Traverse provides two rear positions with complete LATCH hardware plus three additional positions with tether anchors only.
Standard on Every Highlander
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard across the Highlander lineup. IIHS also lists the following as standard equipment:
- Blind spot detection
- Lane departure warning and prevention
- Pedestrian front crash prevention, rated Good
Rear automatic braking is optional on the Highlander and standard on the Traverse. For child seats, the Highlander provides two complete LATCH sets in the second-row outboard positions plus tether anchors in the second- and third-row center seats.
Warranty and Included Maintenance
| Coverage | 2026 Traverse | 2026 Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Basic, bumper-to-bumper | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Surface corrosion | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | Not offered separately |
| Rust-through perforation | 6 yr / 100,000 mi | 5 yr / unlimited mi |
| Roadside assistance | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 2 yr / unlimited mi |
| Included scheduled maintenance | First visit within 1 yr / 12,000 mi | 2 yr / 25,000 mi |
| Hybrid component coverage | Not applicable, gas only | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Hybrid battery coverage | Not applicable, gas only | 10 yr / 150,000 mi |
Coverage terms above are sourced from Chevrolet and Toyota published owner warranty documentation and are current as of September 2026.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
How to Read This Table
- The two core warranties are identical, term for term.
- Chevrolet adds three more years of roadside assistance and an extra year of rust-through coverage.
- Toyota includes more scheduled maintenance, two years versus a single visit, plus hybrid-specific coverage.
Which One Fits Your Family?
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse If
- You want the lowest entry price in a three-row all-wheel-drive SUV
- Third-row passengers are adults or older teens
- You haul gear, and 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo is the separator
- You want the larger standard screen on every trim, not just the top ones
- Hands-free highway driving matters to you
Choose the 2026 Toyota Highlander If
- You drive high annual mileage and fuel cost dominates your budget
- You want scheduled maintenance included for two years
- Long-term hybrid component coverage is a priority
- You prefer the smaller footprint for tight garages and parking structures
See the Traverse in Person in Dallas
Galleria Chevrolet is at 4747 LBJ Freeway in Dallas, serving Farmers Branch, Addison, Carrollton, Richardson, Plano, University Park and Highland Park. Call 972-763-5444 to schedule a Traverse test drive, or see more comparisons on our Chevrolet research hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse larger than the Toyota Highlander?
Yes. The Traverse measures 204.5 inches long on a 121.0-inch wheelbase, versus 194.9 and 112.2 inches for the Highlander. The Traverse offers 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 98 cubic feet with the rear rows folded, while the Highlander offers 16.0 and 84.3 cubic feet. Third-row legroom is 32.1 inches versus 28.0 inches.
Which SUV has more horsepower, and how do they tow?
The Traverse produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic. The gas Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft from a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, and the Highlander Hybrid produces 243 combined horsepower. Both gas models tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the Highlander Hybrid tows up to 3,500 pounds.
How do starting prices compare between the Traverse and Highlander?
The 2026 Traverse LT AWD starts at $44,795 MSRP. The 2026 Highlander XLE, which comes standard with all-wheel drive, starts at $47,765 TSRP, a difference of $2,970. Compared against the Highlander Hybrid XLE at $49,515 TSRP, the gap widens to $4,720. The Traverse also offers a front-wheel-drive LT at $42,795 MSRP, while Toyota discontinued front-wheel drive on the Highlander for 2026.
What infotainment screen comes in the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?
Every 2026 Traverse includes a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital driver display, with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The Highlander uses an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch screen standard on Limited and Platinum grades.
Which one is better on gas, the Traverse or the Highlander?
The Highlander is more efficient in both forms. The gas Highlander earns an EPA-estimated 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg, and the Highlander Hybrid earns 35 combined mpg across all three hybrid grades. The Traverse earns an EPA-estimated 20 city, 26 highway and 22 combined mpg with front-wheel drive, and 20 city, 24 highway and 21 combined mpg with all-wheel drive.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse near Dallas?
Galleria Chevrolet at 4747 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244 stocks the 2026 Traverse across the lineup. Call 972-763-5444 or contact us online to schedule a test drive.
Data Sources
- Pricing, trims and equipment: Chevrolet and Toyota published model information, Toyota USA Newsroom, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book
- Fuel economy: fueleconomy.gov and manufacturer EPA disclosures
- Crash test ratings: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, IIHS 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, IIHS 2026 Toyota Highlander
- Warranty: Chevrolet and Toyota owner warranty documentation
Specifications and pricing are current as of September 2026 and subject to change.
Disclaimers
Pricing — Chevrolet (MSRP)
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Pricing — Toyota (TSRP)
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Towing and Payload
Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Warranty
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
