21 MPG combined is what you get when hauling eight passengers and all their gear in the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse FWD with the 3.6L V6. It’s not going to win any fuel-sipping awards, but for families who want space and passenger comfort over high fuel efficiency, the Traverse is practical and usable. Buyers in this segment understand the trade-offs; they need a minivan alternative with SUV styling, and they’re willing to accept mid-pack fuel economy to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Traverse FWD with the 3.6L V6 are 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the Traverse’s weight and engine displacement hurt fuel economy. The highway number is better because of the smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. Some competitors have slightly better highway figures, but the difference is often small in real-world driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse FWD 3.6L 6-cyl to be $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price. Remember that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you frequent, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving, consistent short trips in cold weather, and a lead foot will all increase that number. Maintaining proper tire inflation and adhering to the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance can help keep fuel costs closer to the EPA estimate. You can view all Chevrolet fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Expect EPA-like numbers on long highway road trips, especially when using cruise control and driving at consistent speeds. City driving, particularly with frequent acceleration and braking, will result in lower MPG figures. Owners report that achieving the advertised 27 MPG highway takes effort. A lead foot will quickly drop you into the low 20s, so a smoother, more deliberate driving style is key to maximizing fuel efficiency. Factors like weather conditions (cold weather typically reduces MPG) and cargo weight can also impact your fuel economy.

How it compares

The Traverse’s fuel economy is in the middle of its competitors. The Honda Pilot FWD achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG combined, while the Toyota Highlander FWD offers a slightly better 24 MPG combined with its base 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The Ford Explorer, particularly with the EcoBoost 2.3L engine, gets around 24 MPG combined in FWD configuration. The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, are similar and generally mirror the Traverse at around 21 MPG combined.

These differences may be noticeable over time, but they aren’t deal-breakers for buyers in this segment. Cargo space, seating configuration, and overall value often outweigh small differences in fuel efficiency. See TRAVERSE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to saving fuel in any vehicle, and the Traverse is no different. The 3.6L V6 has plenty of power, so avoid unnecessary hard acceleration. Gradually building up speed will help the engine operate efficiently and conserve fuel. This is important in urban driving, where frequent starts and stops can significantly impact fuel economy.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is a simple way to boost fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo, especially heavy items, puts strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or cargo area that you don’t need regularly. This small change can make a difference over time.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent speed helps the engine operate at its most efficient RPM, reducing fuel consumption. Avoid excessive speeding, as fuel economy decreases significantly at higher speeds.

Avoid idling for extended periods of time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to start and stop efficiently, and restarting the engine consumes less fuel than letting it idle.