2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander near Beardstown, IL
2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
As families compare the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, the conversation naturally centers on space, technology, and everyday confidence. We emphasize those priorities because our customers near Beardstown, IL ask for an SUV that’s easy to live with, from school runs to road trips. Traverse answers with a standard 17.7-inch touch-screen, a standard 11-inch Driver Information Center, and best-in-class max cargo volume of about 98 cu. ft., while Grand Highlander tops out at 97.5 cu. ft. Both seat up to eight and offer hands-free liftgates, but Traverse layers in available Super Cruise® for hands-free driving on hundreds of thousands of compatible miles, plus a Z71 trim engineered for traction and control beyond the pavement. At Jennings Auto Group, we guide shoppers through real-world differences like Twin-Clutch AWD capability, power-folding second- and third-row seats on select trims, and standard trailering equipment that supports 5,000 pounds. The result is a more confident, connected SUV that shines in everyday use and weekend adventures alike.
| Feature | 2026 Chevrolet Traverse | 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best-in-class approx. 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume | Yes | No |
| Standard 17.7-inch touch-screen display | Yes | No |
| Available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance | Yes | No |
| Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system (traction-enhancing) | Yes | No |
| One-Touch Fold second-row and power-folding second- and third-row seats | Yes | No |
| Standard 11-inch Driver Information Center | Yes | No |
| Factory off-road trim with skid plate and Hill Descent Control | Yes | No |
| Standard 5,000-lb max towing with included trailering equipment | Yes | No |
| 22-inch wheels available | Yes | No |
| 360-degree camera system (HD Surround Vision/Panoramic View Monitor) | Yes | Yes |
Exterior - Chevrolet Dealer serving Beardstown, IL
Traverse makes a statement with trims tailored to how you drive. The RS projects sporty confidence with blackout accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and available 22-inch high-gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels. High Country elevates the look with chrome detailing, Dark Gray décor, and distinctive liftgate badging, while offering 22-inch high-gloss Black machined-faced aluminum wheels. For adventurous families, Z71 is the sweet spot—off-road suspension, a protective skid plate, Hill Descent Control, and an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system add real capability without sacrificing comfort. Color palettes like Polar White Tricoat, Lakeshore Blue Metallic, or Sterling Gray Metallic allow the exterior to match your taste. The design’s long roof and wide openings optimize both passenger access and cargo loading. Grand Highlander showcases modern lines with available 20-inch wheels and a Nightshade look on hybrid models; it’s stylish and composed. Still, Traverse provides broader wheel options, a dedicated off-road persona from the factory, and design choices that align cleanly with everyday function—especially when you’re packing sports gear, luggage, and family essentials all at once.
Interior - 2026 Chevrolet Traverse near Beardstown, IL
The cabin design team for the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse prioritized clear, usable tech and flexible space. A 17.7-inch diagonal color touch-screen is standard across the lineup, anchored by Google built-in compatibility for Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. Directly ahead, a standard 11-inch Driver Information Center keeps vital data crisp and legible. Families appreciate the available seating for up to eight and Smart Slide Seats that create a wider path to the third row. On RS and High Country, One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating transform cargo mode from a chore into a single-button task. The innovative AutoSense Power Liftgate recognizes your presence—ideal when your hands are full. Best-in-class max cargo space of about 98 cu. ft. means strollers, camping gear, or dorm runs are simpler to organize. Thoughtful storage, USB access, and premium touches across trims complement the calm, low-glare dash layout. By comparison, Grand Highlander offers strong fundamentals including seating for up to eight and an available hands-free liftgate, but it does not match Traverse’s standard display size or the power-folding second- and third-row convenience on RS and High Country.
Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Grand Highlander Mechanical Specs
Where the engineering beneath the surface counts, Traverse delivers confidence. The Z71’s Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD can preemptively transfer torque side-to-side across the rear axle, enhancing traction on wet pavement or uneven trails. Terrain Mode and Hill Descent Control contribute to steady progress down slippery grades, while frequency-based suspension dampers help balance ride comfort and body control. Steering tuning feels natural around town yet settled on the highway, and the braking system is calibrated for smooth pedal take-up with reassuring stopping power when fully loaded. Standard trailering equipment supports 5,000 pounds, with the chassis set up to provide a more planted experience when towing. Grand Highlander offers available AWD and multiple powertrains, but it does not offer the same Twin-Clutch hardware or a factory off-road configuration that mirrors Z71’s comprehensive package. For drivers near Beardstown, IL, our team at Jennings Auto Group can walk you through how these mechanical differences translate on your daily routes, gravel drives, or when pulling a small camper for weekend getaways.
Powertrain - Chevrolet Dealership near Beardstown, IL
Under the hood, Traverse features a turbocharged 2.5L engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, tuned for robust response in every gear. Output peaks at 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, working with a torque converter and smart shift mapping that makes merging, passing, and ascending grades feel easy. The driveline’s standard trailering equipment supports a 5,000-pound rating without bundling packages. That’s especially helpful for families rotating between bikes, small boats, and enclosed utility trailers. Grand Highlander counters with a broad powertrain mix, including Gas, Hybrid, and Hybrid MAX options, and up to 5,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped; availability varies by configuration. The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, by contrast, simplifies the choice with a single, strong turbo powertrain and a standard 8-speed that keeps the engine firmly in its sweet spot during everyday driving and long hauls. The result is consistent, confident performance that complements Traverse’s spacious packaging and advanced chassis systems.
Safety - Chevrolet Traverse vs Toyota Grand Highlander
Safety and driver assistance are central to family confidence. Traverse includes Chevy Safety Assist and more than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and the Safety Alert Seat. Available HD Surround Vision helps with tight parking and low-speed maneuvering. The standout is available Super Cruise®—a hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads across the U.S. and Canada. On RS and High Country, a three-year plan for Super Cruise® and Digital Services by OnStar® is included, underscoring Traverse’s tech-forward character. Grand Highlander equips Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 and offers advanced features such as Traffic Jam Assist and a Panoramic View Monitor; it’s a capable suite. In direct 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comparisons, Traverse’s hands-free capability with Super Cruise® and the depth of its standard screens tilt the equation toward Chevy for families near Beardstown, IL who value clear, integrated tech that reduces fatigue and supports awareness on every trip.
Request more 2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander near Beardstown, IL information
Family SUVs succeed when design and engineering make everyday life easier. Traverse nails the brief with standard big-screen tech, a best-in-class cargo number, power-folding second- and third-row seating on RS and High Country, and a Z71 trim that adds authentic traction hardware. Grand Highlander is polished and spacious, but it can’t match the Traverse mix of standard displays, the breadth of Super Cruise® availability, or the factory off-road focus. Whether you’re commuting, loading sports gear, or plotting a long weekend from Palmyra to Jacksonville, our team keeps the process simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs. Jennings Auto Group is proud to help shoppers near Beardstown, IL zero in on the features that matter most, set up thorough test drives, and explain how Chevy’s technology works in your daily routine. For families who want technology that’s intuitive, capability that’s meaningful, and space that genuinely adapts, Traverse stands out as the smarter long-term choice.
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)