Chevy Traverse vs Toyota Grand Highlander: 2027 Traverse vs 2027 Grand Highlander Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Traverse and Toyota Grand Highlander are three-row family SUVs with nearly identical maximum cargo space. Here is the 2027 Traverse against the 2027 Grand Highlander, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The 2027 Traverse starts $1,460 lower ($41,100 vs $42,560), makes more power than the gas Grand Highlander (328 vs 265 hp), has more space behind the third row (22.9 vs 20.6 cu ft), a 17.7-inch touchscreen and available Super Cruise hands-free driving. The 2027 Grand Highlander has more third-row legroom (33.5 vs 32.1 in.), more ground clearance, better gas mileage (24 vs 22 mpg combined, per Toyota’s estimate) and two hybrids, including the 362-hp Hybrid MAX. Maximum cargo space is nearly identical (98 vs 97.5 cu ft), and both tow 5,000 lbs with gas engines.
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New 2027 Traverse LT and Z71 models on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing.
The Matchup: Turbo Power and Tech vs Hybrid Choices
Toyota has published 2027 Grand Highlander pricing and says 2027 models are expected to start arriving at dealers later this year, with a new Hybrid Woodland Edition; toyota.com still shows the 2026. The 2027 Traverse is on sale now.
The gas Grand Highlander uses a 265-hp 2.4L turbo four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic, the Hybrid makes 245 hp, and the Hybrid MAX pairs a turbo engine with electric motors for 362 hp and 400 lb-ft. The Traverse uses a 328-hp 2.5L turbo with an 8-speed automatic. AWD costs $1,600 on the Toyota where it is optional and $2,000 on the Chevy.
The two are close in size (204.4 vs 201.4 in. long). The Traverse has more room behind the third row (22.9 vs 20.6 cu ft) and more second-row legroom (41.5 vs 39.5 in.); the Grand Highlander has a bit more behind the second row (57.9 vs 56.6 cu ft) and more third-row legroom (33.5 vs 32.1 in.). Maximum cargo is nearly identical at 98 vs 97.5 cu ft.
Traverse vs Grand Highlander Specs
| Spec | 2027 Chevy Traverse | 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $41,100 (LT FWD); $43,100 with AWD; $1,995 destination | $42,560 (LE FWD); $44,160 with AWD; Hybrid $45,910; Hybrid MAX $60,475; $1,595 delivery, processing and handling |
| Standard engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cyl, 328 hp / 326 lb-ft | 2.4L turbo 4-cyl, 265 hp / 310 lb-ft |
| Most powerful powertrain | Same (only engine) | Hybrid MAX, 362 hp / 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic (gas); ECVT (Hybrid); 6-speed automatic (Hybrid MAX) |
| AWD | +$2,000 on LT, RS and High Country; Z71 AWD only | +$1,600 where optional; standard on most hybrids |
| Best combined fuel economy | 22 mpg (FWD, EPA) | 24 mpg gas FWD; 36 mpg Hybrid XLE FWD (Toyota estimates) |
| Max towing | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (gas and Hybrid MAX); 3,500 lbs (Hybrid) |
| Seating | 7 standard; 8 available (LT) | 7 or 8 |
| 2nd-row legroom | 41.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| 3rd-row legroom | 32.1 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 22.9 cu ft | 20.6 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 56.6 cu ft | 57.9 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 98 cu ft (97.6 in Build & Price) | 97.5 cu ft |
| Length | 204.4 in. | 201.4 in. |
| Ground clearance | 6.77 in. (Z71 7.76 in.) | 8.0 in. (Woodland +0.5 in.) |
| Center screen | 17.7 in. | 12.3 in. |
| Hands-free driving | Super Cruise (standard on RS and High Country; available on LT and Z71) | None listed |
| Warranty and maintenance | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain; one maintenance visit (12 months/12,000 miles) | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain; hybrid battery 10 yr/150,000 mi; ToyotaCare 1 yr/10,000 mi |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2027 Traverse); Toyota’s 2026/2027 full-line price sheet, 2027 Grand Highlander product information and pressroom; fueleconomy.gov. The 2027 Grand Highlander has not been EPA-rated yet; Toyota’s estimates for the figures shown match the 2026 EPA ratings. Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
Cargo behind the 3rd row
3rd-row legroom
Horsepower (gas engines)
Hybrids, Woodland Edition and Z71
The Grand Highlander offers two hybrids the Traverse doesn’t. The Hybrid (245 hp) is rated by Toyota at up to 36 mpg combined with FWD and tows 3,500 lbs, and the new Hybrid Woodland Edition ($51,780) adds all-terrain tires and an extra half-inch of ground clearance. The Hybrid MAX Platinum ($60,475) makes 362 hp and 400 lb-ft and tows 5,000 lbs. Toyota covers the hybrid battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles.
For off-road driving, the Traverse Z71 ($49,400) has twin-clutch AWD, Hill Descent Control, an off-road suspension, a skid plate, all-terrain tires and 7.76 inches of ground clearance.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Traverse if you want
- A lower starting price
- More power than the gas Grand Highlander
- More space behind the third row and more second-row legroom
- A 17.7-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
- Super Cruise, including hands-free trailering
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if you want
- A hybrid or the 362-hp Hybrid MAX
- Better fuel economy
- More third-row legroom
- More ground clearance
- ToyotaCare maintenance and a 10-year hybrid battery warranty
Interior and Technology
Every Traverse has a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch driver display with Google built-in (service plan required) and the available Google Gemini assistant. The Grand Highlander has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital cluster on the Limited and Platinum, and a 10-inch head-up display on Platinum grades.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, including full-speed radar cruise control and Lane Tracing Assist. The Traverse offers Super Cruise hands-free driving, standard on the RS and High Country. NHTSA rates the 2027 Grand Highlander and the 2026 Traverse five stars overall; NHTSA has not yet rated the 2027 Traverse.
The Bottom Line
If you want a hybrid, a roomier third row or Toyota’s maintenance plan, the Grand Highlander is a strong pick. The Traverse costs less, has more power than the gas Toyota, more space behind the third row, a bigger screen and Super Cruise hands-free driving.
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Traverse vs Grand Highlander FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Traverse or the Grand Highlander?
The 2027 Traverse starts at $41,100 with FWD and $43,100 with AWD. The 2027 Grand Highlander starts at $42,560 with FWD and $44,160 with AWD. Destination is $1,995 for Chevrolet and $1,595 for Toyota.
Which is bigger inside?
They are close. The Traverse has more space behind the third row (22.9 vs 20.6 cu ft) and more second-row legroom; the Grand Highlander has more third-row legroom (33.5 vs 32.1 in.) and slightly more space behind the second row. Maximum cargo is 98 vs 97.5 cu ft.
Is there a Grand Highlander hybrid?
Yes, two: the Hybrid, which Toyota estimates at up to 36 mpg combined, and the 362-hp Hybrid MAX. The Traverse is offered only with its 328-hp turbo four-cylinder.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Grand Highlander. Toyota estimates the gas FWD model at 24 mpg combined vs the Traverse’s EPA-rated 22, and the Hybrid at up to 36.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2027 Traverse page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, GM News, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA and IIHS for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Super Cruise and other hands-free systems require an active plan or trial and work only on compatible roads; always pay attention to the road. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.