Chevrolet Traverse vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse presented a robust and upright design reminiscent of a smaller Chevrolet Tahoe. Its high-set grille and macho stance were complemented by eye-slit LED headlights and a distinctive air intake/fog light design that integrated into the grille. The sides of the Traverse featured a clean, semi-rounded shape, highlighted by a forward-angled pillar behind the rear door, creating a semi-floating roof effect. The grille varied between chrome and black depending on the model, with the Z71 trim standing out due to its red front tow hooks and knobby all-terrain tires. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 to 22 inches, and an optional Midnight/Sport Edition package on the base LT added a sleek, blacked-out look. Inside, the Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with a well-laid-out centre console thanks to the shifter's relocation to a steering wheel stalk. The interior materials were smart, with soft-touch surfaces and contrasting stitching, though some hard plastics were present. The base LT trim was well-equipped, offering features like cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package by default and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package. The TX's design retained a large grille with a nod to the older spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, three interior colour options were available, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in road manners compared to its larger sibling, the Tahoe, thanks to its car-like unibody architecture. Measuring 5,194 millimetres in length and weighing 2,173 kilograms with AWD, the Traverse offered controlled handling, though it wasn't overly agile. Its 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and while the turbo-four provided adequate power, its 0 to 100 km/h time of around eight seconds was on the slower side. Engine noise was a notable issue, despite standard active noise cancellation. The Traverse required manual engagement of AWD and offered various drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow/Ice, and Tow/Haul.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, and the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, nearly 18 centimetres shorter than a Tahoe, offered ample passenger space but less cargo capacity. The RS trim featured second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, while the LT and Z71 trims used a second-row bench for eight-passenger capacity. First-row occupants enjoyed comfortable seats with good range of motion, and storage for small items was excellent. Second-row passengers had good space, but the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 648 litres behind the third row, 1,603 litres behind the second row, and 2,764 litres behind the first row.

The 2026 Lexus TX provided three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated access to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with quick reactions to inputs. Standard features included a satellite radio trial, Wi-Fi hotspot wiring, eight years of OnStar Basics, a wireless phone charger, and remote start. The base audio system had six speakers, with an optional 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, but some features lacked polish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occurred. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera was clear, and the available Advanced Park system handled parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt/1500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse came with a robust set of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Enhanced Driving package added GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology. The Traverse earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The TX received five stars from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating from the IIHS for its small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.