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Blog > 2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2027 Volkswagen Atlas: 3 Reasons the Traverse Takes the Lead

2027 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2027 Volkswagen Atlas: 3 Reasons the Traverse Takes the Lead

A black SUV parked by a lakeside with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

A three-row SUV has to earn its keep. It moves the family to practice, hauls the camping gear in summer and carries grandparents on holiday trips. That is a lot to ask of one vehicle, so the details matter when you shop.

The 2027 Chevrolet Traverse comes in LT, Z71, RS and High Country trims, all with all-wheel drive. The 2027 Volkswagen Atlas is a common rival on the same shopping lists. Here are three reasons the Traverse pulls into first place, starting with what sits under the hood.

Traverse and Atlas at a Glance

Category2027 Chevrolet Traverse2027 Volkswagen Atlas
Horsepower328 hp282 hp
Torque326 lb-ft258 lb-ft
Centre touchscreen17.7-inch diagonal12.9-inch or 15-inch
Driver display11-inch10.25-inch
Maximum cargo2,764 L2,701 L

Reason 1: More Muscle With Every Seat Filled

SUV parked on a gravel road with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Every 2027 Traverse uses a 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque. The Atlas uses a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 282 hp and 258 lb-ft. That gives the Traverse 46 more horsepower and 68 more lb-ft of torque.

Those numbers matter most when the SUV is loaded. Think of a road trip with seven passengers, a cooler and a stack of duffel bags. Extra torque helps the Traverse pull away from a stop and climb hills with less strain on the engine.

The engine sends power through an 8-speed automatic. All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup. With the available Trailering Package, the Traverse can tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), enough for a small camper or a pair of personal watercraft.

The Z71 builds on that strength for rougher ground. It adds an advanced twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system, off-road suspension, Hill Descent Control, a terrain mode and 18-inch all-terrain tires.

Reason 2: A 17.7-Inch Screen at the Heart of the Dash

The Traverse greets you with a 17.7-inch diagonal colour touchscreen. The Atlas offers a 12.9-inch screen on the Comfortline and a 15-inch screen on the Highline and Execline. Even against the larger Atlas screen, the Traverse display is 2.7 inches bigger.

A larger screen means bigger map tiles, larger buttons and easier reading at a glance. The Traverse touchscreen offers Google built-in compatibility. An 11-inch Driver Information Centre sits behind the wheel, compared with the 10.25-inch Atlas digital cockpit.

Other tech adds to the case. Available Super Cruise, part of the Enhanced Driving Package, is available for highway trips. An available Bose 12-speaker audio system fills the cabin with sound.

Standard safety on every trim includes:

  • Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
  • Reverse Automatic Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Braking

Reason 3: More Room and Smarter Seating

Black leather car seats with yellow stitching and embroidered logo, viewed under a panoramic sunroof.

Fold both rear rows and the Traverse opens up to 2,764 L of cargo space. The Atlas tops out at 2,701 L. That is 63 L more room in the Traverse for flat-pack furniture, hockey bags or a weekend of camping gear.

The Traverse also gives you useful space with every row in place. It holds 648 L behind the third row and 1,603 L behind the second row. That leaves room for a stroller and groceries even with the whole family on board.

Seating is flexible too. The Traverse offers 7-passenger seating in a 2-2-3 layout or available 8-passenger seating in a 2-3-3 layout. That eighth seat is handy for carpools and big family outings.

Here is how the Traverse makes the third row easy to use:

  • SmartSlide second-row seat slides forward for quick third-row access
  • 60/40 split third row folds flat for long items
  • Choice of 7 or 8 seats to match your family size

Our Verdict on the Three-Row Matchup

The 2027 Traverse takes the lead in all three areas. Its 328 hp and 326 lb-ft outmuscle the Atlas by a wide margin. Its 17.7-inch touchscreen tops every Atlas screen, and its 11-inch driver display is larger too.

Add 2,764 L of maximum cargo, an 8-passenger option and the SmartSlide second row, and the Traverse is the better three-row SUV for busy Canadian families.

Book a Traverse Test Drive With Premier Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC in Windsor

Feel the 328 hp difference for yourself. Book a test drive with Premier Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC in Windsor, bring the car seats along and try the SmartSlide second row. Our product team will help you match the LT, Z71, RS or High Country to your family.