Chevrolet 3-Row SUV Guide: Traverse, Tahoe & Suburban Comparison

Chevrolet offers three distinct 3-row SUVs designed to meet different family needs, hauling requirements, and lifestyle preferences. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, maximum cargo space, or towing capability, understanding the differences between the Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban helps you select the model that best fits your specific requirements. This guide breaks down each SUV’s specifications, capabilities, and ideal use cases to simplify your decision.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse represents the most fuel-efficient and maneuverable option in Chevrolet’s 3-row SUV lineup. As a midsize crossover SUV, the Traverse delivers spacious seating for up to eight passengers while maintaining easier handling and better fuel economy compared to full-size models. Starting at $40,800, the Traverse provides an accessible entry point for families seeking three-row capability without the size and fuel consumption of larger SUVs.

Cargo Space

Cargo capacity is a defining strength of the Traverse, offering best-in-class maximum cargo volume among midsize 3-row SUVs.

Cargo Volume:

• Behind third row: 22.9 cubic feet
• Behind second row (third row folded): 56.6 cubic feet
• Maximum cargo space (all seats folded): 98 cubic feet

The 98 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume provides ample space for camping equipment, sports gear, luggage for extended vacations, and home improvement materials. The low load floor and wide rear opening simplify loading bulky items.

Seating and Interior Space

The Traverse offers seating for seven or eight passengers depending on configuration. Standard seating includes a front bench seat and second- and third-row bench seating, accommodating eight total passengers. Available bucket seats in the front and second rows reduce capacity to seven passengers while providing additional comfort and individual armrests.

Interior Dimensions:

• Front headroom: 39.9 inches
• Front legroom: 44.3 inches
• Second-row legroom: 41.4 inches
• Second-row shoulder room: 62.1 inches
• Front shoulder room: 62.3 inches
• Front hip room: 58.7 inches
• Second-row hip room: 58.5 inches

The Traverse provides genuine three-row comfort, with second-row legroom reaching 41.4 inches—sufficient space for adults on extended trips. The third row offers adequate space for children and teenagers, though adults may find extended journeys less comfortable compared to the front two rows.

Technology and Features

The 2026 Traverse includes advanced technology features designed to enhance convenience and safety. A massive 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen serves as the central command center, providing intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The 11-inch diagonal driver information center displays critical driving data directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Available Technology:

• Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance (available on RS and High Country trims)
• HD Surround Vision camera system
• Google Built-In with voice commands
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AutoSense power liftgate
• Smart Slide second-row seats for easy third-row access

The available Super Cruise system allows hands-free driving on over 585,000 miles of compatible roads in the United States and Canada, reducing driver fatigue on long highway journeys.

The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, delivering rugged capability, spacious accommodations, and impressive towing capacity. The Tahoe provides seating for up to eight passengers (or nine with optional front bench seat) while offering significantly more interior volume and towing strength compared to the midsize Traverse. The Tahoe serves families who need full-size capability without the extended length of the Suburban.

Cargo Space

The Tahoe provides substantially more cargo capacity than the Traverse, with best-in-class storage behind all rows.

Cargo Volume:

• Behind third row: 25.5 cubic feet
• Behind second row (third row folded): 72.5 cubic feet
• Maximum cargo space (all seats folded): 122.7 cubic feet

The independent rear suspension creates a low, flat load floor, simplifying cargo loading and maximizing usable space. The Tahoe can fit six carry-on suitcases behind the third row with all passengers seated, making it practical for airport trips and family vacations.

Seating and Interior Space

The Tahoe offers spacious accommodations across all three rows, with genuine adult-sized seating even in the third row. Standard seating accommodates eight passengers with bench seating in all rows, while available second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to seven while providing enhanced comfort and a center aisle for easier third-row access.

Interior Dimensions:

• Front headroom: 42.3 inches
• Front legroom: 44.5 inches
• Second-row legroom: 42.0 inches
• Front shoulder room: 65.6 inches
• Second-row shoulder room: 64.6 inches
• Passenger volume: 168.3 cubic feet

The Tahoe’s interior feels significantly more spacious than the Traverse, with wider shoulder room and increased front and second-row legroom. The third row provides adequate space for adults on shorter trips, though taller passengers may prefer the front two rows for extended journeys.

Technology and Features

The Tahoe includes cutting-edge technology designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety.

Standard and Available Technology:

• Best-in-class 17.7-inch diagonal center touchscreen
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance
• Magnetic Ride Control suspension
• Google Built-In with voice commands
• Wireless charging and multiple USB ports
• 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display (available)
• Rear Camera Mirror (available)
• Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (available)
• Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound system (available)

The available Super Cruise system provides hands-free driving on compatible highways, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. The Head-Up Display projects critical driving information directly onto the windshield, allowing drivers to maintain focus on the road.

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2026 Chevrolet Suburban is Chevrolet’s largest SUV, offering the most cargo capacity, passenger volume, and spacious third-row accommodations in the lineup. Sharing the same platform and engine options as the Tahoe, the Suburban extends the wheelbase and overall length to create massive interior volume. The Suburban serves buyers who prioritize maximum cargo capacity and third-row comfort over maneuverability and fuel economy.

Cargo Space

The Suburban delivers unmatched cargo capacity, providing the most storage space of any Chevrolet SUV.

Cargo Volume:

• Behind third row: 41.5 cubic feet
• Behind second row (third row folded): 93.8 cubic feet
• Maximum cargo space (all seats folded): 144.7 cubic feet

The Suburban offers 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row—more than the Traverse provides behind its second row. This massive storage capacity accommodates luggage for extended vacations with all passengers seated, making it ideal for large families who need both maximum seating and substantial cargo room simultaneously.

Seating and Interior Space

The Suburban provides the most spacious interior in Chevrolet’s SUV lineup, with exceptional third-row legroom that rivals many vehicles’ second rows. Standard seating accommodates eight passengers with bench seating in all rows, while available second-row captain’s chairs reduce capacity to seven while providing enhanced comfort and a center aisle for easier third-row access.

Interior Dimensions:

• Front headroom: 42.3 inches
• Front legroom: 44.5 inches
• Second-row legroom: 42.0 inches
• Front shoulder room: 65.6 inches
• Second-row shoulder room: 64.6 inches
• Front hip room: 61.5 inches
• Second-row hip room: 61.3 inches
• Passenger volume: 174.9 cubic feet

The Suburban’s extended wheelbase creates 36.7 inches of third-row legroom—significantly more than the Tahoe and competitive with many vehicles’ second rows. This makes the Suburban the only SUV in Chevrolet’s lineup where adults can comfortably sit in the third row for extended journeys.

Technology and Features

The Suburban includes the same advanced technology as the Tahoe, with features designed to enhance comfort and convenience during long journeys.

Standard and Available Technology:

• Best-in-class 17.7-inch diagonal center touchscreen
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance
• Magnetic Ride Control suspension
• Power sliding center console
• Heated and ventilated front-row seats
• Heated second-row bucket seats (available)
• Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound 10-speaker system (available)
• AutoSense power liftgate (available)
• 15-inch diagonal Head-Up Display (available)
• Rear Camera Mirror (available)
• Four-Corner Air Ride Adaptive Suspension (available)

The Power Sliding Center Console is a unique feature that allows the center console to slide forward and backward, providing flexible storage access for front and second-row passengers.

Explore Chevrolet’s 3-Row SUV Lineup

Each Chevrolet 3-row SUV delivers unique advantages tailored to different family needs and lifestyle requirements. Whether you prioritize efficiency, capability, or maximum space, the Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban lineup ensures a configuration matched to your specific needs.

To explore these SUVs in person and discuss which model best suits your family’s requirements, visit Cable Dahmer Chevrolet of Kansas City. Our team specializes in helping buyers compare configurations, understand towing capabilities, and select the ideal 3-row SUV based on your specific lifestyle and hauling needs.

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