Chevrolet Traverse vs Volkswagen Atlas

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 similar to the Tahoe, with a forward-angled pillar behind the rear door that was blacked out at the top, creating a semi-floating roof appearance. The Traverse's rounded wheel wells, accented by thin black flares, contrasted with the squared-off versions found on Chevy’s pickup trucks. The grille varied by model, alternating between chrome and black, with the Z71 trim distinguished by red front tow hooks and knobby all-terrain tires. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 to 22 inches, and an available Midnight/Sport Edition offered a blacked-out aesthetic. Inside, the Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with a well-laid-out center console thanks to the shifter's relocation to a steering wheel stalk. The interior materials were smart, featuring soft-touch surfaces with contrasting stitching, and the ambiance improved with available leather upholstery.

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a redesign that mostly succeeded, maintaining its status as a visually appealing SUV. A crisp character line ran high along the side, swelling over the rear fenders, and flared wheel arches gave the Atlas a strong presence. The rear featured cascading taillights with selectable lighting animations, although the honeycomb lower diffuser was less favored. The front design, with its stacked headlights and dual light bars, was less successful, appearing somewhat cluttered compared to the previous model. Wheel sizes varied from 18 to 21 inches, with the SEL Premium R-Line sporting 21-inch machined wheels. Inside, the Atlas took a significant step up with real wood on the dash and a range of leather options, including Garnet Red Nappa leather in the SEL Premium R-Line, which added warmth to the cabin. The interior featured 10 to 30 colors of ambient lighting, depending on the trim, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Despite some lingering issues with piano-black plastic, the cabin felt more upscale than its price suggested.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse offered a more refined driving experience compared to its larger sibling, the Tahoe, thanks to its car-like unibody architecture. At 204.5 inches long and weighing 4,792 pounds with AWD, the Traverse handled better than body-on-frame vehicles like the Tahoe, though it wasn't overly agile. It exhibited some lean in corners but never felt unstable. The steering was light and direct, and the ride quality was generally smooth, though it could become busy on rough surfaces. The Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The engine provided adequate power, with a 0-60 mph time of around eight seconds, but engine noise was a notable issue. The Traverse required manual engagement of AWD and drive modes, which included Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow/Ice, and Tow/Haul.

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas featured an updated EA888 engine producing 282 horsepower, a 13-horsepower increase from the previous year, though torque decreased to 258 pound-feet. Despite the reduced torque, the Atlas was quick off the line, though the engine felt busy and less relaxed than desired for a family SUV. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and AWD was standard on the R-Line trims. The Atlas drove like a Volkswagen, with tight steering and a fun-to-drive nature on curvy roads. The ride quality improved significantly over the previous model, even on 21-inch wheels, and the cabin remained quiet until higher speeds. Fuel economy improved, with the EPA rating the Atlas at 25 mpg combined with FWD and 23 mpg with AWD. The Atlas offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a factory hitch standard on all trims except the SE.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, while nearly seven inches shorter than the Tahoe, offered ample passenger space but less cargo capacity. It came standard with second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, with an option for a second-row bench to accommodate eight. The first-row seats were comfortable with good adjustability, and storage was excellent, featuring a large center console with a wireless charging pad and a deep covered bin. Second-row passengers enjoyed good space, and the third row, while offering good headroom, was less suitable for adults due to limited legroom and low seat bottoms. Cargo space was generous, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 behind the second, and 98 behind the first, though it fell short of the Tahoe and minivan dimensions.

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas remained one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, with front seats that were firm and supportive. The R-Line trims added memory and thigh support for the driver, with massage available in the SEL Premium R-Line. The second row offered ample space, with heated and ventilated outboard seats in the R-Line trims. The third row provided genuine adult-friendly space, with 34.1 inches of legroom, though it was limited to two seats. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 21.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.9 behind the second, and 95.4 with all seats folded. Standard features included a hands-free power liftgate and dual cargo-area lights.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse featured a robust technology suite, including 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 large icons and quick responses. 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 2027 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with a 15-inch touchscreen on all trims except the base SE, which had a 12.9-inch unit. Both screens were sharp and responsive, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a head-up display on the R-Line trims. The touchscreen handled most functions, with climate and volume sliders beneath it. Device charging was plentiful, with two Qi2 wireless pads and seven USB-C ports. A nine-speaker stereo was standard, with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system in the SEL Premium R-Line. Some features required a subscription after a trial period, including Premium Navigation and a ChatGPT-powered voice assistant.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The Enhanced Driving package added GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, while the Driver Confidence package included a surround-view camera system and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but it came with a robust standard safety suite. VW’s IQ.Drive included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. Emergency Assist Plus was a new feature designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The Atlas also featured a new front center airbag and standard front and rear parking sensors.