Unveiling the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country: A Comprehensive Guide for Families and Adventurers
At Shottenkirk Chevrolet Waukee in Waukee, we're thrilled to introduce the impressive 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country, a sophisticated and capable SUV designed to elevate every journey. While the buzz around the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse has been strong, the 2026 Traverse High Country takes everything you love and refines it further, offering a compelling blend of power, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. This comprehensive guide delves into its standout features, performance, and why it's an ideal choice for families and road trip enthusiasts.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country
- Potent Performance: Experience robust power with a 2.5L I-4 gasoline direct injection, DOHC, variable valve control, intercooled turbo engine delivering an impressive 328 HP @ 5500 RPM.
- Advanced AWD Capability: Equipped with a part and full-time AWD system, ensuring confident handling and traction in diverse driving conditions.
- Luxurious Interior: Indulge in premium comfort with leather front and rear seat upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Stay connected and entertained with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smart device wireless mirroring, an integrated navigation system, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and the advanced Super Cruise hands-free cruise control.
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: Drive with peace of mind thanks to features like Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and HD Surround Vision.
- Family-Friendly Versatility: Enjoy spacious seating with fixed third-row seats and available second-row bucket seats, a power liftgate, and convenient rear climate control.
- Impressive Towing: With a towing capacity of 5000 lbs, the Traverse High Country is ready for your boats, campers, or utility trailers.
Driving Performance & Capability
The heart of the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country is its dynamic 2.5L I-4 gasoline direct injection, DOHC, variable valve control, intercooled turbo engine, generating a formidable 328 HP @ 5500 RPM. This power is seamlessly managed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth shifts and responsive acceleration. For families and road trip enthusiasts, this means ample power for highway merging, confident passing, and effortless cruising, even when fully loaded. The part and full-time AWD system ensures superior traction and stability, making it well-suited for various weather conditions and light off-road adventures, giving you the confidence to explore beyond the pavement. With a substantial towing capacity of 5000 lbs, you can bring along your essential gear, making it a fantastic companion for weekend getaways and longer vacations.
Comfort & Technology Features
Step inside the 2026 Traverse High Country, and you're greeted by an oasis of comfort and advanced technology. The cabin boasts leather front and rear seat upholstery, with the added luxury of ventilated driver and front passenger seats, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel – perfect for any climate. The integrated navigation system with voice activation, alongside Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smart device wireless mirroring, ensures you're always connected and on the right path. A primary touchscreen monitor and a full gauge cluster screen provide intuitive control and information. For the ultimate convenience, features like a power liftgate, keyfob remote start, front wireless smart device charging, and AutoSense proximity cargo area access release simplify daily life. Road trip enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the first and second-row sliding and tilting glass sunroof with express open/close activation and sunshade, offering panoramic views and an open-air feel. The Bose speaker system and active noise cancellation create a serene and immersive audio experience, making long drives more enjoyable.
Pros for Families and Road Trip Enthusiasts:
- Spacious & Versatile Interior: Ample room for passengers across three rows, with second-row bucket seats for comfort and a power-fold third-row for cargo flexibility.
- Premium Comfort: Heated/ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and dual-zone front and rear climate control ensure everyone stays comfortable regardless of the weather.
- Advanced Infotainment: Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, integrated navigation, and Wi-Fi Hotspot keep all occupants entertained and connected.
- Long-Distance Driving Aids: Super Cruise hands-free driving, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a powerful yet efficient engine make highway travel less fatiguing.
- Towing Capability: 5000 lbs towing capacity allows for bringing along campers, boats, or other recreational equipment.
Considerations for Families and Road Trip Enthusiasts:
- Fuel Economy: While respectable for its class (21 combined MPG), frequent long trips might still incur significant fuel costs compared to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Size in Urban Environments: Its large footprint, while great for interior space, can make parking and maneuvering in tight city spaces more challenging.
- 22-inch Wheels: The large 22-inch wheels, while stylish, might offer a slightly firmer ride on very rough roads compared to smaller wheel options, though the High Country trim typically balances this with a refined suspension.
Safety & Reliability
Safety is paramount in the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country, equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver-assistance systems. The Super Cruise hands-off cruise control system, combined with Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, provides multiple layers of protection. Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control actively help prevent collisions. Unique features like Automatic curve slowdown cruise control and Unresponsive driver assist further enhance safety. For parking and maneuvering, HD Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror, and Rear Park Assist offer unparalleled visibility. The vehicle also includes Teen Driver restricted driving mode, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, and a comprehensive airbag system with 7 airbags, including a front center airbag, underscoring its commitment to occupant protection and peace of mind.
Quick Specifications Summary
- Engine: 2.5L I-4 Turbo, 328 HP
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Drive Type: Part and Full-time AWD
- Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs
- Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 20/24/21 MPG
- Seating Capacity: 7 (with second-row bucket seats)
- Exterior Color: White
- Wheels: 22 x 8.5-inch machined w/painted accents aluminum wheels
- Key Safety Features: Super Cruise, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, HD Surround Vision, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Zone Steering Assist.
Discover the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country at Shottenkirk Chevrolet Waukee
Ready to experience the exceptional 2026 Chevrolet Traverse High Country? Visit Shottenkirk Chevrolet Waukee in Waukee to explore this remarkable SUV firsthand. Our team is eager to provide you with a detailed tour, answer all your questions, and arrange a test drive. Discover why the Traverse High Country is the perfect vehicle to support your family's adventures and road trip dreams. Contact us today at (515) 344-4564 or stop by our dealership at 755 W Hickman Rd., Waukee, Iowa, to learn more about our current inventory and special offers.