2026 Chevrolet Traverse Shopping Overview in Rice Lake, WI
Model Overview
A Closer Look at the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is built for families and active households who need real space, real capability, and real technology. If you are researching your next three-row SUV around Rice Lake, WI, this all-new Traverse deserves a spot at the top of your list. It brings best-in-class max cargo volume, available hands-free Super Cruise®, a refined turbocharged powertrain, and confident available all-wheel drive—plus thoughtful touches like Smart Slide second-row seating and an AutoSense Power Liftgate. In other words, it is engineered to make everyday life easier and road trips more enjoyable. As your local guide, we keep a close eye on what matters most to Rice Lake drivers: confident traction on mixed surfaces, easy in-and-out for car seats and kids, seamless smartphone connectivity, and stress-reducing safety technology. The Traverse delivers across each of those priorities, and does it with a cabin that fits up to eight and a flexible layout that adapts to busy schedules, school runs, and weekends up at the lake.
On the Road
Performance & Capability for Every Mile
The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse swaps bulky V6 thinking for a modern, torque-rich 2.5L turbocharged engine. Output is a robust 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired to a responsive 8-speed automatic. That combination delivers smooth acceleration, confident passing, and an easygoing feel at highway speeds. Properly equipped, every Traverse comes ready with a standard 5,000-lb towing capacity—perfect for a pair of ATVs, a small camper, or a runabout boat. The Z71 model layers on the hardware for rougher roads and unpaved adventures, including an advanced Twin-Clutch AWD system that can actively split torque side-to-side across the rear axle for traction you can feel. Terrain Mode, Hill Descent Control, and frequency-based suspension dampers help you keep momentum in the messy stuff without sacrificing everyday comfort. Whether you are easing into downtown Rice Lake parking or merging onto US 53, the Traverse feels composed, predictable, and impressively quiet.
Engine:
2.5L turbo
Power:
328 hp
Towing:
5,000 lbs
Drive:
Twin-Clutch AWD
Inside the Cabin
Interior Comfort & Technology
- Seating: Up to eight with flexible second-row bench or captain’s chairs
- Cargo: Best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume for big hauls
- Displays: Standard 17.7-inch color touch-screen and 11-inch Driver Information Center
- Liftgate: AutoSense Power Liftgate opens hands-free when it senses your presence
- Second Row: Smart Slide Seats make third-row access simple, even with a car seat installed
- Folding Seats: One-Touch Fold second row and power-folding second- and third-row seating on RS and High Country
- Connectivity: Google built-in compatibility with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play
- Visibility: Available HD Surround Vision to help with tight parking and low-speed maneuvering
Inside the 2026 Traverse, every touchpoint feels purpose-driven. The wide, vivid 17.7-inch diagonal touch-screen is standard and sits within easy reach, putting navigation, audio, and apps right where you expect them. The 11-inch Driver Information Center can be configured to your preferences, so key details like turn-by-turn directions and safety alerts show up clearly in front of you. Families will love the Smart Slide second-row feature when loading backpacks, hockey bags, or simply helping kids buckle in. When you need to transform people space into cargo space, RS and High Country models offer One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating for quick reconfiguration. Add the AutoSense Power Liftgate, and you can step up with hands full of groceries and watch the liftgate open for you, no foot-waving guesswork required. It is an intuitive cabin with technology that saves time and makes every mile more enjoyable.
Driver Confidence
Safety & Driver Assist Features
- Chevy Safety Assist: A suite of standard driver assists designed to help with everyday awareness
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps reduce or avoid a front-end collision at low speeds
- Front Pedestrian and Bicycle Braking: Detects and can help brake for people and cyclists ahead
- Blind Zone Steering Assist: Can provide steering assistance to help you avoid lane-change conflicts
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking: Helps when backing out of crowded lots and driveways
- Safety Alert Seat: Uses seat-based cues to help direct attention to potential hazards
- HD Surround Vision: Available camera views to simplify close-quarters maneuvers
- Super Cruise®: Available hands-free driving on compatible roads helps ease long-haul fatigue
The 2026 Traverse brings more than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features to support your awareness behind the wheel. From commuting along WI-48 to navigating school drop-off lines, the standard features are designed to act as an extra set of eyes, while available HD Surround Vision expands your visibility at low speeds. For highway travelers, available Super Cruise® offers hands-free driving on hundreds of thousands of miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada. It is a smart blend of standard protection and available confidence boosters, all working quietly in the background so you can focus on the drive.
Trim Options
2026 Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| LT | 2.5L turbo with 8-speed automatic; 7-passenger or available 8-passenger; Smart Slide Seats; AutoSense Power Liftgate; standard 17.7-inch touch-screen |
| Z71 | Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD; Terrain Mode; Hill Descent Control; off-road suspension and skid plate; all-terrain tires |
| RS | Sporty blackout design with RS badging; 22-inch wheels; One-Touch Fold second row; power-folding second- and third-row seating; 3-year OnStar One Super Cruise® plan |
| High Country | Premium Dark Gray décor and chrome accents; 22-inch wheels; One-Touch Fold second row; power-folding second- and third-row seating; 3-year OnStar One Super Cruise® plan |
We’ve Got You Covered
Why Buy from Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet in Rice Lake, WI
We are proud to help Rice Lake families find an SUV that truly fits—whether that means seating for eight, confident winter traction with Twin-Clutch AWD, or the convenience of an AutoSense Power Liftgate for busy grocery runs. Our location near US 53 makes it simple to pop in for a test drive, and our team will walk you through trims, options, and accessories with an easy, transparent approach. From first browse to delivery day and beyond, our Certified Service team and guest-first culture stand behind every Traverse we sell.
- Local Expertise: We understand Barron County roads, driving patterns, and real-world needs
- Convenient Location: Quick access from US 53 and WI-48 for effortless visits and test drives
- Personalized Process: We listen first, tailor recommendations, and keep your timeline in focus
- Certified Service: Factory-trained technicians and GM Genuine/ACDelco parts for long-term confidence
- Streamlined Tools: Online trade valuation, finance pre-qualification, and real-time inventory
- Community Roots: A century-plus automotive legacy and a team committed to guest care
Trade-In Tools
Value Your Trade with Don Johnson Motors Chevrolet
Turning your current vehicle into instant momentum toward a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is simple with our online trade-in resources. In a few quick steps, you can get a clear, market-informed picture of your vehicle’s value and apply it directly to your purchase. Use our 15 Second Trade Value tool to see data similar to what we use, then connect with our team to validate details and finalize your figures. The result is a straightforward path that helps you spend less time estimating and more time choosing the Traverse configuration that fits your family best.
Start My Appraisal
Competitive Strengths
How the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Stands Out
- Cargo Volume: Best-in-class 98 cu. ft. makes hauling bulky gear easier than many rivals
- Screen Size: Standard 17.7-inch touch-screen surpasses the base displays in most competitors
- Towing Confidence: Standard 5,000-lb capacity with included trailering equipment across the lineup
- Hands-Free Tech: Available Super Cruise® offers hands-free driving where many rivals cannot
- AWD Hardware: Twin-Clutch AWD on Z71 actively shifts torque side-to-side for grip and control
- Quick Reconfiguration: One-Touch Fold and power-folding rear rows on RS and High Country
Shoppers often compare the Traverse to three-row mainstays like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride. The Traverse’s best-in-class max cargo volume gives you more room for strollers, coolers, home-improvement supplies, or sports gear than many alternatives. The standard 17.7-inch screen is larger than what you will typically find at entry levels in this class, so you do not have to climb trims to get a premium interface. With standard trailering equipment, Traverse provides 5,000-lb towing capability—some competitors require extra packages or specific trims to match that figure. Available Super Cruise® hands-free driving is a standout—many models in this class simply do not offer a comparable technology. And for drivers who split time between paved routes and gravel around Rice Lake or venture onto unmaintained roads to cabins and trailheads, the Z71’s Twin-Clutch AWD adds confidence where basic on-demand systems can feel one step behind.
Start Shopping
Next Steps for Your 2026 Chevrolet Traverse Search
Ready to get hands-on? Browse our real-time inventory to see color and trim combinations available now, then schedule a test drive to feel the 2.5L turbo powertrain and explore the 17.7-inch interface in person. If you plan to replace your current vehicle, use our online trade tools to see its market-backed value. You can also start a finance application from home to save time, and our team will review options matched to your preferences. Have questions about Z71 capability, RS features, accessories, or family-focused add-ons? Contact us—our product specialists will guide you quickly and clearly.
Local Support
Proudly Serving Rice Lake, WI Drivers
From school-day routines along Augusta Street to weekend getaways toward the Chetek Chain of Lakes, the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is sized and equipped for life in and around Rice Lake. We are here with local insight, flexible appointments, and a guest-first process that keeps your priorities in focus. Whether you value all-weather traction, maximum cargo room, or stress-reducing driver-assist tech like Super Cruise®, our team will help you build a Traverse that fits your lifestyle—and we will support you for years with Certified Service and convenient online ownership tools.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
Thank you for reading the fine print! We try to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding our vehicles and our services. However, occasionally we do make mistakes. In those instances, we reserve the right to correct our errors. (After all, nobody's perfect!) Before traveling across the country to visit us, please contact our team directly to verify all pricing and vehicle details. We want to ensure that your experience at Don Johnson Motors is exceptional!
*Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price.