Which three-row SUV has more real cargo room and family-friendly access near Libertyville, IL?

City Chevrolet Of Grayslake – Which three-row SUV has more real cargo room and family-friendly access near Libertyville, IL?

Shoppers often ask a straightforward question: which three-row SUV actually gives you more usable cargo room and easier third-row access for everyday life—especially when the cabin is full of kids and bags? When you compare the latest Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander, the differences become clear quickly. Below, we take a practical, detail-rich look at space, seat flexibility, and family-friendly ease of use to help you make the most confident choice.

What do the numbers say about space?

The current Traverse offers a best-in-class 98 cu. ft. of max cargo volume. That figure is not just for bragging rights—it translates into fewer “can we make it fit?” moments during weekly errands, sports practice drop-offs, and big-box store runs. With both the second and third rows folded, the floor is wide, the opening is tall, and the overall shape is friendly to big items like flat-pack furniture or a double-stroller plus bins. Highlander’s cargo area is functional and well organized, but the Traverse provides more total space and an edge in overall flexibility. If your days involve frequent reconfiguring between passengers and cargo, that extra room matters more than you think.

Seat access is another place where the Traverse stands out. Smart Slide second-row seats let kids and adults slip into the third row with less contortion—an everyday win in tight school pickup lanes or crowded event parking. On RS and High Country, One-Touch Fold second-row seats and power-folding second- and third-row seating further reduce the friction of changing configurations. Highlander offers straightforward sliding and folding seats too, but its approach typically requires more manual steps to flatten the cabin fully.

How do tech and controls make space easier to use?

With a standard 17.7-inch color touch-screen and an 11-inch Driver Information Center, the Traverse keeps daily commands and vehicle settings easy to see and adjust. Google built-in with Google Assistant and Google Maps helps route you around midday congestion and construction detours, while voice commands make it simple to navigate without taking your hands off the wheel. When you have a third row occupied, small conveniences compound—like an AutoSense Power Liftgate that opens when you approach with the key, no awkward foot wave required. Highlander counters with an available 12.3-in. multimedia screen and digital cluster and can add an available Panoramic View Monitor for parking. Both are capable, but the Traverse’s larger standard screen and hands-free liftgate with proximity sensing bring more of the “easy button” feeling to daily life.

Camera technology is essential when your SUV is full, and sightlines are limited. The Traverse’s available HD Surround Vision provides a crisp, confidence-inspiring overhead view for tight parallel spaces or angled alleys. Highlander’s available Panoramic View Monitor also gives you a 360-degree perspective. Both systems reduce stress—especially useful in busy shopping centers or tight apartment lots—so here, it comes down to which interface you prefer and how easily you can toggle views during quick maneuvers.

Does towing and AWD change how space gets used?

If you regularly tow bikes, a light trailer, or water toys for weekend fun, the Traverse’s standard 5,000-lb towing with included trailering equipment gets you ready from day one. When the cabin is full, it’s nice to have towing hardware and control profiles already integrated. Highlander is also capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped, but not every configuration includes the necessary hardware as standard. For traction, the Traverse Z71’s Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD can actively shift torque side-to-side on the rear axle for better grip on uneven or loose surfaces—think wet grass at a field parking lot or a gravel path to a lakeside launch. Highlander’s available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD improves stability and responsiveness as well. Both are smart systems, with the Traverse’s twin-clutch hardware offering an extra measure of precision for tricky, off-camber situations.

Who benefits most from the Traverse’s space and access advantages?

Families who frequently carry three rows of passengers plus gear—youth sports, band instruments, camping bins—benefit most from the Traverse’s added max cargo volume and easier third-row access. If your routine includes fast turnarounds between school, activities, and quick grocery stops, the combination of Smart Slide access, power-folding seats on upper trims, and the AutoSense Power Liftgate keeps things moving with fewer steps. Highlander remains a solid choice for shoppers prioritizing a familiar interface and available features, but if your top priorities are volume and everyday ease of use, the Traverse earns the nod.

• Max cargo volume advantage: Traverse delivers best-in-class 98 cu. ft., giving you more room for bulky strollers, coolers, and sports gear.
• Third-row ease: Smart Slide second-row access helps kids step into the way-back without stopping the whole carpool line.
• Hands-free convenience: AutoSense Power Liftgate and power-folding seats (RS, High Country) streamline loading and unloading.

If you’re mapping out real-life cargo scenarios—like two strollers, duffel bags, a cooler, and still needing the third row—the Traverse’s extra cubes and simpler seat actions pay off daily. During a test drive, bring along the items you typically carry and see how each SUV handles real cargo tests. The differences show up fastest when you’re packing for a full weekend or timing a quick store run between activities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the Traverse offer hands-free driving tech?

Yes. The Traverse offers available Super Cruise® for hands-free driving on compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada. It’s a major fatigue reducer on longer drives and steady highway stretches.

Can both SUVs seat up to eight?

Yes. Traverse and Highlander can be configured for up to eight passengers. Where Traverse pulls ahead is in the ease of access to the third row and its available power-folding second- and third-row seating on RS and High Country.

Which is easier to load with kids and gear?

Traverse. Thanks to the AutoSense Power Liftgate, Smart Slide second-row access, and best-in-class 98 cu. ft. max cargo volume, the Traverse typically requires fewer steps to load and go.

When you are ready to see the differences in person, schedule a hands-on demo with City Chevrolet Of Grayslake—serving Round Lake, Libertyville, and Waukegan. Bring your stroller, cooler, and sports bags, and we will show you how quickly the Traverse adapts to your routine. You will get clear, side-by-side insights tailored to the way you actually drive, park, and pack during the week.

Request more 2026 Chevrolet Traverse information