The Chevy Traverse has steadily been building its legacy over the past decade and a half since its introduction for the 2009 model year. These days it has established itself as one of the best options in the full-size crossover market, especially since the kickoff of its third generation in 2024. Now, the 2026 Chevy Traverse is available, fresh with a pair of new exterior color options and a host of great trim level options from which to choose — which is exactly why we’re here today. If you can’t choose between the RS and High Country trim levels, then this comparison should help you decide.
Performance & Powertrain
Let’s start with where the two vehicles align – both the RS and High Country versions of the 2026 Traverse are powered by the same 2.5L turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine. That makes them both capable of generating up to 328 horsepower alongside 326 pound-feet of torque. While both are tethered to an eight-speed automatic transmission, you’ll have your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Regardless of which you pick, you’ll enjoy the confident acceleration and smooth cruising that have come to be expected of Chevy crossovers.
Interior & Exterior
The biggest area of divergence between the sport-inspired RS trim and the premium High Country trim is design, particularly on the outside. The RS is built on sporty sophistication, which it does in large part through blacked-out exterior features like its grille and roof rails, plus its 22” high-gloss black-painted aluminum wheels. The High Country, on the other hand, was inspired by luxury vehicles. It’s still eye-catching, but for completely different reasons. Its 22” wheels are a high-gloss black machined-faced aluminum, and it includes some chrome exterior features rather than blacked-out ones like the RS.
Inside each vehicle is a spacious cabin with three-row seating and premium materials, but the overall style of each vehicle continues. The RS trim level features red accents, such as the contrast stitching in its Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seating or the flat-bottom steering wheel that immediately dials up the sportiness. The High Country interior features dark gray decor and some more chrome accents, carrying on its own design presence.
Features & Tech
While that’s where the differences begin and end, there is still plenty to get excited about in the 2026 Chevy Traverse. Both of these trim levels may offer the same features and technologies, but many of them aren’t available in the base LT trim level. For example, these trims offer a three-year OnStar One Super Cruise plan that gives you access to all sorts of features, including use of Super Cruise. These models also include One-Touch Fold second-row seating along with power-folding third-row seating. And we’re just scratching the surface.
Safety & Driver Assistance
One of the most important aspects of any vehicle is safety, and the 2026 Chevy Traverse is packed full of great technologies – including several driver assistance features – regardless of which trim level you choose. Some of these great, advanced features include:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Safety Alert Seat
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Driver Attention Assist
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Teen Driver
- Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Side Bicyclist Alert
- HD Surround Vision
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Super Cruise
Find Your 2026 Chevy Traverse at Jim Glover Chevrolet
Regardless of which Chevy Traverse you think you might be interested in – be in the sporty and sophisticated RS or the luxurious and premium High Country, or perhaps even the rugged off-road Z71 or refined and affordable LT – you can find what you’re looking for right here at Jim Glover Chevrolet. You can browse our online inventory to see what we have available, and if what you want isn’t there we can walk you through the process of ordering a Traverse of your very own. Just give us a call with any questions or to begin the process! We can’t wait to get started.