2026 Chevy Traverse Z71- Big Space. Big Tech. 4-Cylinder Engine?
About this episode
The 2026 Chevy Traverse Z71 offers a spacious interior and advanced tech features, including optional Super Cruise. With a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it delivers 328 horsepower, but the engine sound may not impress. The Traverse competes in a crowded 3-row SUV market, providing good towing capacity and comfort, though its interior quality feels average for the price. The episode dives into its driving dynamics, cargo space, and tech offerings, making it a comprehensive review for potential buyers.
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse competes in crowded 3-row family SUV segment. It goes up against heavy hitters like Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the upcoming second generation Kia Telluride. Traverse delivers huge space, solid comfort, good tech, and the option of GM's excellent Super Cruise. There is that turbo 4-cylinder sound though.
In this review, I cover the off-road flavored Z71 that lands at $57K as tested. Here are positives, drawbacks, real-world comfort, cargo room, tow ratings, and whether the turbo-four delivers enough grunt (and grace) for a big family hauler.
Chevy Traverse
"Chevy offers this, the third generation Traverse. Using a unibody platform, it might be the way to go if you don't need the heavy-duty towing shops of the truck-based Tahoe or Suburban."
The Chevy Traverse is a family-friendly SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. The 2026 version is the latest model in its third series, designed to be comfortable and easy to drive.
The Chevy Traverse is a midsize SUV that offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a popular choice for families. The 2026 model is part of its third generation, which features a unibody construction for improved ride quality and handling.
Chevrolet Suburban
"if you don't need the heavy-duty towing shops of the truck-based Tahoe or Suburban. And of course, there are the other automakers."
The Suburban is an even bigger SUV from Chevy than the Tahoe, with lots of room for people and stuff. It's also built to handle heavy towing and rough roads.
The Chevy Suburban is a large SUV that offers extensive cargo space and seating capacity, making it ideal for families and those needing to transport larger loads. Like the Tahoe, it features a body-on-frame construction, which enhances its towing and off-road capabilities.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"if you don't need the heavy-duty towing shops of the truck-based Tahoe or Suburban. And of course, there are the other automakers."
The Tahoe is a big SUV from Chevy that can carry a lot of people and tow heavy things. It's built differently than the Traverse, making it better for tough jobs.
The Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It is built on a traditional body-on-frame platform, making it more suitable for heavy-duty tasks compared to unibody SUVs like the Traverse.
Honda Pilot
"Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Atlas."
The Honda Pilot is a family-friendly SUV that has room for up to eight people. It's known for being safe and reliable, making it a good choice for parents.
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seating and a reputation for reliability and safety. It's a popular choice for families looking for a spacious vehicle.
Ford Explorer
"Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Atlas."
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV known for its spaciousness and ability to handle different types of driving, whether it's city roads or off-road trails.
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that has been a staple in the Ford lineup for decades. It offers a variety of engines and configurations, making it versatile for families and adventurers alike.
Nissan Pathfinder
"Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Atlas."
The Nissan Pathfinder is an SUV that can carry a lot of people and gear. It's built to handle both city driving and outdoor adventures.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that combines ruggedness with family-friendly features. It has a spacious interior and is designed for both on-road and off-road driving.
Volkswagen Atlas
"Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Atlas."
The Volkswagen Atlas is a large SUV that has a lot of room inside for families and their belongings. It's designed to be practical and comfortable for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV that offers ample space for families and cargo. It features a comfortable interior and is designed for practicality and versatility.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
"Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Volkswagen Atlas."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a bigger SUV that can carry more people and gear. It's great for families who want to go off-road or enjoy outdoor activities.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a larger version of the popular Grand Cherokee, offering three rows of seating and advanced off-road capabilities. It's designed for both on-road comfort and off-road adventure.
Hyundai Palisade
"And I haven't even gotten into the hybrids yet, like Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the next-generation Kia Telluride will get a hybrid."
The Hyundai Palisade is a family-friendly SUV with a nice interior and lots of room. It's made for comfortable driving and keeping everyone safe.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers a luxurious interior and advanced safety features. It's designed for families and provides a comfortable ride with plenty of space.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"And I haven't even gotten into the hybrids yet, like Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the next-generation Kia Telluride will get a hybrid."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger SUV that can fit more people and stuff. It's known for being dependable and good for families.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular Highlander SUV, designed to accommodate more passengers and cargo while maintaining Toyota's reputation for reliability.
hybrid
"And I haven't even gotten into the hybrids yet, like Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and the next-generation Kia Telluride will get a hybrid."
A hybrid is a type of car that uses both a regular engine and an electric motor. This helps the car use less fuel and be better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Hybrids can operate on electric power alone or use both power sources together.
Kia Telluride
"and the next-generation Kia Telluride will get a hybrid. This does not have a hybrid."
The Kia Telluride is a large SUV that's great for families. It has a lot of space inside and comes with nice features for a good price.
The Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, upscale features, and strong value proposition. It is designed to cater to families and those needing extra room.
Z71
"This off-road-flavored Z71 stickers for $57,455 with destination before any incentives."
Z71 is a special package for some Chevrolet vehicles that makes them better for off-road driving. It includes features that help the car handle rough terrain.
The Z71 is an off-road package available for Chevrolet trucks and SUVs, enhancing their off-road capabilities with features like upgraded suspension, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.
automated parking
"Want supercruise and automated parking? That's part of the $4,000-enhanced driving package."
Automated parking is a feature that helps a car park itself without much help from the driver. It uses special sensors to find a parking spot and steer the car in.
Automated parking is a technology that allows a vehicle to park itself with minimal or no driver input. It uses sensors and cameras to detect available parking spaces and maneuver the car into position.
Bose Audio
"...the only way to get upgraded 12-speaker Bose Audio."
Bose Audio is a high-quality sound system used in some cars. It makes music and other sounds clearer and more enjoyable to listen to while driving.
Bose Audio refers to a premium sound system developed by Bose Corporation, known for its high-quality audio performance in vehicles. It enhances the listening experience with superior sound clarity and depth.
all-wheel drive
"Pro tip, the all-wheel-drive LT trim is the sweet spot at under $50,000 while equipped."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather or on rough surfaces.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
independent suspension
"Traverse gets a fully independent suspension, Z71 enhancements add a special damper setup"
Independent suspension means that each wheel can move up and down on its own. This helps the car ride smoother and handle better on the road.
Independent suspension is a type of vehicle suspension system where each wheel can move up and down independently of the others. This design improves ride quality and handling by allowing the wheels to respond better to road conditions.
pound-feet of torque
"It makes 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque."
Pound-feet of torque measures how strong the engine is when it starts moving the car. More torque means the car can pull heavier things or accelerate faster.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, and pound-feet (lb-ft) is a unit of measurement for torque. It indicates the engine's ability to do work, especially in terms of acceleration and towing capacity. Higher torque means better performance in moving the vehicle from a standstill or carrying heavy loads.
turbocharged
"by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It makes 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque."
Turbocharged means the engine has a special device that helps it produce more power without being bigger. It makes the car faster and more efficient.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine-driven forced induction device to increase an engine's efficiency and power output. It compresses the intake air, allowing more air and fuel to enter the engine, resulting in higher performance.
horsepower
"It makes 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how quickly work can be done, with higher horsepower generally translating to better acceleration and performance.
8-speed automatic transmission
"An 8-speed automatic transmission with manual paddles does the shifty work."
An 8-speed automatic transmission helps the car change gears automatically, making it easier to drive. More speeds usually mean better performance and fuel economy.
An 8-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears for the driver, providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. The '8-speed' indicates it has eight different gear ratios.
zero to sixty
"Zero to sixty happens in about seven and a half seconds."
Zero to sixty is how long it takes a car to go from a complete stop to going 60 miles per hour. It's a way to measure how fast a car can speed up.
Zero to sixty refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.
four-cylinder
"It's kind of coarse, sounds like a four-cylinder, because it is a four-cylinder."
A four-cylinder engine has four chambers where fuel burns to create power. It's often used in cars because it can be efficient and still provide enough power for regular driving.
A four-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders, which is common in many vehicles. It typically offers a balance of good fuel efficiency and adequate power for everyday driving.
piped-in engine sounds
"Normally I'm not too crazy about piped-in engine sounds, but a subtle, trucky note would soothe my ears."
Piped-in engine sounds are fake sounds that come from the car's speakers to make it sound like it has a powerful engine. It's a way to make driving feel more exciting without actually being loud.
Piped-in engine sounds refer to artificial sounds generated by the car's audio system to enhance the driving experience, mimicking the sound of a powerful engine. This is often done in modern vehicles to give drivers a more engaging auditory experience without the actual performance of a louder engine.
understeer
"However, when you're chucking it hard into corners, there's a lot of understeer, so sporty this is not."
Understeer happens when the front of the car slides out in a turn, making it hard to steer where you want to go. It feels like the car wants to go straight instead of turning.
Understeer is a handling characteristic where the front wheels lose grip before the rear wheels, causing the car to continue straight instead of turning as intended. This can make the vehicle feel less responsive in corners, especially in sporty driving situations.
Renault Wind
"... than Tahoe, if memory serves me right. Not much wind noise, kind of a surprise for a blocky crossover...."
The Renault Wind is a small car that can turn into a convertible, meaning you can drive it with the roof down on nice days. It's designed to be fun to drive and has a unique look compared to other cars.
The Renault Wind is a compact convertible that was designed for fun and sporty driving, featuring a unique folding roof mechanism. Although not as widely known as other convertibles, it offers an engaging driving experience and distinctive styling.
Mazda Cx90
"Now, there are hybrids from Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai. Those are anywhere from 8 to 13 miles per gallon better, and then there's Mazda CX-90, which is a plug-in hybrid. So that's as efficient as you want it to be. You just need to plug it in."
The Mazda CX-90 is a type of SUV that uses both gas and electricity to run, which helps it save on fuel. It's known for being stylish and packed with cool features, making it a popular choice for families.
The Mazda CX-90 is a midsize SUV that features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. It stands out in its class for its stylish design and advanced technology, making it a significant player in the growing hybrid market.
GMC Acadia
"...ar that, but it's true. I'll assume siblings GMC Acadia and Buick Encore are equally useful. These are a..."
The GMC Acadia is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of room inside for people and their stuff. It can fit more than five people comfortably, which makes it great for trips or daily use.
The GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior and a range of features aimed at family comfort and utility. Known for its versatility, it provides options for both two- and three-row seating, making it a practical choice for larger groups.
MSRP
"A quick word about pricing. I quote MSRPs, but the real number comes down to how good you are at haggling, plus the brand."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a car. It's like a starting price that you can negotiate from when buying a car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It's often used as a starting point for negotiations when buying a car.
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