The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse FWD with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets an EPA estimated 22 MPG combined. This isn’t a fuel sipper for hypermilers. It is a large, three-row SUV for families who need space for kids, cargo, and carpools. Passenger and cargo room are more important than fuel economy, but it still matters. For buyers who want passenger and cargo room, the 2.0L Traverse is a more economical choice than the V6, but not by much.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse FWD 2.0L gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure is based on stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharger revs up and down. The 26 MPG highway rating is achieved when cruising, assisted by the nine-speed automatic transmission that keeps the engine efficient.

Achieving these numbers depends on driving habits. Aggressive acceleration and braking will reduce those numbers, while conservative driving will improve them. Heavier loads will also hurt these figures. For a look at TRAVERSE MPG across all years, check out our model-specific page.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse FWD 2.0L 4-cyl at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It provides a way to compare the Traverse’s costs against other vehicles. Your fuel costs may vary depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel. The Traverse will run on regular unleaded gas, but premium fuel may improve performance, although the added cost might cancel out any fuel savings.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy differs. Some owners report achieving the EPA’s 22 MPG combined with careful driving, but others report lower numbers, especially in city driving. Traffic, weather, and air conditioning all impact fuel consumption. The 2.0L turbo is responsive and offers torque for a four-cylinder in a large vehicle, but that comes at a cost when pushed hard.

Owners who drive mostly on the highway are more likely to see numbers close to the EPA’s 26 MPG rating. The nine-speed automatic helps the engine run at cruising speed which saves fuel.

How it compares

In the three-row SUV segment, the 2018 Traverse 2.0L’s fuel economy is about average. The Honda Pilot gets around 23 MPG combined with its V6 in FWD configuration. The Toyota Highlander also offers similar fuel economy. The Ford Explorer can be more or less efficient depending on the engine. The base Explorer with its turbocharged four-cylinder gets similar numbers, but the V6 Explorers are usually less fuel-efficient.

The Traverse’s main competitor is the V6-powered Traverse. The fuel economy difference between the engines isn’t large, so buyers often choose the V6 for its smoother power and towing capacity. Buyers considering fuel economy across the Chevrolet lineup, including trucks and smaller SUVs, can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are the keys to better fuel economy in the 2.0L Traverse. Avoid quick acceleration and try to anticipate traffic to minimize braking. The turbocharger works best when the engine is under light load, so smooth acceleration will use less fuel than pressing the accelerator hard.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. This is especially important on a large vehicle such as the Traverse.

Remove extra weight. Removing items from the vehicle reduces the energy needed to move it. Every extra hundred pounds has a small impact on fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain speed, which reduces fuel consumption. Avoid cruise control in hilly areas, as the engine may work harder to maintain speed and waste fuel. Anticipate hills and adjust your speed.