2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Highlander

Red 2025 Chevrolet Traverse outside around trees and a house.
2026 Chevrolet Traverse

vs

2026 Toyota Highlander
4

Available Trims

4
328 hp

Horsepower

265 hp
Z71

Off-Road Trim

N/A
97.6 cubic feet

Max. Cargo Volume

84.3 cubic feet
17.7-inch LCD w/ Google built-in

Infotainment

8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia


Drivers shopping for a three-row SUV often consider the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2026 Toyota Highlander. Both automakers are known for their modern amenities and cutting-edge technologies that will keep your family and friends comfortable, connected, entertained, and safe on every drive from Crestview to Navarre. Which three-row SUV is best for your family’s daily drives and long-distance road trips? Compare the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander specs, including engine power and interior dimensions, in this guide from the team at Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc.!

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2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Highlander Specs: Performance

Both models feature turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and 8-speed automatic transmissions. The engine in the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse produces more horsepower and torque than that of the 2026 Toyota Highlander. The Traverse is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, offering greater flexibility for driving needs compared to the Highlander, which is only available in all-wheel drive. Compare the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander specs for each engine option, including fuel economy, below:

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Engine Specs

2.5L Turbo Engine

  • Horsepower: 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm
  • Torque: 326 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive, available all-wheel drive
  • FWD mpg: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined
  • AWD mpg: 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

2026 Toyota Highlander Engine Specs

2.4L 4-Cylinder Turbocharged DOHC, D-4S Injection, Atkinson-Cycle Capable

  • Horsepower: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 310 lb-feet @ 1,700–3,600 rpm
  • Transmission: Direct Shift 8AT, 8-speed electronically controlled automatic
  • Drivetrain: XLE AWD; XSE, Limited, Platinum with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
  • AWD mpg: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined

2026 Chevy Traverse vs Toyota Highlander: Interior Dimensions

Although both models feature seating for seven or eight passengers, the 2026 Chevy Traverse features more overall interior room in every row—especially for third row passengers, as well as more cargo space than the 2026 Toyota Highlander. The roomier interior and cargo room are important for local drives around Wright and long-distance road trips. Explore the 2026 Chevy Traverse vs. the Toyota Highlander interior and cargo dimensions below:

2026 Chevrolet Traverse Interior Dimensions

  • Seating capacity: 7–8
  • Cargo volume (behind first/second/third row): 97.6 / 56.6 / 22.9 cubic feet
  • Headroom (first/second/third row): 42.6 inches / 39.96 inches / 38.27 inches
  • Shoulder room (first/second/third row): 62.28 inches / 62.17 inches / 57.72 inches
  • Hip room (first/second/third row): 58.7 inches / 58.58 inches / 48.62 inches
  • Legroom (first/second/third row): 44.29 inches / 41.46 inches / 32.13 inches

2026 Toyota Highlander Interior Dimensions

  • Seating capacity: 7–8
  • Cargo Volume (behind first/second/third row): 84.3 / 48.4 / 16.0 cubic feet
  • Headroom w/out moonroof (first/second row): 41.2 inches / 39.4 inches / 36.1 inches
  • Headroom w/ moonroof (first/second row): 39.6 inches / 39.4 inches / 36.1 inches
  • Headroom w/ panoramic (first/second row): 38.4 inches / 37.1 inches / 36.1 inches
  • Shoulder room (first/second/third row): 59.0 inches / 58.4 inches / 55.0 inches
  • Hip room (first/second/third row): 57.2 inches / 57.0 inches / 45.6 inches
  • Legroom (first/second/third row): 42.0 inches / 38.7 inches / 28.0 inches

Test-Drive The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse With Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc.

Are you ready to see the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse firsthand? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and test drive of a new Chevrolet Traverse at Preston Hood Chevrolet, Inc.! Our team will review each trim level to help you find the best model for your Destin lifestyle. In the meantime, be sure to apply for financing online and get a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle. Don’t forget to check out our new vehicle specials as well.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV offers a higher maximum cargo capacity, the 2026 Chevy Traverse or the Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Chevy Traverse completely outclasses the Toyota Highlander in overall utility, offering a massive 97.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume behind the front row compared to the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet for your gear near Crestview.

How does the standard engine performance compare between the 2026 Chevy Traverse and the Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Chevy Traverse comes standard with a high-output 2.5L Turbo engine delivering an impressive 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Toyota Highlander’s standard engine provides less power, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on roads around Wright.

Does the 2026 Chevy Traverse provide more third-row legroom than the Toyota Highlander?

Yes. The 2026 Chevy Traverse features a much more spacious third row with 32.13 inches of legroom, making it comfortable for adults and teenagers alike. The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers a tighter third row with just 28.0 inches of legroom for passenger trips across Destin.

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