Jennings Auto Group – 2026 Chevrolet Traverse or Toyota Grand Highlander: Which 3-Row SUV gives families the better tech advantage near Springfield, IL?
When families weigh Chevrolet’s three-row contender against Toyota’s, the conversation turns to in-cabin screens, driver-assistance capability, and how easily the interior transforms for kids, cargo, and road trips. The 2026 Traverse takes a commanding lead with a standard 17.7-inch touch-screen and an 11-inch Driver Information Center, plus available Super Cruise® hands-free driver assistance on compatible roads. Toyota’s Grand Highlander counters with a 12.3-inch standard display and Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, along with available Traffic Jam Assist. Both are well-equipped, but Chevy’s combination of screen clarity, interface depth, and hands-free capability better matches the way families actually drive long distances.
Interface scale matters because bigger, brighter tiles let drivers glance once and keep attention on the road. Traverse’s 17.7-inch screen isn’t just large; it’s standard on every trim, so you don’t have to hunt for the right package. Google built in brings Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play to the forefront, and the available HD Surround Vision camera system adds confidence in tight spaces. Toyota’s Panoramic View Monitor also helps in parking, and the Grand Highlander offers clever storage with up to 97.5 cu. ft. of max cargo volume, but Chevy goes a step further with best-in-class max cargo volume of about 98 cu. ft. and the ease of One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating on RS and High Country.
- Screen size advantage: Traverse’s 17.7-inch display is standard; Grand Highlander’s 12.3-inch display is standard but smaller.
- Hands-free capability: Super Cruise® enables hands-free driving on compatible roads; Grand Highlander’s Traffic Jam Assist is available but more limited in scope.
- Cargo flexibility: Traverse achieves best-in-class max cargo volume; Grand Highlander tops out at 97.5 cu. ft.
- Seating transformation: Traverse offers One-Touch Fold second-row and power-folding second- and third-row seats on select trims; Grand Highlander does not match this power-fold convenience.
- All-weather traction: Traverse Z71’s Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD improves side-to-side traction; Grand Highlander offers AWD but not a twin-clutch system.
For highway-heavy families, the available Super Cruise® system is the biggest differentiator. It works with a driver-attention system and mapped compatible roads to deliver a calm, predictable hands-free experience that reduces fatigue. Planning a long vacation drive, shuttling between practices, or making frequent regional trips becomes less tiring when the vehicle maintains spacing and lane position hands-free as conditions permit. Grand Highlander’s available Traffic Jam Assist can reduce stress in low-speed congestion, but it isn’t designed to mirror the breadth of Super Cruise® coverage. That’s why tech-focused shoppers often prioritize Traverse—its assistance capabilities align directly with real-world family travel patterns.
Interior versatility is another separator. Chevrolet’s One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row functionality on RS and High Country let you reconfigure seating and cargo without stepping around the vehicle or wrestling with levers. Add the AutoSense Power Liftgate, and loading becomes a single-motion task. Toyota’s cabin is thoughtfully arranged and comfortable, and the Grand Highlander includes many practical cubbies and cup/bottle holders. Still, Chevy’s power-fold execution and larger standard displays produce daily wins families feel immediately.
To help you decide, consider two layered questions we often hear: How will the system reduce driver fatigue on our longest trips, and can the interior change quickly when the plan changes? Traverse answers both with available Super Cruise® and user-friendly folding solutions. Grand Highlander remains a strong competitor, particularly with Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, but it does not combine those two advantages in the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can both SUVs seat up to eight?
Yes. Both Traverse and Grand Highlander can be configured for up to eight passengers, depending on trim and seating selection.
Do both offer a 360-degree camera?
Yes. Traverse offers available HD Surround Vision, while Grand Highlander offers an available Panoramic View Monitor.
For personal guidance, reach out to Jennings Auto Group, serving Palmyra, Jacksonville, and Springfield. Our product specialists can walk through how Super Cruise® works on your routes, demonstrate the folding-seat controls, and help you select the right trim for your family’s routines and weekend plans.
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