2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Highlander

Inside image of the front seats in a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
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 Midland to West Branch. 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 Richardson Chevrolet Gladwin!

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How Do the Performance Specs Compare Between the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse engine produces more horsepower and torque than the 2026 Toyota Highlander, while both models feature turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and 8-speed automatic transmissions. 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

How Do the Interior Dimensions Compare Between the 2026 Chevy Traverse and Toyota Highlander?

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, though both models feature seating for seven or eight passengers. The roomier interior and cargo room are important for local drives around Clare 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

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander?

Below are answers to common questions regarding engine specs, cargo volume, and drivetrain options for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander.

What are the engine horsepower and torque specs for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs. Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse 2.5L Turbo engine produces 328 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm and 326 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm, while the 2026 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbocharged engine produces 265 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700–3,600 rpm.

How much cargo volume does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse offer compared to the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse provides 97.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the first row, 56.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, compared to the Toyota Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row, 48.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row.

What drivetrain options are available on the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is available in standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, offering greater drivetrain flexibility compared to the 2026 Toyota Highlander in this comparison, which is only available in all-wheel drive.

Where Can You Test-Drive the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?

You can schedule a consultation and test-drive a new 2026 Chevrolet Traverse directly at Richardson Chevrolet Gladwin. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and test drive of a new Chevrolet Traverse at Richardson Chevrolet Gladwin! Our team will review each trim level to help you find the best model for your Mount Pleasant 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.

Where Can You Find More Content From Richardson Chevrolet Gladwin?

You can discover additional vehicle research, comparisons, and updates directly from Richardson Chevrolet Gladwin below.

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