Chevrolet Traverse

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Chevrolet Traverse appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 17 to 22 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,100 to $3,800 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

YearCombinedAnnual fuelVersions
201617-18 MPG$3,600-$3,8002
201717-18 MPG$3,600-$3,8002
201820-22 MPG$3,100-$3,6503
201920-22 MPG$3,100-$3,6503
202020-21 MPG$3,100-$3,2502

How it compares

Against the average standard sport utility vehicle 2wd in this dataset (about 19 MPG), the Traverse sits roughly 0 MPG above that mark on average, making it a relatively efficient choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Traverse for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $15,500 to $19,000, averaging about $17,250 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Traverse varies by about 5 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Traverse check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Traverse's average combined economy improved from about 18 to 20 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2019 Traverse has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 21 MPG, while the 2016 is the lowest at about 18 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Traverse at a glance

VersionEngineFuelCombined
Traverse FWD3.6L 6-cylGasoline21 MPG
Traverse AWD3.6L 6-cylGasoline20 MPG

Use the comparison tool to set the Traverse against a rival, or go back to all Chevrolet models.