Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Traverse trails their 26.3 mpg average by 4.3 mpg, about $285 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2009, the 2.5L 4-cyl (2024–2026), does 22.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.6L 6-cyl (2009–2024), 19.8: $247 a year apart.
Every Chevrolet Traverse engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 20 / 26.7 | 2024–2026 | $1,692 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 20 / 26 | 2018–2019 | $1,745 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 16.8 / 24.6 | 2009–2024 | $1,939 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.8 mpg, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 22.6 mpg and the Lexus GX 17 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2026 Traverse.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$285 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,138 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse gives up 6 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 20 in the city, $443 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (30%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Traverse changed over the years
The Traverse peaked in 2025 at 23 mpg (20 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2017 at 18 — 5 mpg apart, or $463 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 22. The biggest single-year change came in 2018: 18 to 21.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2025 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2024 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2023 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2022 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2021 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2020 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2019 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2018 | 19 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2017 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2016 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2015 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2014 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2013 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2012 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2011 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2010 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2009 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 21 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Traverse — 3 engines across 2009–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,138. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse get?
22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2009 the Traverse has averaged 20.4 mpg.
Is the 2026 Traverse more efficient than the 2025?
No: 22 against 23 mpg combined, about $75 a year more to run.
Which Traverse year has the best gas mileage?
The 2025, at 23 mpg combined (20 city, 27 highway).
Does the Traverse get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 22 mpg for the 2026 Traverse against 29.8 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $456 a year more to run.
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