2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse presented a robust and upright design reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Tahoe. Its high-set grille and macho stance were complemented by eye-slit LED headlights and a distinctive air intake/fog light design that integrated into the grille. The sides featured a clean, semi-rounded shape, highlighted by a forward-angled pillar behind the rear door, creating a semi-floating roof effect. The Traverse's wheel wells were rounded, with thin black flares adding a touch of ruggedness. The grille varied by model, with chrome and black options, while the Z71 trim stood out with red front tow hooks and all-terrain tires. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 to 22 inches, and a Midnight/Sport Edition offered a blacked-out aesthetic. Inside, a 17.7-inch touchscreen dominated the dash, complemented by an 11-inch digital instrument cluster. The interior materials were smart, with soft-touch surfaces and contrasting stitching, offering a comfortable yet not overly luxurious ambiance.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, took a conservative approach to styling, drawing inspiration from the previous-generation RAV4. This resulted in a design that felt like a larger RAV4, offering seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior emphasized function over form, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. Glossy hard plastics and unlined storage surfaces were present, but the controls were logically laid out with matte black surfaces and clear iconography. The climate system was user-friendly, featuring large knobs for temperature adjustments. However, the infotainment interface had a tiny volume knob and lacked a tuning knob, which could be frustrating for some users.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in road manners, thanks to its car-like unibody architecture, which provided better ride and handling compared to the truck-like body-on-frame Tahoe. At 204.5 inches long and weighing 4,792 pounds with AWD, the Traverse offered controlled handling, though it was somewhat cumbersome. It featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and its 0-60 mph time was around eight seconds. However, engine noise was a concern, and the AWD system required manual engagement. The Traverse offered various drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow/Ice, and Tow/Haul, but it wasn't particularly sporty.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed for quick acceleration, and the six-speed automatic transmission avoided the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. During testing, it achieved 26 mpg on a balanced city and highway route. The Hybrid Max offered rewarding acceleration, with electric motors eliminating turbo lag. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though undulations in the road could cause vertical bounding. Handling was secure but not sporty, with early tire scrub and squeal. Visibility was excellent, aided by cameras, though the front camera's frequent screen takeover was a minor annoyance.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, at nearly seven inches shorter than a Tahoe, offered ample passenger space but less cargo capacity. It came standard with second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, with an option for a second-row bench to accommodate eight. The first-row seats were comfortable, with excellent storage options in the center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed good space, and the third row, while offering good headroom, was less comfortable for adults due to limited legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 behind the second, and 98 behind the first row, though it fell short of Tahoe and minivan dimensions.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum-trim test vehicle featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The front and second-row seats offered heating, ventilation, and supportive cushions. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space included 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded, nearly matching the Sienna minivan.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse boasted excellent technology, featuring an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and quick response times. Standard features included a satellite radio trial, Wi-Fi hotspot wiring, eight years of OnStar Basics, a wireless phone charger, and remote start. The base audio system had six speakers, with an optional 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music. Toyota Connected Services provided features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic collision notification, and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was generally easy to use, though the inability to view multiple main-menu screens simultaneously and the low-contrast font were minor drawbacks. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The Enhanced Driving package added GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, while the Driver Confidence package included a surround-view camera system and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a range of standard safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.