2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Shoppers comparing three-row family SUVs often zero in on the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander because both promise space, safety, and modern connectivity. At Route 1 Chevrolet, we highlight how the Traverse leans into real-world usability with a best-in-class 98 cu. ft. of max cargo volume, a standard 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen, and available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance for compatible roads. The Grand Highlander is a strong contender with multiple powertrains and Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, but the Traverse’s standard, expansive display and Google built-in integration give it an everyday tech advantage from the moment you start the first drive. Families shopping near Bourbonnais, IL will also appreciate available One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating on RS and High Country, making school runs and weekend trips simpler. For those wanting adventure-ready confidence, Traverse Z71 adds an advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system, Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control, and all-terrain tires. This combination of spacious packaging, intuitive tech, and confident capability is why our team recommends the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse for family life that never hits pause.
| Feature | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seating for up to eight | Yes | Yes |
| Best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume | Yes | No |
| Standard 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen | Yes | No |
| Google built-in compatibility | Yes | No |
| Available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance | Yes | No |
| Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system available (Z71) | Yes | No |
| AutoSense Power Liftgate | Yes | No |
| Surround-view camera system available | Yes | Yes |
| Factory off-road trim with all-terrain tires | Yes | No |
| Available 22-inch wheels | Yes | No |
Exterior - Chevrolet Dealer serving Bourbonnais, IL
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse lineup lets you choose a look and stance that fits your lifestyle. Traverse Z71 embraces a bolder posture with an off-road suspension, skid plate, Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD, and all-terrain tires. RS dials up street-smart attitude with blackout cues, RS badging, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and available 22-inch high-gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels that fill the arches with presence. For an upscale statement, High Country adds distinct liftgate badging, Dark Gray décor, and premium wheel designs. Special Edition packages such as Midnight and Sport extend style customization, and color choices like Polar White Tricoat, Mosaic Black Metallic, Radiant Red Tintcoat, Sterling Gray Metallic, Sandstone Gray, and Lakeshore Blue Metallic help you build the exact look you want. The Grand Highlander’s design offers a confident stance and available 20-in. alloy wheels, plus a sleek Hybrid Nightshade appearance. Yet when you weigh details like available 22-inch wheels, functional Z71 hardware, and the cohesive family of trims, Traverse presents a stronger blend of utility and character. For families near Bourbonnais, IL who want a handsome three-row that looks as ready as it feels, our team at Route 1 Chevrolet will help you select the Traverse trim and appearance package that fits your day-to-day and your weekends.

Interior - 2026 Chevrolet Traverse near Bourbonnais, IL
Inside, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse centers on family-first flexibility and seamless tech. A roomy third-row 60/40 split bench and available seating for up to eight create layout options for car seats, growing teens, and weekend gear. The standard 17.7-inch diagonal color touch-screen pairs with an 11-inch diagonal Driver Information Center, both designed for quick glances and intuitive swipes. Google built-in compatibility integrates Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, and available OnStar® services bring added peace of mind and connectivity. Load-in is easy thanks to the AutoSense Power Liftgate that recognizes your presence and opens without a toe-tap or key-fumble, and RS and High Country add One-Touch Fold second-row seats plus power-folding second- and third-row seating to quickly convert from people-hauler to cargo-hauler. While the Grand Highlander presents smart storage and an available Digital Rearview Mirror, its cabin tech is built around a 12.3-inch display, not the Traverse’s broader 17.7-inch standard canvas. Our showroom near Bourbonnais, IL routinely hears from parents who appreciate how the Traverse’s screen size, interface, and cargo flexibility reduce daily friction. At Route 1 Chevrolet, we see these thoughtful touches proving their worth mile after mile in busy family routines.

Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Grand Highlander Mechanical Specs
Capability starts with the chassis and the confidence it delivers. Traverse Z71 equips an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system designed to actively apportion torque side to side across the rear axle for enhanced traction over loose surfaces and in challenging weather. Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control, and frequency-based suspension dampers add composure and control when the pavement ends. The standard suspension tuning across the lineup is calibrated for calm highway manners, predictable steering, and everyday ride comfort that takes the edge off expansion joints and patched pavement. The Grand Highlander offers available AWD and confident road manners, yet it does not match the Z71’s factory off-road emphasis with all-terrain tires and skid-plate protection. Chevrolet also simplifies towing execution by building in a standard 5,000-lb towing capacity with included trailering equipment, supported by a large, clear 17.7-inch touch-screen to display camera views when equipped with available HD Surround Vision. Combined with robust cargo capacity and flexible seating, the Traverse’s mechanical hardware emphasizes the repeatable capability families rely on for camping trips, tailgates, and winter commutes. If you travel between Peotone and Kankakee and need weather-ready traction plus steady manners in crosswinds and on-ramps, the Traverse is engineered to feel secure and settled.

Powertrain - Chevrolet Dealership near Bourbonnais, IL
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse features a turbocharged 2.5L engine paired to a smooth 8-speed automatic, delivering strong response for merging and passing with a refined character. Benchmark numbers include up to 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, but what stands out in daily driving is the engine’s flexible midrange and the transmission’s well-chosen ratios. Standard towing of up to 5,000 lbs with included trailering equipment means you can bring small boats, campers, or utility trailers without additional packages. Drive modes let you tailor responses to conditions, and the aforementioned Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system on Z71 boosts traction when the road gets loose or snowy. The Grand Highlander answers with Gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains that emphasize efficiency and smoothness, and it can also tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Still, for customers who prize straightforward, strong output and a cohesive calibration that feels ready at every throttle tip-in, the Traverse powertrain stands out. Our advisors help explain how Chevrolet’s turbo four and 8-speed pairing focuses on usable power where families need it most, whether it’s passing with confidence, ascending freeway grades, or hauling weekend gear without a second thought.
Safety - Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Grand Highlander
Every 2026 Chevrolet Traverse includes Chevy Safety Assist and over 20 standard safety and driver assistance features. Core technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and a Safety Alert Seat work to heighten awareness. Available Blind Zone Steering Assist can actively assist with steering inputs, and available HD Surround Vision adds a valuable overhead view when maneuvering in close quarters. A standout is available Super Cruise®, which brings hands-free driver assistance to more than hundreds of thousands of miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada for supported driving scenarios. The Grand Highlander counters with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 and available technologies like Panoramic View Monitor and Traffic Jam Assist on controlled-access freeways. Both SUVs bring thoughtful safety suites, yet the Traverse’s blend of available Super Cruise®, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and its broad, standard 17.7-inch display for crisp camera feeds adds everyday confidence in garages, school pickup lanes, and busy parking lots. Families near Bourbonnais, IL consistently tell us that the Traverse’s visibility aids and haptic Safety Alert Seat help reduce stress when roads and parking areas are crowded.
Request more 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander near Bourbonnais, IL information
When you line up the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, both deliver family-ready comfort and modern driver assistance. What propels the Traverse into a leadership position is its best-in-class cargo volume, standard 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen with Google built-in, available Super Cruise®, and the Z71’s Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD with all-terrain hardware. Those are the kinds of features that simplify life during the week and expand possibilities on the weekend. The Grand Highlander’s multiple powertrains and available tech deserve credit, but if your priority is a three-row that marries space, clarity, and confidence in one cohesive package, our team believes the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the choice to make. Visit Route 1 Chevrolet to see how these strengths align with your family’s routine near Bourbonnais, IL and plan a route that fits work, school, and travel. We will gladly walk you through trims, technology demonstrations, and test routes that highlight the qualities that matter most. For families shopping practical, well-equipped SUVs across our area, Route 1 Chevrolet is committed to an easy, informative process that leads to a Traverse tailored to your life.
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