In the latest Chevrolet Traverse High Country, we finally get a proper, full-size SUV. None of that crossover nonsense is played with three of the seven row seats (eight if Ozempic is involved). Still, the Traverse doesn’t feel as big or heavy as the Lincoln Navigator or Yukon Denali behind the wheel. The latest machines get their zip codes off the assembly line—the driver needs an intercom system to call the passengers in the back seats. The Traverse, in contrast, carries people with a reasonable scale.
However, its engine is a big bowtie question mark. The powerplant is efficient, and Chevy has put its own competent engineering and reliable build quality into it, but it’s undeniably a small car in its SUV class. Like other versions in its trim line, the Traverse High Country has a 2.5-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder heart. Although it will put out 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission, those numbers must use a 121-inch wheelbase car that weighs more than two tons.
Given that the High Country AWD is meant to be the tough kid in the Traverse family for off-roading enthusiasts, the SUV is expected to tow an additional 5,000 lbs. As tested, the Chevy seems capable enough for street, highway and interstate duty, but it seems lacking in the acceleration department.
As for engine durability, that all depends on how this generation of turbochargers stacks up as the miles roll in. There are quite a few gearing up these days as they buy into the used car market. Whether it’s a domestic build or an import, if the model you’re playing relies on a small, high-pressure engine boosted by turbochargers, some experts say watch out for that 100,000-mile mark. That’s where the rubber may (or, in this case, may not) meet the road—where car buyers find that their turbocharged power plants can withstand wear and tear.
Gasoline engines of decades past relied solely on cylinders, pistons, camshafts, etc. The concept of using turbochargers to increase engine power has made its way from performance engines to consumer cars, allowing engineers to remove cylinders without sacrificing too much horsepower. Fewer cylinders then allow for smaller overall engine sizes and less weight under the hood, which often improves fuel efficiency.
“Eco” models of all types are excited as turbocharged engines promise environmental and economic benefits. Still, those turbochargers are part of an important engine that carries a variety of V6s that behave like V8s—and inline 4s that drive the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD’s 4,500 lbs while towing another 2.5 tons. The turbocharged engines will work up a sweat pushing a sporty hatchback or crossover down the road.
Putting concerns about engine size on the back burner for a moment, the Traverse High Country’s $59,095 total feature package remains competitive with more expensive vehicles in its class. There are about 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, and an automatic sensor power liftgate that knows when you need to load your belongings. Outside there are LED lights, a chrome luggage rack and 22-inch cleaner wheels for off-road performance. Inside there is a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled leather seats, heated steering wheel, 17.7 inch touchscreen and Bose premium audio.
In terms of safety, the driver is equipped with computer assisted adaptive cruise control, blind zone steering assist, Chevy Safety Assist, collision mitigation and lane keeping assistance to monitor the driver’s alertness. Obviously, those features help road conditions as the Top Country (despite the aforementioned wishes) is a family car more than a stream seller, even with all its wheels.
Combining all those features and options inside and out, the Traverse High Country AWD packs much of what European SUVs of similar weight offer with price tags north of $70,000. That extra value takes some of the sting out of engine size concerns.
The driving experience is satisfying, but there are times when you’ll find yourself longing for a few more cylinders. Still, the Traverse handles easily. In fact, it’s an honor that Chevy’s engineers (and those at automakers that produce full-size SUVs and pickup trucks) use electronically-assisted power steering to make the big machines as easy to drive as cars half their size.
Obviously, the operator has to be aware of the extra bulk, but the Traverse turns or parallel parks with no more effort than any other daily driver. And MPG numbers are impressive for the full-size, electric SUV at 20 city, 24 highway and 21 combined. Overall, there’s a lot to like about the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country AWD, which could make it a showroom value. The only thing on its fenders is that ride-or-die decision with four cylinders in a full-size SUV.
More car updates
