If you're shopping for a three-row SUV that fits the whole family and handles Canadian roads with confidence, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse continues to deliver. This year carries over the 2025 redesign with a few fresh exterior colour options, giving you more ways to personalize your ride. With three trims to choose from - LT, Z71, and RS - the Traverse lineup offers something for every family, from daily commuters to weekend adventurers.*
What Powers Every 2026 Traverse
All three trims share the same 2.5L turbo engine - 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque - paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That's enough power for confident highway merging and smooth cruising on the Trans-Canada, with an estimated 12.1 L/100 km city and 9.9 L/100 km highway on AWD models. If you need to tow, all trims can handle up to 2,267 kg (5,000 lb) with the standard trailering package.
LT: The Family-Focused Foundation
The LT is built for buyers who want a spacious, well-equipped SUV without the premium price tag. You get 7-passenger seating standard (or available 8-passenger with a second-row bench), a 17.7-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and an 8-way power driver seat. The AutoSense power liftgate makes loading groceries or hockey gear easier, and roof rails let you add a cargo box for road trips. Chevrolet Safety Assist is standard - covering automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane keep assist - so you're covered on busy city streets or rural highways.
If you want hands-free highway driving, Super Cruise is available on the LT. This system handles steering, braking, and acceleration on compatible roads, making long drives less tiring. The LT is available in both FWD and AWD, so you can choose the drivetrain that fits your budget and winter driving needs.
LT Key Specs
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Feature
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Specification
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Seating
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7 or 8 passengers
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Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd)
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1,125 mm / 1,053 mm / 816 mm
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Ground Clearance
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172 mm
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Fuel Economy (AWD)
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12.1 city / 9.9 highway L/100 km
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Z71: The Off-Road Ready Option
The Z71 is for buyers who want their Traverse to look tougher and handle rougher terrain. It adds 197 mm of ground clearance (25 mm more than the LT), a 21-degree approach angle, and a 24-degree departure angle - enough to clear rocky trails or deep snow without scraping. The Z71 comes standard with AWD and features unique styling cues like a black mesh grille, body-colour bumpers, and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.
Inside, the Z71 keeps the same family-friendly layout as the LT but adds a more rugged aesthetic. If you spend weekends at the cottage or need a vehicle that can handle unpaved roads with confidence, the Z71 delivers without sacrificing the Traverse's spacious interior or towing capability. This trim seats 7 passengers.
Z71 Key Specs
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Feature
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Specification
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Ground Clearance
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197 mm
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Approach/Departure Angle
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21° / 24°
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Towing Capacity
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2,267 kg (5,000 lb)
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RS: The Sport-Styled Performer
The RS is for buyers who want their Traverse to look and feel sportier. It adds unique styling elements like a black mesh grille, 20-inch wheels, and body-colour accents that give the SUV a more aggressive stance. The RS is available in both FWD and AWD and includes the same 328 hp turbo engine as the other trims, but the sport-tuned suspension and styling make it feel more dynamic on the road.
Inside, the RS features sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and unique trim details that set it apart from the LT and . If you want a family SUV that stands out in the parking lot and feels more engaging to drive, the RS is the trim to consider. This trim seats 7 passengers.
RS Key Specs
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Feature
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Specification
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Fuel Economy
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12.1 city / 9.9 highway L/100 km
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Towing Capacity
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2,267 kg (5,000 lb)
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Seating
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7 passengers
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Super Cruise: Available Across the Lineup
One of the Traverse's standout features is the availability of Super Cruise hands-free driving technology across all trims. This system uses cameras and sensors to handle steering, braking, and acceleration on compatible highways, letting you take your hands off the wheel during long drives. It's a genuine convenience feature for families who spend time on the highway.
Which Traverse Trim Is Right for You?
If you want the best value and don't need off-road capability or sport styling, the LT is the smart choice. It gives you all the space, safety features, and technology you need for daily family life - plus the option for 8-passenger seating. If you spend time on unpaved roads or want extra ground clearance for winter driving, the Z71 is the trim to consider. For buyers who want a more upscale interior and premium materials, the delivers. And if you want your Traverse to look sportier and feel more dynamic, the RS is the trim that stands out.
Every 2026 Traverse offers the same spacious interior, powerful turbo engine, and competitive cargo capacity, so you're not sacrificing practicality no matter which trim you choose. The differences come down to styling, features, and how you plan to use the vehicle.
Visit Tantramar Chevrolet Buick GMC in Amherst to explore the 2026 Traverse lineup in person.
