New & Used 2026 Chevrolet Traverse for Sale nearBackus, MN

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse a good car?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse earns 7.33/10 from our experts. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Technology, and Safety.

It fits your needs best if you want a three-row crossover SUV that can stand in for both a minivan and a full-size body-on-frame SUV, with a spacious interior and a pleasant ride. The trade-offs are clear: the engine is gruff, power is mediocre, and it’s too big to handle especially well. It also can’t tow as much as full-size models, and it gives up some accessibility compared with a minivan.

Even so, the Traverse’s combination of space, ride quality, and safety equipment makes it a strong family-focused choice, especially if you want crossover comfort without moving to a truck-based SUV. Good and great deals account for 36.7% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse reliable?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is presented as a well-rounded family SUV with a spacious cabin, a generally good ride, and a strong safety package, which all support confidence in day-to-day use. Its powertrain is described as adequate rather than impressive, and the engine note is a weak point, but the vehicle’s core hardware and standard equipment are aimed at making ownership straightforward.

The performance notes also point to a controlled ride, light and direct steering, and standard active noise cancellation, even if the latter does not fully solve the engine-noise issue. On the cost side, the Traverse includes features like remote start, wireless phone charging, and OnStar Basics, which add convenience without complicating the ownership experience.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the Traverse’s size, modest power, and noisy engine may make it feel less refined over time than you’d hope.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with added equipment. Focus on overall condition, how the cabin features work, and whether the vehicle’s size and visibility suit your daily driving needs.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LT is already well equipped with cloth upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate. Higher trims add comfort features such as a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, driver’s seat memory, leather upholstery, and heated rear seats.
• Powertrain: Every Traverse uses a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and AWD is available for $2,000.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection and intersection assist, front and rear automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitors with steering assist, side bicycle alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and GM’s Safety Alert Seat. The Enhanced Driving package adds Super Cruise, automatic parking, a driver-attention monitor, and the Bose audio system, while the Driver Confidence package adds a surround-view camera system, rear pedestrian alert, traffic-sign recognition, and a rear-camera mirror.
• Infotainment: You get an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps navigation, a wireless phone charger, and remote start. A 12-speaker Bose system is available.
• Fuel efficiency: FWD models are rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD models are rated at 20/24/21 mpg.

Which 2026 Chevrolet Traverse trim should I buy?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is offered in 4 trim levels: LT, Z71, High Country, RS.

Here's the short version:

• LT: This is the best-value trim because it gives you the Traverse’s core strengths at the lowest price point: lots of accessible space, excellent technology, and plenty of safety features. It’s the trim to choose if you want the most affordable path into the lineup without giving up the features that make the Traverse appealing.
• Z71: This is the off-road-oriented choice, with red front tow hooks and knobby all-terrain tires. It also comes standard with AWD and adds moderate off-road ability, so it makes sense if you want the most rugged-looking and most trail-capable Traverse.
• High Country: This trim leans into comfort with added luxury touches such as leather upholstery, heated rear seats, driver’s-seat memory, and a power tilt/telescoping steering column. It suits you if you want a more upscale family SUV.
• RS: This is the blacked-out style trim, with black exterior trim and a more appearance-focused personality. It’s the pick if you want the Traverse’s space and tech with a sportier visual theme.

The safety package is strong across the lineup, and the available driver-assistance upgrades add Super Cruise and other advanced features if you want more capability.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Chevrolet Traverse?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,030 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 94.1% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse safe?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse earns a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection and intersection assist, front and rear automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitors with steering assist, side bicycle alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and GM’s Safety Alert Seat.

If you want more capability, the Enhanced Driving package adds Super Cruise hands-free driving, automatic parking, and a driver-attention monitor, while the Driver Confidence package adds a surround-view camera system, rear pedestrian alert, traffic-sign recognition, and a rear-camera mirror. The main caveat is that the Traverse missed Top Safety Pick+ because of an Acceptable rating in the updated moderate front overlap crash test.

Should I buy a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

• Choose the 2026 if: 36.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

• Choose the 2026 if: Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

• Choose the 2026 if: It combines a spacious cabin, a pleasant ride, and lots of safety equipment.

• Consider the 2025 if: It adds the new High Country trim and standard trailering equipment.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of space, ride quality, safety, and available tech, the 2026 is the better primary target. If you’re shopping more carefully on price and want to compare nearby inventory, the 2025 is worth a look for its added trim and towing convenience.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.