EPA Fuel Economy: 23 MPG Combined

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LS delivers a combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG according to EPA testing standards. This three-row SUV balances the practicality of seating up to eight passengers with reasonable efficiency for its class. The 3.6-liter V6 engine produces adequate power for highway merging and towing while maintaining respectable fuel consumption figures that won’t require constant fill-ups for typical commuters and family road trips.

As a midsize SUV, the Traverse operates in a competitive segment where fuel efficiency matters to budget-conscious buyers. The 23 MPG combined rating represents a solid middle ground for vehicles in this category, offering drivers the space and capability they need without the penalty of extreme fuel consumption. Whether you’re hauling cargo, towing a trailer, or simply navigating daily commutes, understanding these EPA ratings helps you plan fuel expenses more accurately.

City vs Highway Performance

The 2022 Traverse LS demonstrates the typical efficiency pattern seen across most vehicles: better performance on the highway than in urban driving. City driving yields 21 MPG, reflecting the stop-and-go nature of navigating traffic lights, intersections, and congested roads. The constant acceleration and braking cycles in city environments reduce overall efficiency compared to steady-state highway driving. Highway driving achieves 27 MPG, a significant six-mile-per-gallon improvement that reflects the efficiency of maintaining consistent speeds on open roads with minimal gear changes.

This 27 MPG highway rating makes the Traverse an efficient companion for longer trips, where the vehicle’s aerodynamics and the nine-speed transmission work together optimally. The gap between city and highway ratings is fairly typical for V6-powered SUVs, so drivers planning primarily highway miles will see better overall efficiency than those dealing with heavy urban traffic patterns. Real-world results will vary based on terrain, driving habits, weather conditions, and vehicle load.

Annual Fuel Cost

Calculating annual fuel expenses requires three key variables: EPA combined rating, annual mileage, and current fuel prices. For the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LS, using EPA estimates:

Annual Fuel Cost Calculation:
Annual miles: 15,000
EPA combined MPG: 23
Gallons needed per year: 15,000 ÷ 23 = 652 gallons
Cost per gallon: $3.50
Annual fuel cost: 652 gallons × $3.50 = $2,282

This calculation provides a baseline estimate for budgeting purposes. Actual costs will fluctuate with gasoline prices in your area and your specific driving patterns. Drivers who primarily drive highway miles may spend slightly less, while those in heavy urban traffic may see costs inch higher. Regardless, knowing this benchmark helps you understand the true cost of ownership for the Traverse LS.

Real-World MPG Expectations

EPA test numbers represent controlled laboratory conditions, so real-world fuel economy typically differs from official ratings. Many Traverse owners report actual combined fuel economy ranging from 20-24 MPG depending on driving conditions, vehicle maintenance, and personal driving style. Highway-focused drivers often achieve numbers closer to or matching the 27 MPG highway rating, while urban commuters typically see results closer to the 21 MPG city figure.

Several factors influence real-world efficiency: aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce MPG significantly, while smooth acceleration and maintaining steady speeds improve it. Tire pressure, engine maintenance, aerodynamic loads (roof racks, cargo carriers), and weather conditions all impact fuel consumption. Cold weather generally reduces efficiency as engines require more fuel during warm-up cycles, and winter-grade gasoline contains different energy content than summer blends.

How It Compares

In the three-row midsize SUV segment, the Traverse’s 23 MPG combined rating is competitive. The Honda Pilot, another popular three-row option with a V6 engine, achieves approximately 23 MPG combined, making it directly comparable. The Toyota Highlander, also a three-row contender, offers similar combined ratings around 24-25 MPG depending on transmission choice, giving it a slight edge. The Kia Sorento, a more compact option, achieves around 25-26 MPG combined, though it sacrifices some third-row space to achieve better efficiency.

The Traverse excels in offering genuine three-row seating and cargo flexibility while maintaining fuel economy comparable to its primary competitors. If fuel efficiency is the primary concern, the more compact Sorento wins, but for families needing spacious third-row seating, the Traverse delivers respectable efficiency without compromise.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Maintain proper tire pressure: Check tire pressure monthly and maintain the recommended PSI found on the driver’s door jamb. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by up to 3 percent.
• Smooth acceleration: Avoid rapid acceleration from stops. Gradual, steady acceleration reduces fuel consumption significantly compared to aggressive driving habits.
• Use cruise control on highways: Maintaining constant speed on interstate drives reduces fuel consumption compared to varying speeds.
• Minimize idling: Extended idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. Turn off the engine if stopped for more than 30 seconds.
• Regular engine maintenance: Keep up with scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug service to ensure the 3.6L V6 operates at peak efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What fuel type does the 2022 Traverse LS require?
A: The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LS runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Premium fuel is not required and offers no efficiency benefits.

Q: Can I expect to achieve 27 MPG during normal city driving?
A: The 27 MPG rating applies specifically to highway driving conditions. City driving will typically yield closer to the 21 MPG rating due to traffic, stops, and accelerations inherent in urban environments.

Q: Does the nine-speed automatic transmission help fuel efficiency?
A: Yes. The nine-speed automatic transmission allows the 3.6L V6 engine to operate at lower RPMs during cruising, improving overall fuel economy compared to transmissions with fewer gears.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L V6 LS provides practical fuel economy for a three-row family SUV, with a 23 MPG combined rating that balances efficiency with the space and capability drivers expect from this vehicle class.